Wild Atlantic Way: Ireland's South-West by Motorhome

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This trip is planned for 07 Jun – 22 Jun 2027.

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Day 1 · Mon 07/06 6:18 hr

Setting off from Bremen and heading towards the Channel coast

Arrival

The first day is deliberately the longest drive, so you can arrive at the coast relaxed afterwards.

Long stretch — allow time for breaks.

Start

Bremen

This is where your journey begins. With a full tank and supplies on board, you head west through the Netherlands and Belgium towards northern France.

555 km · 6:15 hr
Campsite

Camping Memling

A quiet, well-kept campsite on the outskirts of Bruges, well suited as a first stopover after a long drive. You can reach the historic centre by bus or bike, leaving the big vehicle at the site. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

28–38 € / night
Website
Day 2 · Tue 08/06 5:18 hr

Continuing to the ferry and preparing for the crossing to Ireland

Sea crossing day

The evening before the ferry booking, double-check times and check-in windows.

Long stretch — allow time for breaks.

578 km · 5:20 hr
Campsite

Camping du Bois de la Roche

A natural-feeling site in Normandy within easy reach of the Cherbourg ferry port. Ideal for resting up and restocking the motorhome before the long crossing to Ireland. Wide meadows give your dog plenty of room to roam.

22–32 € / night
Website
Day 3 · Wed 09/06 23:12 hr

Ferry crossing Cherbourg – Rosslare

Across the Atlantic to Ireland

Ireland drives on the left – take the first few kilometres nice and easy.

It's just a few minutes from the port to the site.

Long stretch — allow time for breaks.

412 km · 5:09 hr
1
Ferry

Cherbourg Ferry Port (Irish Ferries)

From Cherbourg you sail direct to Rosslare in Ireland, avoiding the detour via Great Britain. The crossing takes half a day to a full day, so a cabin is worth booking for a rest. Your dog travels either in an on-board kennel or in the vehicle, depending on the ferry operator.

Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

438 km · 18 hr · 380–620 €
Campsite

St. Margaret's Beach Caravan & Camping Park

A practical site near the ferry port, perfect for the first night after arrival. Direct access to a long sandy beach for an initial walk with the dog. This lets you set off refreshed towards the west the next morning.

26–34 € / night
Website
Day 4 · Thu 10/06 3:54 hr

From Rosslare to the coast of West Cork

Arriving in the south-west

Use the afternoon to unwind by the water before the Beara region awaits the next day.

262 km · 3:55 hr
Campsite

Eagle Point Camping

Beautifully situated on a peninsula in Bantry Bay, with pitches almost right on the water. A peaceful place to arrive in the south-west, ideal for walks and a first dip. Dogs are welcome on the shoreline paths, on a lead.

30–40 € / night
Website
Day 5 · Fri 11/06 18 min

Recovery day at Bantry Bay and market day

Rest and local produce

A deliberate rest day with no change of location – you stay a second night at Eagle Point.

14 km · 18 min
2
Town

Bantry

A charming little harbour town with a lively Friday market offering local cheese, fish and baked goods. Cafés and pubs around the central square invite you to linger. With the big motorhome, it's best to park at the harbour car park and continue on foot.

0 €
Website
1 km · 1 min
3
Sight

Bantry House & Garden

An 18th-century manor house with terraced gardens and a magnificent view over the bay. The extensive grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll. A calm, cultured contrast to the wild coastline.

14–16 € / person
Website
Day 6 · Sat 12/06 36 min

Over the Healy Pass to Kenmare

Mountain roads and a market town

Drive slowly on the Healy Pass and allow for oncoming traffic.

46 km · 35 min
4
Town

Kenmare

A colourful, well-kept town at the foot of the Kerry mountains, known for good restaurants, craft shops and a friendly weekly market. An ideal starting point for the Ring of Kerry and a great stop for food. Easily accessible by motorhome, with parking on the edge of town.

0 €
Website
Campsite

Kenmare Bay Camping

A family-run site on the outskirts of Kenmare, just a few minutes' walk from the centre. A good base for the coming days around the Ring of Kerry. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

28–38 € / night
Website
Day 7 · Sun 13/06 2:06 hr

Ring of Kerry – clockwise with the big vehicle

A classic coastal drive

Coaches are required to drive the Ring of Kerry anti-clockwise – which is why you drive the big motorhome clockwise, easing the encounters considerably.

Set off early, as the narrow sections are quieter then.

50 km · 1:20 hr
5
Nature

Derrynane Beach

A stunning sandy beach with turquoise water and dunes, set within a small nature park. Perfect for a long walk and a break away from the traffic. Outside peak season the dog can usually join you on the beach; in high season, watch for designated areas.

0 € child-friendly
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12 km · 8 min
6
Town

Waterville

A tranquil coastal town on the Ring of Kerry with a long promenade and views over the bay. A good stop for fish and chips or a coffee with a sea view. Motorhome parking along the promenade.

0 €
Website
Day 8 · Mon 14/06 1:42 hr

Valentia Island and views of the Skelligs

Island and Atlantic vastness

Short drives, plenty of time for the island – a relaxed day.

6 km · 5 min
7
Nature

Valentia Island

An island reached via a bridge at Portmagee, with dramatic cliffs, the Bray Head viewpoint and historic telegraph cable heritage. Quiet, wide open and ideal for coastal walks with the dog. The Tetrapod Trackway fossils are a special stop.

0 € child-friendly
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83 km · 1:30 hr
8
Town

Portmagee

A tiny fishing village with colourful houses and views of the Skellig islands. A cosy pub stop with fresh fish rounds off the day nicely. From here, on clear days, you get a sweeping view over the Atlantic.

0 €
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10 km · 8 min
Campsite

Mannix Point Camping & Caravan Park

An award-winning, family-run site right by the water with views across the bay and a turf fire in the communal room. Very peacefully located and a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. Dog-friendly with plenty of room to roam by the shore.

28–36 € / night
Website
Day 9 · Tue 15/06 1:42 hr

Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe

Mountains, lakes and waterfalls

The Gap of Dunloe is best enjoyed on foot or by bike – allow a few hours for it.

71 km · 1:15 hr
9
Nature

Torc Waterfall

An impressive waterfall in the heart of Killarney National Park, just a few minutes' walk from the car park. A lovely start to woodland walks with views over the lakes. Dogs are welcome on the paths, on a lead.

0 € child-friendly
Website
26 km · 20 min
10
Nature

Gap of Dunloe

A narrow, spectacular mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain. You do NOT drive through with the big motorhome – park at Kate Kearney's Cottage and explore the pass on foot, by bike or by horse and cart. One of the most striking landscapes in the region.

0 € child-friendly
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8 km · 6 min
Campsite

Fossa Caravan & Camping Park

A well-equipped site near the national park and just a few kilometres from the centre of Killarney. A base for walks, cycling and the Gap of Dunloe. A cycle path runs from the site along the lakes. Dogs are welcome.

30–40 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 10 · Wed 16/06 18 min

Killarney National Park on foot and Muckross House

Lake country and a rest day

A rest day in the national park – you stay a second night at Fossa.

There are traffic-free cycle paths around Muckross – a bike is well worth it.

16 km · 12 min
11
Sight

Muckross House & Gardens

A Victorian manor house on Muckross Lake with splendid gardens and a traditional farm. Circular paths around the lake are perfect for a relaxed afternoon. A classic stop in the national park, with guided tours through the historic rooms.

10–12 € / person child-friendly
Website
5 km · 4 min
12
Town

Killarney

A lively small town with plenty of restaurants, pubs with live music, and shops. Ideal for a cosy evening after the national park. It's best to park the big motorhome on the edge of town and walk into the centre.

0 €
Website
Day 11 · Thu 17/06 48 min

On to the Dingle Peninsula

A shift to the wildest coastline

A short stretch with a long beach stop – deliberately relaxed.

40 km · 26 min
13
Nature

Inch Beach

A sandy beach stretching for miles, reaching far into the bay – ideal for a long walk and to catch your breath. Popular with surfers, with a simple café right on the beach. The dog will love the wide open space; in high season, watch for designated areas.

0 € child-friendly
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24 km · 19 min
Campsite

Campáil Teach an Aragail (Dingle)

A quiet site near Ventry with views over the bay and close to the Slea Head Drive. A base for exploring the most beautiful corners of the peninsula and for beach days. Dog-friendly and family-run.

26–36 € / night
Website
Day 12 · Fri 18/06 24 min

Slea Head Drive and Dingle

Kerry's most dramatic loop road

The Slea Head Drive is single-lane narrow – drive slowly and use the passing bays.

A second night in the same spot, with no change of location.

17 km · 13 min
14
Nature

Slea Head Drive

A narrow, breathtaking coastal road with views of the Blasket Islands, ancient stone huts and a roaring Atlantic. The route is driven clockwise, keeping you on the inland lane with a better view of the bends. Plenty of viewpoints invite you to stop.

0 € child-friendly
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17 km · 13 min
15
Town

Dingle

A lively harbour town with colourful houses, excellent seafood restaurants and traditional music in the pubs. A perfect spot for an evening of fresh seafood. Park at the harbour car park – everything is within walking distance.

0 €
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Day 13 · Sat 19/06 3:06 hr

Ferry across the Shannon and on to the Cliffs of Moher

On to County Clare

The ferry crossing noticeably shortens the drive – it keeps you well within the day's allowance.

In the evening, it's worth catching a live music session in a pub in Doolin.

98 km · 1:30 hr
16
Ferry

Shannon Ferry Tarbert – Killimer

A short car ferry crossing the Shannon estuary, saving you many kilometres of detour via Limerick. A relaxed crossing, with dolphins often spotted along the way. The dog stays in the vehicle.

22–30 € in total child-friendly
Website
44 km · 1:30 hr
17
Sight

Cliffs of Moher

Ireland's most famous cliffs rise over 200 metres sheer out of the Atlantic. Safe paths lead from the visitor centre along the edge to magnificent viewpoints. There's a designated car park for the big motorhome; admission is included in the parking ticket.

12–15 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

7 km · 5 min
Campsite

Nagle's Doolin Camping & Caravan Park

A site right on the coast at Doolin, the village of traditional Irish music. It's just a few minutes from here to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Dog-friendly, with views over the Atlantic.

28–38 € / night
Website
Day 14 · Sun 20/06 4:06 hr

The Burren and heading back towards the east coast

Karst landscape and the start of the return journey

A slightly longer drive, but with the Burren still to come in the morning – split it up well.

24 km · 17 min
18
Nature

The Burren

A strange, sweeping karst landscape of grey limestone, scattered with rare wildflowers and ancient stone monuments such as the Poulnabrone dolmen. Short walking trails lead through the moon-like scenery. A unique nature stop before the journey home.

0 € child-friendly
Website
231 km · 3:50 hr
Campsite

Camac Valley Tourist Caravan & Camping Park

A large, well-equipped site on the edge of Dublin, ideal as a stopover on the way back to Rosslare or the ferry port. Peacefully located with good access to the park. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

30–42 € / night
Website
Day 15 · Mon 21/06 20:12 hr

Back to Rosslare and the crossing to France

Farewell to Ireland

Adjust your arrival time in Cherbourg to match the ferry schedule, and it's just a short drive to the nearby campsite afterwards.

Long stretch — allow time for breaks.

148 km · 2:10 hr
19
Ferry

Rosslare Ferry Port (Irish Ferries)

From Rosslare you sail directly back to Cherbourg, avoiding the detour via Great Britain. The overnight crossing means you arrive in France well rested. The dog travels in the vehicle or an on-board kennel, depending on the ferry operator.

Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

444 km · 18 hr · 380–620 €
Campsite

Camping du Bois de la Roche

After the crossing, a quiet night in Normandy before continuing the journey home. A good spot to restock supplies and walk the dog. Naturally set and relaxed.

22–32 € / night
Website
Day 16 · Tue 22/06 10 hr

From Normandy back to Bremen

Homeward journey

The drive home is long – if needed, split it into two stretches and add another overnight stop.

Plan regular breaks for the dog.

Long stretch — allow time for breaks.

571 km · 5:40 hr
20
Stop

Stopover in Belgium/the Netherlands

On the long drive home, a good long stop in Flanders or the Netherlands is worthwhile for fuel, food and walking the dog. A motorway rest area or a town park works well. After that comes the final stretch towards northern Germany.

0 €
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456 km · 4:20 hr
Start

Bremen

Back at your starting point, your motorhome tour around Ireland's south-west comes to an end. With plenty of memories of the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and the Cliffs of Moher, you're home again.

This trip is planned for 07 Jun – 22 Jun 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.