September the golden month for outdoor living ? the perfect time to take a caravan & camping holiday in Ireland.

We have had an exceptional summer this year with long, hot summer days and everyone trying to get a few days away to enjoy the weather.  Many sites were super busy with limited availability and no doubt people were disappointed not to be able to get into their favourite campsite.  Well, now is the perfect time with plenty of availability.

September is arguably one of the best months of the year to tour Ireland in a caravan, motorhome, or campervan and it also is still okay to pitch a tent. The peak summer crowds dissolve as schools return, campsite availability reopens, and unique autumn festivals come alive across the country.  For those free to hit the road without school calendars dictating the pace, September holidays are the ultimate luxury.  Roads are quieter, the cafes relaxed, and the best coastal pitches wide open

If your schedule allows for quick, spontaneous weekend or mid-week getaways, September is a great time to hit the road. Without the weekday traffic or summer crowds, you can easily pack up a short notice and be parked up with a view by dinner time.

Most sites are open right through September and will have plenty of spaces for people.  For a list of the opening and closing dates of sites in Ireland click here.

If you are planning a few days away during September why not plan some overnights near some of the great festivals and events taking place this month.  Camping Ireland has over 100 sites dotted throughout the Island of Ireland offering safe, secure overnight pitches and plenty of availability in September.

September Festivals

At the start of the month on a small island off the West Cork coast, you The Cape Clear Island Story Telling Festival runs from 4^th to 6^th September.  In its 34^th year you will find a lineup of global and Irish story tellers.  Enjoy Punjabi folktales, Finnish Myths, Irish folklore, traditional song and contemporary storytelling and workshops.  Book into one of the great sites along the West Cork coast and take the boat out to Cape Clear from Baltimore.

Lisdoonvarna Match Making Festival, Clare ? Throughout the month of September County Clare comes alive with the sound of music, dancing and of course matchmaking.  Meet Ireland?s famous Matchmaker Willie Daly and enjoy live music, social dancing and entertainment every day and night.

A few nights away at one of Clare?s top caravan & camping sites and a visit to Lisdoonvarna is a must this September.

Waterford Harvest Festival returns to Waterford from 4^th to 6^th September showcasing the best places to eat, drink, explore and enjoy in Waterford.  From local food producers and talented musicians to family attractions and on-street entertainment.

Staying in Waterford, the Vitamin Sea Festival in Tramore takes place from 18^th to 20^th September blending food, outdoor adventure, creativity and community.  Enjoy sunrise paddleboard sessions, yoga on the beach, live music, craft workshops and the enchanting ?Moll Doll to Sea? ceremony marking the end of swimming season.

Why not book a few days away in the Sunny South East and take in one of these great Festivals.

The National Ploughing Championships, as everyone knows, is a huge annual event that takes place in Ireland every September.  This year it takes place from 15^th to 17^th September at Screggan, Co. Offaly.  Up to 300,00 people are expected to visit this year to see over 300 competitors in the ploughing championship and view the extensive exhibition area.

Galway also plays host to a selection of top festivals during September.  Clifden Arts Festival is the longest running community arts festival in Ireland and this year takes place from 16th to 27^th September.    Visitors will be treated to top class music, literary and workshops that will appeal to everyone.

The inaugural Féile John Ford takes places in An Spidéal, Galway and will celebrate the life, work and heritage of one of Hollywood?s greatest directors, John Forde, whose parents came from the Cois Fharraige area.  The festival will connect with the Connemara Film Trail, where fans can visit locations linked to the Quiet Man.  For lovers of film, heritage and the rugged beauty of the west, Féile John Ford is well worth a visit.

Galway Oyster Festival is another top festival taking place in September from 25^th to 27^th.  The Oyster Trail runs all weekend across various pubs and restaurants and you will be thrilled with the spectacle of the Oyster Shucking Championship which includes the Oyster ?Olympics? which is the oyster opening championship.  There will be a number of foodie talks, and tasting events at the Festival Marquee.

The West of Ireland is home to some of top camping & caravan sites with spectacular views across the Atlantic and access to the islands of the west coast.

The 21^st Culture Night takes place throughout Ireland on Friday 18^th September.  Events will celebrate culture, creativity and arts nationwide.  Every town and village will all come together on 18^th September and put on performances and events with something for everyone. All activities are made available to the public free of charge.

Away from all excitement of festivals and music, there is still some much to do in Ireland in September.  There?s nothing quite like a hike and even better a sunrise hike.  You start walking in the dark and reach your lookout point as the dawn light starts to brighten the sky.  It?s easy to turn your hike into a few days away, pitching up for a few nights, heading to a café for breakfast when finished and make a holiday out of it.

Whether you want to welcome the dawn from the top of a mountain, on a coastal trail or in the heart of the countryside, here are some of the best sunrise hikes all around Ireland.

• Errigal, Co Donegal ? one of the tallest mountain in the country with spectacular views over Dunlewy Lough.
• Carrauntoohill, Co Kerry ? Enjoy the magnificent scenery from the summit of the 1,039m high peak, and marvel at the spectacular views
• Diamond Hill, Co Galway = a 6.3km through Connemara National Park leads you to Diamond?s Hill spectacular summit with magnificent views for miles.
• Galtee Mountains, Co Tipperary ? Ireland?s highest inland mountain range with the summit Galtymore one of the top peaks in Ireland at 919m

Don?t forget to pack your hiking boots, a head torch, extra layers and the alarm clock!  Make a weekend or extended stay.  Pitch up for a few nights and take in a some sunrise hikes.

And, if you can?t get up before the dawn you can always enjoy one of the many coastal and cliff walks dotted throughout the country.

• Sliabh Liag Pilgrim Path in Deongal is a 3km route route where you can enjoy views from the higest sea cliffs in Europe.
• Bray Head Loop Walk is a 2 hour walk on Kerry?s Valentia Island. With elevated clifftop views of the Skellig Island and the dramatic shorelines of the Dingle Peninsula this 4.5km route is must when you are visiting Kerry
• The Ballybunion Cliff Path is a 3km very doable route linking the north and south beaches in Ballybunion. The route is dotted with stony bluffs, prominent cliffs, a blowhole, sea stakes and the ruins of Ballybunion Castle.
• Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballycastle and see the dramatic views of the Causeway Coast. It spans a 20-metre chasm between the mainland and rocky Carrick-a-Rede Island.  It claims to be one of the most exhilarating experiences on the Island of Ireland!

Camping Ireland has so much information to help you plan your caravan & camping trip away.  Enjoy the early autumn days and plan a few overnight trips during September.  All the information is you need is available on Camping Ireland.

On the website you can filter for sites as follows:

Camping type ? camping, glamping, mobile home hire, etc.

Holiday type ? beach holiday, countryside, family-friendly, dog friendly, etc.

Facilities ? beach nearby, playground, games room, shop, etc.

County

Region ? Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland?s Ancient East, Ireland?s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin or Northern Ireland

Also, many sites are now offering online booking which will help you secure your pitch at the click of a button.

Whatever you want Camping Ireland has something to suit everyone.  Enjoy the independence and flexibility that camping in Ireland can offer in quality approved sites.  We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland?s outdoor living.