Menu Close

Top 15 Places to Visit with a Campervan in Northern Ireland

campervan in Northern Ireland

There is something magical about packing a bag, turning a key, and watching the everyday world fade away in your rearview. If you are craving that ultimate sense of freedom, a Northern Ireland coastal drive by campervan should be right at the top of your travel bucket list.

Northern Ireland is practically built for road trips. It is compact, incredibly scenic, and packed with dramatic cliffs, ancient castles, and hidden beaches. But if you want to experience it the right way, you need a serious upgrade from cramped tents and soggy sleeping bags.

To turn a good road trip into an unforgettable experience, sorting out a premium campervan hire in Northern Ireland is step number one. Finding a provider that doesn’t just treat you like a booking number makes all the difference.

Booking your vehicle from a trusted provider like Jepson’s Holidays ensures you get a beautifully maintained, fully kitted-out home on wheels. We offer the most luxurious motorhome options, like our Skiddaw or Scafell models built on a reliable Fiat Ducato chassis.

They feature fixed island beds, separate shower cubicles, and fully equipped kitchens. If you want a smooth, high-end experience, getting your campervan hire Northern Ireland itinerary sorted with a premium vehicle is an absolute game-changer.

Campervan Hire Northern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary for 2026

Once you have grabbed your keys, where exactly should you point the wheels? Here are the top 15 places to visit with a campervan hire in Northern Ireland.

1. The Giant’s Causeway

You cannot talk about the best places to visit with a campervan in Northern Ireland without starting here. These 40,000 interlocking basalt columns look like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Parking up early lets you experience the stones before the tour buses arrive.

2. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Suspended almost 100 feet above the crashing Atlantic Ocean, this historic rope bridge connects the cliffs to a tiny salmon fisherman’s island. The coastal walk from the car park offers incredible views across to Scotland on a clear day.

3. The Dark Hedges

An atmospheric avenue of ancient beech trees planted back in the 18th century. It became world-famous as the ‘Kingsroad’ in Game of Thrones. It is a quick but essential inland detour on your coastal campervan hire route.

4. Dunluce Castle

Perched precariously on the edge of a sheer basalt cliff, this ruined medieval castle looks remarkably dramatic. There is a convenient parking area nearby where you can brew a quick coffee in your camper kitchen while soaking in the cliffside views.

5. Whiterocks Beach, Portrush

Boasting massive white limestone cliffs that wrap around a golden sandy beach, this is a haven for surfers, bodyboarders, and walkers alike.

6. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Located on the cliffs overlooking Downhill Strand, this circular stone temple was built as a summer library. The contrast between the formal architecture and the wild, crashing sea below is stunning.

7. Ballycastle

A charming, vibrant seaside town that serves as the perfect base camp. It has brilliant local pubs, fantastic seafood, and a harbour where you can catch a ferry if you fancy a day trip.

8. Rathlin Island

Leave your vehicle safely parked at Ballycastle harbor for the day and take the ferry to Rathlin Island. It is home to thousands of puffins, seals, and an upside-down lighthouse.

9. Glenariff Forest Park

Known as the ‘Queen of the Glens’, this park features stunning waterfalls and deep timbered valleys. The Waterfall Walkway is perfectly laid out with wooden boardwalks.

10. Torry Head

If you love dramatic, winding roads that test your driving skills, this coastal detour delivers. The viewpoints here look directly out across the North Channel toward the Mull of Kintyre.

11. The Gobbins Cliff Path

A thrilling, narrow path carved directly into the sheer rock face of the Islandmagee peninsula. You will walk across tubular bridges and through hidden caves right above the waves.

12. Strangford Lough

An enormous, peaceful sea loch filled with tiny islands and calm waters. It is a complete contrast to the wild northern coast, offering serene, mirror-like morning views.

13. Castle Ward

An eccentric 18th-century mansion featuring two completely different architectural styles. Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognise the historic farmyard as the setting for Winterfell.

14. The Mourne Mountains

Where the mountains literally sweep down to the sea. Slieve Donard is the highest peak in Northern Ireland, offering incredible hiking routes for those wanting to stretch their legs.

15. Newcastle

A classic resort town tucked right at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. It is the perfect place to finish your road trip with a traditional fish and chips supper along the promenade.

Where to Stay: Top Campervan Campsites in Northern Ireland

Knowing makes your journey stress-free. The country has a fantastic network of fully equipped holiday parks and coastal sites. Here are the top campervan campsites in Northern Ireland to book for your journey:

  • Ballyness Avenue Holiday Park (Bushmills): A multi-award-winning site located right near the Giant’s Causeway. It features immaculate hardstanding pitches, excellent free Wi-Fi, and top-tier bathroom facilities.
  • Delamont Country Park (Killyleagh): Positioned on the shores of Strangford Lough, this site offers peaceful woodland walks and large, spacious pitches for bigger motorhomes.
  • Sandhill House Caravan Park (Portfanon): Offers stunning, direct panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding hills. Perfect for waking up to the sound of breaking waves.
  • Kilbroney Park (Rostrevor): Located right at the foot of the Mournes, this site offers stunning views over Carlingford Lough and easy access to mountain bike trails.

Why Choose a Premium Motorhome for the Road?

When you look into motorhomes hire options, it is tempting to go for the smallest, cheapest van available. However, Northern Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable. Having a spacious lounge, central heating, and a hot shower transforms a rainy evening into a cozy night in.

Browsing the premium motorhomes for hire from specialists like Jepson’s Holidays gives you access to modern amenities that feel like a luxury boutique hotel on wheels.

Unlimited mileage and fully inclusive insurance are typically wrapped into the booking, leaving you free to focus entirely on the open road.

Conclusion 

Whether you want to explore an ancient castle or simply park up by the ocean, exploring Northern Ireland in a luxury vehicle offers unparalleled freedom. 

Pack your bags, book your premium home on wheels, and let the adventure begin with campervan hire in Northern Ireland. 

FAQs

What side of the road do you drive on in Northern Ireland?

You drive on the left side of the road.

Can you wild camp in a campervan in Northern Ireland?

Wild camping isn’t legally permitted; you should stick to designated campsites.

Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome?

No, a standard car license covers vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

What is the best month for a Northern Ireland road trip?

May to September offers the best weather and longest daylight hours.

Where to stay in a campervan in Northern Ireland

You can stay at Ballyness Avenue Holiday Park near the Giant’s Causeway or Delamont Country Park on the peaceful shores of Strangford Lough.