Dublin and Howth by Campervan: Where to Park and What to See
Quick summary: Dublin is best explored on foot, by bus or on a guided tour rather than from behind the wheel of a campervan. Narrow streets, bus lanes and limited parking make the center hard work in a larger vehicle, so base yourself at a campsite on the edge of the city or spend a few nights in town before collecting your van. Howth, a fishing village on a headland north of the city, has cliff walks and seafood, and is reachable by train as well as in a campervan or motorhome.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| City center | Leave the van outside; walk, bus or tour |
| Howth | Headland village on the north side of Dublin Bay |
| Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey | Seaside towns south of the city |
| Parking | Limited and expensive in the center |
| Highlights | Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle |
| Tours | Howth tours, Guinness tours |
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Should you drive a campervan into central Dublin?
Not if you can avoid it. Bus lanes, one-way systems and tight streets make the center stressful, and parking for a high or long vehicle is scarce. Collect the van after your city days, or leave it at the campsite and use public transport.
What should you see in Dublin?
| Sight | Tour |
|---|---|
| Trinity College and the Book of Kells | Book of Kells |
| Guinness Storehouse | Guinness tours |
| Dublin Castle | Dublin Castle tours |
| Whiskey distilleries | Whiskey tours, Jameson Distillery |
| Pubs and traditional music | Pub crawls, Music tours |
| History | Easter Rising tours, Viking tours |
A hop-on hop-off bus is an easy way to link the main sights in a day.
Why visit Howth?
For the Howth Cliff Walk, harbor seals, fresh fish and chips, and views across Dublin Bay. Roads on the headland are narrow, so arrive early for parking or take the DART train. See Howth tours.
Where can an RV stay overnight near Dublin?
At the campsite on the city’s south-west edge, or further out in Wicklow or Meath. See campsites and overnight parking.
What about the south coast of the bay?
Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey have harbor walks, sea swimming spots and coastal views, and are also on the DART line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not in the center, where streets are narrow and parking is limited. Use public transport or tours instead.
Yes, though roads and parking on the headland are tight. The DART train is an easy alternative.
At a campsite on the edge of the city, then use public transport into the center.
Two or three days covers the main sights before heading out on the road.