Consider a staycation this year and camping in Wicklow, a location you enjoyed during your childhood.
Many Irish adults fondly remember childhood holidays spent in random campsites in Ireland. Camping in places like Brittas Bay and Wicklow National Park was a typical summer activity. This tradition is worth continuing with your own children. We’ve compiled a list of the best camping spots in Wicklow, categorized as wild camping, glamping spots, campsites, and caravan parks. Enjoy your camping trip, but remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Caravan and Camping Parks in Wicklow
Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Hidden Valley is a campsite and caravan park that provides a peaceful and picturesque setting in a valley with views of the Avonmore River and a private lake. It is a family-run and well-respected establishment, suitable for those who prefer a traditional camping experience.
River Valley
River Valley offers numerous family-friendly facilities, including on-park activities like tennis, crazy golf, remote-controlled boats, and kid’s clubs. Offsite, there are even more adventures at Clara Lara, Wicklow Gaol, and trekking over the Wicklow Mountains. The camping area is divided into family and adults-only sections called The Secret Garden. Guests are sure to stay entertained and avoid boredom.
Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park
Roundwood Caravan Park is a great place to start exploring the Roundwood area. It has a camper’s kitchen, dining room and TV room, and a daily bus service to Dublin, Bray and Glendalough. The park is also close to shops, pubs and restaurants. Plenty of places to explore during the day, like Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens, Powerscourt Gardens, Lough Tay and Lough Dan, and Ballinastoe’s mountain biking trails. Walkers will enjoy the Wicklow Way, Glendalough and Vartry Lake beside the Park.
Wolohan’s Caravan & Camping Park
The Wolohan family’s camping and caravan park is located near Wicklow town and offers accommodation for tents, caravans, and campervans. They have a 22-acre site with mobile homes that offer sea views. The park has been welcoming visitors for over 70 years.
For any camping needs or forgotten gear while in Wicklow, Adventure. i.e. is a camping store located in Laragh. Visit them for assistance.
Glamping – Glamourous camping in Wicklow
The Old Forge
This glamping venue in the Wicklow Hills has four yurts and one log cabin. Each yurt or cabin has its own BBQ area and a personal campfire. Nearby is Huntington Castle, and for those who enjoy hiking, Mangans Loop is an option. Alternatively, Altamont Gardens by the Slaney River offers a more leisurely stroll.
Hidden Valley Glamping Mini Lodges
The Hidden Valley is located in Rathdrum and is ideal for exploring Glendalough and Redcross. They have five Glamping Mini Lodges that can hold up to six people. Each lodge has two double beds, one single bed, a picnic table, a small fridge, a kettle, lights and a heater. The lodges don’t have a bathroom, but an amenity block is nearby. It’s camping made easy!
River Valley Park Glamping Treehouses
River Valley Treehouses offer the opportunity to live in a treehouse. These accommodations can hold up to six people, with two double and two single beds. Additionally, they provide other glamping choices, such as the Kukoo Hut, Microlodge, and Maxilodge.
Knockrobin Glamping
The Tinakilly glamping experience offers outdoor luxury accommodation and excellent service. Guests can enjoy stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and starry skies. The glamping site is situated on the Tinakilly Hotel’s grounds, granting access to its impressive facilities. Visitors can dine in the Brunell Restaurant and have drinks in the whiskey bar before returning to their stylish tent.
Clissmann Horse Caravans Glamping Caravans
Clissmann Horse Caravans offers a unique glamping experience in Ireland with their handcrafted, horse-drawn caravans. The caravans are made with traditional materials and designed to provide guests with a comfortable and cosy living space. Each caravan is pulled by a majestic horse through the beautiful Irish countryside, immersing guests in the tranquil surroundings.
The caravans have modern amenities such as a comfortable bed, a stove for cooking, and a sink for washing up. They also feature unique touches such as handmade quilts, antique furnishings, and traditional Irish artwork. Guests can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in the cosy caravan or sit outside and take in the stunning views.
The horse-drawn caravan experience is a perfect way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Clissmann Horse Caravans is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable glamping experience in Ireland.
Wild Camping in Wicklow
The Wicklow Way
The Wicklow Way is crowded during summer but secluded during spring and autumn, significantly farther from Dublin. You can camp in many places along the route, but look for three Adirondack shelters on windy days. These are at Mucklagh (Aughavannagh), Mullacor (Glenmalure), and Brusher’s Gap (Paddock Hill). Follow the wild camping code. Some pubs and lodges along the way will let you pitch up in their fields or gardens, but ask the landowner first.
Adhering to the Leave No Trace principles while engaging in wild camping in Wicklow is essential.
Brittas Bay
Brittas Bay offers a sandy beach with sand dunes that make for a good camping spot for a night, weather permitting. Swimming in the sea can be a refreshing way to start or end the day.
Following the Leave No Trace principles is essential when engaging in wild camping activities in Wicklow.
Here are eight recommended walks in Wicklow.
The Wild Camping Code
When camping, keep a distance of at least 400m from a road and building. Move tents after every second night to let vegetation recover. Always remove food waste and litter. Keep soap and toothpaste at least 30m away from water. Wash dishes at least 30m from water and scatter wastewater. Be quiet to avoid disturbing others. Keep campsites visually unobtrusive and leave them as found, or better.
