If you’re intrigued by the idea of wild camping but aren’t quite ready to go fully off grid, “nearly wild” camping might just be the adventure that you’re looking for.
These types of sites typically feature the following:
- Set in remote locations
- Minimal facilities, but just enough to keep things comfortable
- Wild landscapes and great scenery
Across Ireland, there are plenty of these back-to-basics campsites tucked away in woodlands, on farms and along vast coastlines, offering a true escape into nature without completely roughing it.
Here are some of the best ‘nearly wild’ camping spots across the breathtaking Emerald Isle.
Clifden Eco Camping – Connemara
- Perfect for: beach lovers
This one is as close as it can get without being actual wild camping!
Set on a private stretch of Atlantic coastline, you pitch among dunes, wildflowers, and open land. There are no rigid rows to this campsite, so you don’t have to worry about having any noisy neighbours in the tent next door. At this campsite, you’ll be able to hear the ocean all night and fully appreciate the sunrises and sunsets without buildings getting in the way. The facilities are minimal and eco-focused, but there’s enough to keep you comfortable.
Keel Camping – Achill Island, County Mayo
- Perfect for: new ‘nearly wild’ campers
Right beside Keel Beach, one of Ireland’s best loved spots, you’ve got a huge stretch of sand and Atlantic views straight from your tent so it’s ideal for beach lovers and sea swimmers.
This site is slightly more structured than others, and there’s a few facilities for motorhomes but the scale and size of the landscape dwarfs the campsite so it really does feel like you’re on the edge of wilderness being located so close to the ocean. We recommend this one for beginners, as it’s a great step into ‘nearly’ wild camping!
Cronin’s Yard – Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry
- Perfect for: hikers and adventure trips
This is less “holiday campsite” and more of a mountain basecamp. It’s tucked deep in a mountain valley (Gap of Dunloe) and surrounded by huge peaks, so it’s super popular among hikers, climbers and people who want a real outdoors feel.
The nights are super quiet, and for early birds, you’ll get the sight of mist rolling through the valley – a perfect setting for your morning coffee. It has the perfect location for easy access up the mountain trails, so there’s no excuse not to dust your boots off and climb a hill or two.
Eagle Point Camping – West Cork
- Perfect for: groups, long stays and kayakers
This place really does tick every box, whatever kind of trip you’ve got in mind.
If you’re craving a coastal escape, it sits beside calm bay waters, gentler and more peaceful than the crash of the Atlantic across the Wild Atlantic Way. You can settle into a quiet pitch and soak up the stillness or lean into the more social side of the site, which makes it ideal for group getaways with friends or family.
And if you want that tucked-away, almost hidden feel, there are secluded spots right by the water where it’s just you and the shoreline.
Nagle’s Camping & Caravan Park – Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
- Perfect for: sightseeing adventures
Even though you’re near one of Ireland’s most popular coastal attractions – the Cliffs of Moher, this campsite is still relatively lowkey and peaceful. We recommend booking here in the week, once the one-day trippers have left over the weekend, and you can truly enjoy the wild surroundings.
At night, the big open sky is perfect for stargazing next to a cracking campfire. However, there are some strong coastal winds on this site, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs, but make sure to wrap up warm!
Blanemore Wild Camping – County Mayo
- Perfect for: solo camping
This camping site has been intentionally designed to feel wild, as it’s set in a remote, nature-heavy area surrounded by loads of wildlife. You may encounter foxes at night, but other than that, there’s very little noise or light pollution. The simple ‘back to basics’ set up will appeal to solo campers who are looking for a bit of rest and relaxation.
So, there you have it – our favourite ‘almost wild’ camping sites in Ireland! For camping essentials such as tents and airbeds, head over to Halfords.ie or visit your local store today.