Planning a Ring of Kerry Campervan Itinerary?

Ireland in a campervan felt raw in the best possible way — Atlantic swell, shifting skies and beaches that changed character by the hour. This Ring of Kerry campervan itinerary follows the southern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, looping through Cork, Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula with surfboards, wetsuits and a very flexible plan.

As with our Northern Spain routes, we built this around water access first, driving second — staying when conditions were good, moving when the wind changed. Nothing was pre‑booked (except Cork with the relatives), and that freedom made the whole thing feel properly off‑grid.

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Why We Chose This Route

Ireland felt perfect for a slower, water-led adventure — dramatic scenery, welcoming towns and beaches around almost every corner. The Wild Atlantic Way gave us freedom to follow the coastline and stop where the landscape invited us, rather than racing around the tourist loop.

This is a route shaped by weather, waves and whim — and that’s exactly why we loved it.

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Route Overview

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 — Ferry Crossing and Southbound Drive

A straightforward sailing from Holyhead to Dublin before heading south toward the coast. We didn’t linger in Dublin this time — the Atlantic was calling.

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Day 2 — Rosslare Strand & Wexford

Our first night was a simple council car park at Rosslare Strand, complete with a very early wake‑up courtesy of the recycling lorry. Vanlife glamour at its finest.

Stops along the way:

• Drive through Wexford
• Visit to the JFK Kennedy Homestead
• Coastal pause at Ballydowane Bay

A gentle introduction to Ireland’s coastline before the wilder stuff ahead.

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Day 3 — Kinsale & Garretstown

We followed the coast toward colourful Kinsale before parking roadside at Garretstown Beach for the night — simple, scenic and exactly what we needed.

• Surf session for Dan
• Beach sauna (brilliant contrast to the Atlantic chill)
• Simple roadside park-up with big ocean views

The kind of night where you fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up salty.

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Day 4 — Cork City & Family Time

A fun day out with the family in Cork — a break from the coastline but full of energy.

• Dinner at Scoozi
• Drinks at The Roundy
• Soaking up the marathon atmosphere in the city
• Waterskiing on the River Lee at the Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club — fast, cold and completely exhilarating.

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Day 5 — Inchydoney & West Cork

We made our way to Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty — a wide, sweeping stretch of white sand backed by rolling hills.

• Wild Atlantic surf
• Evening beach walks
• Informal overnight with sea views

This stretch of coastline felt expansive and open — white sand backed by rolling hills.

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Days 6 — Zetland Pier & Adrigole

A standout stop.

We parked overnight at Zetland Pier near Adrigole.

• Sheltered swimming
• Paddleboarding at sunset
• Calm, glassy water
• One of the most peaceful evenings of the trip

Simple and beautiful.

Days 7-8 – Ring of Kerry

We based ourselves near Kenmare at Cathair Donall campsite, Glanbeg — a relaxed and well-kept site close to the action. Then at Wave Crest Caravan & Camping.

Evening highlight: Guinness and Irish coffees at The Blind Piper.

Explored:

• Derrynane Beach — wide, sandy and perfect for family swims
• White Strand Beach and Castlecove
• Kerry Cliffs
• Coomanaspig Pass — dramatic coastal views
• St Finian’s Bay with incredible views toward the Skellig Islands including Skellig Michael of Star Wars fame

⚠️ Planning note: Book Skellig boat trips well in advance — we didn’t and missed out.

The Ring of Kerry scenery is spectacular, but stepping just off the main tourist rhythm made it feel more personal and adventurous.
Additional highlights:

• Top of the Skellig Ring
• Kerry Cliffs
• Inch Beach

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Days 8–9 — Dingle Peninsula

We followed the coast onto the Dingle Peninsula, where the weather turned properly wild.

In Dingle:

• Fish and chips at Reel Dingle Fish
• Wandering colourful streets

At Ventry Beach:

• Pier jumping
• Family swims

We attempted to overnight at Wine Strand but strong winds forced a rethink — a good reminder that flexibility is everything in Ireland.

We ended up near Cloonties / Cloghane, where:

• Gulls were diving dramatically into the surf
• Sunset light stretched across the sand
• Surf sessions continued despite blustery conditions

We later stayed at O’Connor’s Pub (Harvey’s O’Connors) — dinner inside, camper parked outside. Simple and brilliant.

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Conor Pass & Hidden Swim Spots

Driving the dramatic Conor Pass (An Chonair) was unforgettable — narrow roads, lakes below and shifting mist.

We hiked up to a waterfall and swam in a mountain lake — icy, invigorating and completely worth it.

Final Night — Tralee Bay

We finished near Tralee Bay with one last surf before beginning the journey home.

A fitting Atlantic send-off.

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Swim & Surf Highlights

• Waterskiing at Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club
• Open-water swims at Zetland Pier
• Surf sessions at Garretstown & Inchydoney
• Pier jumping at Ventry Beach
• Mountain lake swim near Conor Pass at Pedlers Lake
• Blustery Atlantic dip at Inch Beach

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Family Travel Notes

• Driving distances were manageable with plenty of coastal stops.
• Weather changes fast — embrace it.
• Informal stopovers are common, but always park respectfully.
• Moving when conditions aren’t right is part of the adventure.

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Top 5 Highlights

1. Sunset paddleboarding at Zetland Pier
2. Pier jumping at Ventry Beach
3. Dramatic drives around the Ring of Kerry
4. Surfing wild Atlantic beaches
5. That feeling of true, weather-shaped adventure

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Why This Trip Worked For Us

This route balanced:

• Surf for Dan
• Open-water swims and paddleboarding
• Flexible overnight stops
• Proper adventure energy without overplanning

Ireland felt less polished than some destinations — and that’s exactly why we loved it.

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