Make the most of the last few weeks of Summer -book a few days away

Family Caravan & Camping Holidays in Ireland Before School Starts

The months are flying and soon the school holidays will be over.  However, there’s still time to squeeze in one last family adventure before the school bags come out and the uniforms are ironed. A caravan, camping or motorhome holiday is the perfect way to enjoy quality family time, make lasting memories and explore some of Ireland’s best attractions, festivals and outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer break, August offers warm days, quieter attractions than peak holiday season and plenty of exciting events for families across the country.

One of the biggest advantages of a caravan & camping holiday is flexibility. You can wake up surrounded by nature, enjoy breakfast outdoors, spend the day exploring and return to your comfortable base each evening.

Children love the freedom of caravan parks, making new friends and enjoying playgrounds and open spaces, while parents can relax knowing everything they need is close at hand.

Camping Ireland’s quality-approved parks are located throughout Ireland, many close to beaches, forests, lakes, family attractions and vibrant towns.

Family Adventures Around Ireland

Explore Ireland’s Beautiful Beaches

August is often one of the best times to enjoy Ireland’s coastline. Pack the buckets and spades and spend the day:

• Building sandcastles
• Rock pooling
• Swimming in designated bathing areas
• Trying paddleboarding or kayaking
• Enjoying seaside walks and ice cream treats

Camping Ireland offers Beach holidays and many parks are just minutes from Blue Flag beaches, making family beach days easy and stress-free.  For your guide to great beaches for all the family to enjoy click here

Discover Ireland’s Forest Parks

If your family enjoys the outdoors, Ireland’s forests offer endless adventures.

Popular destinations include:

• Forest walks suitable for all ages
• Cycling trails
• Fairy trails
• Adventure playgrounds
• Picnic areas
• Wildlife spotting

Here are some ideas on forest parks around Ireland

Pack a picnic and spend a full day exploring before returning to your campsite for a family barbecue. Why not pitch up for a few nights at one of the parks located within a forest

Visit Castles and Heritage Sites

Turn your holiday into a real-life history lesson by exploring Ireland’s fascinating castles and heritage sites.

Children love climbing ancient towers, walking castle walls and imagining life hundreds of years ago.

Many heritage attractions also offer interactive exhibits, treasure hunts and family-friendly guided tours during the summer months.  From August 1 to August 31, all visitors under the age of 18 get free admission to participating Office of Public Works (OPW) heritage sites across Ireland (T&Cs apply).

Family Attractions Worth Visiting

No family holiday is complete without a few special days out.

Popular attractions across Ireland include:

• Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
• Bunratty Castle Folk Park Clare
• Dublin Zoo
• Marble Arch Caves, Fermanagh
• Emerald Park, Meath

Also, some of the top caravan & camping parks in Ireland have their own onsite activities.

• Westport House & Adventure Park, Mayo
• IOAC, Wexford
• Lough Forest & Activity Park
• Hidden Valley Resort, Wicklow
• River Valley Caravan Park, Wicklow
• Dundonald Touring Caravan Park, Belfast
• Nore Valley, Kilkenny
• Parson?s Green, Tipperary

Book in a for couple of nights and enjoy hours of endless fun onsite.  Camping Ireland has all the information on these sites, their activities and how to book.

Cycle a Greenway

Ireland’s Greenways continue to grow in popularity and provide safe, traffic-free cycling for all ages.

Bring your own bikes or hire them locally and enjoy spectacular scenery together.

Popular Greenways include:

• Waterford Greenway
• Great Western Greenway, Mayo
• Royal Canal Greenway
• Limerick Greenway
• Kingdom of Kerry Greenway

Many caravan and camping parks are located close to these routes, making them ideal bases for exploring.  Click here for more ideas and information on great cycle routes in Ireland.

Festivals and Events Before School Returns

August is packed with festivals throughout Ireland.

Kilkenny Arts Festival runs from August 6 -16 in historic venues like St Canice?s Cathedral, featuring classical music, theatre, visual arts, and public talks

From 7^th to 16^th August Waterford Walls Festival takes place featuring 25 events across the city. The festival will have 10 days of spectacular street art, live events, workshops, music and family-friendly activities in the city.

Puck Fair takes place in Killorglin every year 10^th, 11^th & 12^th August.  This year there will be on-street free family entertainment for everyone to enjoy.  Gathering Day takes place on 10^th August.

One of Ireland?s longest running festivals, the Rose of Tralee, takes place from 14^th to 18^th August in Tralee.  There will be live entertainment, on-street parades as well as the Rose of Tralee selection.

Rain Doesn’t Have to Stop the Fun

A little Irish rain doesn’t mean your holiday has to stop.

Many destinations offer:

• Swimming pools
• Museums
• Visitor centres
• Indoor climbing walls
• Bowling
• Soft play centres
• Interactive science centres
• Family cinemas

Then it’s back to the campsite for board games, hot chocolate and maybe even toasting marshmallows once the skies clear.

Simple Family Holiday Ideas

Sometimes the best memories come from the simplest moments:

• Toast marshmallows together
• Watch the sunset
• Play football on the campsite
• Go on a nature scavenger hunt
• Count the stars at night
• Cook dinner outdoors
• Teach the children how to pitch a tent
• Spot birds and wildlife
• Enjoy breakfast outside every morning

These are the moments children often remember long after the holiday has ended.

Book Soon

As families make the most of the final weeks before schools reopen, many popular parks continue to be busy.

If you’re planning one last getaway, it’s worth booking your chosen campsite as early as possible.

Many Camping Ireland member parks offer online booking, making it quick and easy to secure your pitch or accommodation.

Finish the Summer with Unforgettable Memories

The countdown to the new school term has begun, but there’s still time to create one final summer adventure.

Whether you’re relaxing beside the sea, cycling a Greenway, exploring castles, enjoying local festivals or simply spending time together around the campsite, a caravan & camping holiday offers families the chance to slow down and reconnect.

Browse over 100 quality-approved caravan and camping parks throughout Ireland on the Camping Ireland website and start planning your end-of-summer family escape today.

Don’t let summer end without one more adventure!