Touring in Ireland with a caravan

I've recently sent off for the Caravan and Motorhome guide for Ireland 2016. You can find it at www.campingireland.ie We used it before for a previous trip to NI and parts of the south.

Thanks brue I will send off for that, We have done Ireland before but in Cottages and quite a while ago.

We did 3 weeks in Ireland 3 years ago.

There's no single best source for reviews / details of sites, but http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/ and TripAdvisor (funnily enough) seem to be the best sources.

Generally we found sites (in southern Ireland) to be much more informal than in the UK, very friendly though.  Be prepared for rough (and sometimes narrow) roads on the West and South coasts once you get off the motorways.  The East coast, though nice, we found to be relatively crowded, even in June.  Satnav is less precise than the UK - not helped by the fact that postodes are only used in the Dublin area and often places have a different name (or different spelling of the name) depending on who you talk to!

Be prepared for rain.

Thanks Brian

We were thinking start at County Wicklow and work our way Cork then up the West Coast as far as posible I guess we may have to stay inland a bit on some sites due to narrow roads and then travel. We spent 8 weeks in Scotland a couple of years ago West coast and the very top,  had some quite narrow roads there a bit scary but we managed very well so hoping we can in Ireland .

Why not become a bit of a Tinker and hire a Romany caravan, complete with horse?

I did the gypsy caravan thing with my daughter in 2001 in Ireland - and while it was a great experience I wouldn't do it again - far too busy roads etc.  Ireland is fine for caravanning as long as you take your time and are careful with the routes.   

My favourite site was the one at Sligo - at the top of the hill with stunning sunsets - not the other site at the low end - very nice but would only use in really bad weather!  Also with caravanning you can take the car into the most remote bits of Co Galway and find some really quiet corners.  However I am glad I did Ireland before I ventured to the remote places in Scotland.  Ireland is really much more overcrowded I wish I had ventured there 20 years ago! 

4 to 8 weeks should be plenty of time to discover the Emerald Isle. I suggest you major on the Southern part, for better scenery and very friendly people. Roads can be narrow but you should be travelling slowly, anyway, to admire the view.

We are also thinking of Ireland for 2016. We like to base ourselves at a site for a few days and then cycle out to explore. Sounds as though this might work but I am still looking for the cheapest crossing, we have a long van and car so at the moment it's coming in at £400+ from Holyhead to Dublin. Any advice for cheaper crossings?

Ferries to and from Ireland are comparatively expensive. The cheaper ones are the less-popular, like those to Rosslare.

We are planning a first trip to Ireland this year. Anyone know of advice on the nitty-gritty, e.g. are there places to have a nap in the caravan while waiting for ferry (Fishguard-Rosslare), nice sites near a pub with music, etc?