Planning a getaway during the Easter holidays sounds like a fantastic idea! Whether it’s a long weekend or a mid-week break, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. You don’t have to travel too far from home. Pick a destination that is easy to get to.
Reserve a spot at a campsite in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during the busy weekend Easter period. Many popular campsites fill up quickly during holidays and you don’t want to be disappointed. Check out Camping Ireland for details on over 100 top quality approved sites throughout Ireland. Many will have their own Easter activities onsite for the little ones to enjoy. By planning ahead and embracing the spirit of adventure, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable Easter holiday getaway in your caravan, motorhome or tent.
Here are some suggestions to make the most out of your Easter adventure:
Visit the North West
Taking in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim there is so much to do and explore in this area. No trip to Donegal would be complete without a visit to Malin Head. Go as far north as you can go and you’ll reach Malin Head. Take a brisk walk on one of its many beaches stretching for miles or enjoy a coastal drive along the Donegal coastline.
If it’s long sandy beaches for bracing walks you want then you must take in a visit to Strandhill or Enniscrone Beaches in Sligo. Strandhill is a mecca for surfers and you might spot a few hardy souls out on the waves. Benbulben is considered Ireland’s most distinctive mountain. Make your way to the flat stretch of the summit and enjoy magical views of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Benbulben Loop Trail, on the forest road, brings you to a striking waterfall where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sligo Bay and on a clear day, Donegal in the distance.
This Easter, the grounds of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park will be transformed into an Easter Egg Trail. Look for clues left by the park’s mischievous bunnies in the Victorian Walled Gardens or put pencil to paper for the Easter colouring competition. This is a self-guided tour and is perfect for all the family to enjoy.
Willowbrook Glamping & Hideaways is running Easter Camps over the Easter holidays. Located within the sprawling 21 acres of Willowbrook Park, their Easter Camp offers a whirlwind of arts, crafts, outdoor games, and nature exploration. Willowbrook also offer camping & glamping accommodation on site.
Chose from a selection of top quality caravan & camping sites in Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim to pitch up for a few nights and explore the North West.
The West is truly awake this Easter
There is so much happening along the west coast over the Easter holidays. Why not rent a bike and explore the Western Greenway which will bring you from Westport right out to Achill? The route is over 43km long but you can take advantage of drop off points and free shuttle service at different locations along the greenway so you don’t have to commit to doing the whole trip. On Easter Sunday Westport House has organised an Easter Egg Trail on the grounds, perfect for young and old to enjoy.
The Clifden Traditional Music Festival takes place from 4th to 7th April and will host a session trail, music workshops, opening concert, a busking competition, a 5k run, gig rig, family entertainment, a tune composition competition and much more.
Touring around Clare there is so much to see and do; from the incredible coastline along the Cliffs of Moher to the geological wonder of the Burren and the surfer’s paradise that is Lahinch. You will find the longest cave system in Ireland, the largest stalactite in Europe, the Burren National Park, the Carron Nature Reserve, and a host of wild flora and fauna waiting to be discovered.
Book a pitch or a glamping spot at one of the top spots in Galway, Mayo or Clare
Spend a few days in the South West
Popular Easter destinations are Kerry and Cork. Pitch up for a few nights and travel around the area exploring. Why not spend a few days in Tralee or Killarney and explore the sights around? A great activity for everyone to enjoy is a trip to the Aquadome in Tralee. The weather may not be pleasant enough to enjoy an outdoor swim but the Aquadome with its waves and rapids will be equally as good. Killarney is a great family friendly town with plenty for everyone to enjoy. Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farm is located within Ireland’s oldest national park which also includes the famous Lakes of Killarney. Take a jaunting car trip around the national park or into Killarney or over the weekend visit the Traditional Farm. The farm is open over Easter weekend and visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting charm of old Ireland in the 1930s.
No trip to Kerry particularly over Easter would be complete without a trip around the Ring of Kerry. Don’t forget to take a detour Ballinskelligs to visit the Skellig Chocolate Factory Ireland’s only fully open plan chocolate factory and of course you will have to sample some chocolate while you are there!
Spending a few days in Cork? Take a trip to the West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakilty. The Easter Bunny will be visiting Clonakilty Model Railway Village over Easter weekend. Ireland’s only Model Village is a fully scaled handmade model of the historic West Cork Railway Line with fully working miniature trains and the towns that the railway served during the 1940s. There is also an onsite play area, remote control boats and cafe. Fota Wildlife Park has a number of activities taking place daily. They have also just commenced their feeding time schedule so if you plan your route you will be able to see the animals being fed. Also, over the Easter break they will be running their wildlife talks by their education department. Find out more about the Penguins, the Cheetahs, spiders and seals at their fabulous interactive talks.
Check out details on the sites open to pitch up in Cork and Kerry over Easter.
Take a trip to Ireland’s Ancient East
A trip to Tipperary is also a must this Easter and particularly a trip to Birr Castle. They will be running their Easter Quest daily. Collect your Quest sheet and pencil from Reception upon arrival, and head off on your Easter Adventure. From 25th – 28th March STEM Communicator Seanie Morris will host a Silly Science Camp where you will be immersed in the wonderful nature of Birr Castle Demesne and get to complete some great activities.
Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny is a hive of activity at the moment. Nore Valley is not just an open farm it is a top quality caravan & camping park where you can pitch up for a few nights and enjoy everything onsite. Their lambing shed is open for everyone to see what happens and how the lambing season works. They will have their shepherdess talks throughout the day and get the chance to cuddle a baby lamb. They will also have daily easter egg hunts throughout the farm.
IOAC in Wexford are also offering Easter Camps over the Easter holidays. Children of all ages will be able to enjoy great outdoor activities in their top class Outdoor Adventure Centre. They also offer onsite caravan & camping pitches as well as number of glamping cabins.
Easter break in the Capital
Dublin as always is a hive of activity over the Easter holidays with music and theatre for the adults to enjoy but what about the small ones. Well, Teidí Tours at the GAA Museum in Croke Park is specifically for the younger visitor and each child who visits will make their very own GAA Museum sports teidí to take home. Teidí Tours include a teidí making workshop and a family friendly guided tour of Croke Park. For the brave why not take in the Skyline Tour located 17-storeys high and is Dublin’s highest open-viewing platform offering breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
Book into a site in Dublin and explore not just Dublin city centre but the great surrounds of Meath, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth
Northern Ireland – embrace a giant spirit
Over the Easter break there are some great fun activities throughout Northern Ireland. From the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Co. Down to the Easter Land of Fairies at Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh. The Sperrins Walking Festival takes place the weekend prior to Easter across the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB) offering a great choice of walks ranging from leisurely strolls to more demanding longer walks, all in small groups, guided by experienced leaders.
At the Ulster Folk Museum discover the origins of the Easter egg, have a go at their themed craft demonstrations and meet their talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in their Print Shop. There will be musicians playing, traditional games from years gone by and tasty food samples throughout the museum as well as egg rolling at the Bleach Green on Easter Monday.
Take a trip to Northern Ireland over Easter, stay at one of the top sites in the area and tour this great part of the country.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about what to do and see over the Easter Holidays. So whether you are planning a few days away over the Easter weekend or a longer break during the holidays there is plenty to see and do as part of your caravan & camping holiday.
It is time to get planning and booking for your next trip away. Camping Ireland has so much information to help you plan your caravan & camping trip away. The new website is very user-friendly and has a number of great features which makes it very easy to navigate. One of the new features is that you can now add filters to your selection. This will allow you to get information on parks that are specific to your needs.
You can now filter for sites as follows:
Camping type – camping, glamping, mobile home hire, etc.
Holiday type – beach holiday, countryside, family-friendly, dog friendly, etc.
Facilities – beach nearby, playground, games room, shop, etc.
County
Region – Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin or Northern Ireland
Also, many sites are now offering online booking which will help you secure your pitch at the click of a button.
Whatever you want Camping Ireland has something to suit everyone. Enjoy the independence and flexibility that camping in Ireland can offer in quality approved sites. We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland’s outdoor living.
