Traveling by caravan in Northern Ireland is a fantastic way to explore its stunning landscapes, coastal drives, and historic sites at your own pace. Here’s a guide to help you plan a caravan trip in Northern Ireland:
🚐 Why Caravan Travel in Northern Ireland?
- Freedom and Flexibility: Explore the countryside, coasts, and towns without strict itineraries.
- Scenic Routes: The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
- Compact Region: Northern Ireland is relatively small, making it ideal for road trips.
🗺️ Top Caravan Routes & Destinations
1. Causeway Coastal Route
- Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy.
- Camping Spots:
- Causeway Coast Holiday Park (near Ballycastle)
- Glenmore Caravan & Camping Park
2. Mourne Mountains & County Down
- Highlights: Silent Valley, Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle seaside town.
- Camping Spots:
- Tollymore Forest Park Caravan Site
- Annalong Holiday Park
3. Fermanagh Lakelands
- Highlights: Lough Erne, Enniskillen Castle, Marble Arch Caves.
- Camping Spots:
- Blaney Caravan Park
- Rushin House Caravan Park
4. Derry~Londonderry & Sperrins
- Highlights: Historic Derry walls, Sperrin Mountains, Beaghmore Stone Circles.
- Camping Spots:
- Drumaheglis Marina & Caravan Park
- Dungiven Castle Campsite
🏕️ Recommended Caravan Parks
- Six Mile Water Caravan Park (Antrim)
- Jordanstown Loughshore Caravan Park (Belfast area)
- Castle Archdale Caravan Park (Fermanagh)
💡 Tips for Caravaning in Northern Ireland
- Driving: Left-hand side of the road; rural roads can be narrow.
- Weather: Pack for all conditions — it can change rapidly.
- Booking: Reserve popular sites in advance, especially in summer.
- Wild Camping: Restricted in Northern Ireland. Stick to designated sites unless you get landowner permission.
🚦 Need a Rental Caravan?
There are several local rental services such as:
- Bunk Campers (Belfast-based)
- Causeway Campers
- Go Explore NI
🗓️ 7-Day Northern Ireland Caravan Itinerary
Day 1: Belfast
- Things to Do:
- Titanic Belfast Museum
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- St. George’s Market
- Stay:
🏕 Jordanstown Loughshore Caravan Park (15 mins from city center with views over Belfast Lough)
Day 2: Antrim Coast to Ballycastle (Causeway Coastal Route)
- Drive: Roughly 1.5 hours via A2 (scenic) pending traffic or if any road works double check the route before setting off.
- Stops:
- Carrickfergus Castle
- The Gobbins cliff path (advance booking needed)
- Glenarm Castle Gardens
- Stay:
🏕 Causeway Coast Holiday Park (Ballycastle)
Day 3: Giant’s Causeway & Surrounds
- Explore:
- Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO)
- Dunluce Castle
- Bushmills Distillery (optional tasting tour)
- Stay:
🏕 Glenmore Caravan and Camping Park (close to Ballintoy/Causeway)
Day 4: Derry~Londonderry
- Drive: ~1.5 hrs (Check route for any road closures etc before setting off. Timing pending on level of traffic and road conditions)
- Explore:
- Walk the historic Derry walls
- Museum of Free Derry
- Peace Bridge over the River Foyle
- Stay:
🏕 Drumaheglis Marina & Caravan Park or Benone Tourist Complex
Day 5: Fermanagh Lakelands
- Drive: 2–2.5 hrs (Check route for any road closures etc before setting off. Timing pending on level of traffic and road conditions)
- Explore:
- Marble Arch Caves
- Boat trip on Lower Lough Erne
- Enniskillen Castle
- Stay:
🏕 Castle Archdale Caravan Park (lakeside)
Day 6: Mourne Mountains / Tollymore Forest
- Drive: 2.5 hrs (Check route for any road closures etc before setting off. Timing pending on level of traffic and road conditions)
- Explore:
- Silent Valley Reservoir
- Tollymore Forest Park (Game of Thrones filming location)
- Newcastle town and beach
- Stay:
🏕 Tollymore Forest Park Caravan Site
Day 7: Return to Belfast via Strangford Lough
- Optional Stops:
- Downpatrick (St. Patrick’s grave)
- Mount Stewart House & Gardens (National Trust)
- Scenic ferry across Strangford Lough
- Return caravan (if rented) or overnight again at Jordanstown
📌 Notes:
- All suggested sites are caravan-accessible or have parking nearby.
- Fuel is widely available, but top up before long rural stretches.
- Most caravan parks offer electric hook up, water, and waste disposal.
- This is only a rough guide it can be extended or shortened or done which ever way you prefer.
Here are some caravanning essentials:
Blue chemical toilet fluid – (Click here)
Rain Poncho – (Click here)
Flash Light – (Click here)