Ireland is famous for its stunning wilderness and rural havens.
You don't need to venture much further than your front door to get close to nature with the family - with some great camping and caravan sites dotted around the country.
Here are some of the best Irish campsites around.
1. Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park, Co Wexford
Catering for mobile homes, camper vans and tents, Morriscastle spreads out beside the soft sand dunes with miles of beach to ramble on and space for children to play and run around in the beautiful Wexford landscape. Morriscastle is also something of a Wexford institution, with its playground, basketball court, astro-turf pitch and summer children's camp. Don't miss Lawler's Shop, which sells everything from fresh pizza to wine and crepes, a five-minute stroll away.
2. Newtown Cove Caravan and Camping Park, Co Waterford
Awarding winning Newtown Cove Caravan and Camping Park is a quiet family-run park, where great care is taken by the management to ensure a top quality of service. The park is situated in a quiet rural setting about 2km from the lively resort town of Tramore. Newtown Cove is 300 metres from the park, and is an ideal place for swimming, fishing, walking or to just sit and look out over the stunning Tramore Bay.
3. Acton's Beachside Camping Park, Co Galway
Set on a private beach within walking distance of Omey Island, Acton's is one of the few eco-campsites in Ireland. Wild camping requires the landowner's permission in Ireland, so this is as close as you'll get without trespassing, with all the safety and facilities of a modern camping park.
4. Westport House Camping Park, Co Mayo
This spot is perfect for an active family. The campsite itself is pretty basic, but the array of family facilities are where Westport House scores points. Tennis, table tennis, pitch 'n' putt, fishing and a soft play area are free to residents during certain hours, and you can pay as you go in the Pirate Adventure Park, summer camps and laser combat, paddle surfing and zip lines at the Adventure Activity Centre too. Nearby options range from Blue Flag beaches to deep-sea fishing and pony trekking.
5. Ballinacourty House Caravan and Camping Park, Co Tipperary
This is quiet, unique, family-run park in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow. Its central location means that it offers the perfect base for touring the whole of the south of Ireland. A simple south facing layout, located off the road and surrounded by old stonewalls, affords visitors with wonderful views of the Galtee Mountains, Ireland's largest inland mountain range.
6. Wave Crest Caravan Park, Co Kerry
If it's a coastal camping experience you're after, the sea doesn't come closer than Wave Crest, the camping and caravan haven near Caherdaniel. Facilities here include a play area and a deli selling everything from homemade cakes to burgers and steaks to barbecue. Views stretch over Kenmare Bay, and a rib boat - Iolar na Mara - offers trips up the coastline and Sneem estuary from €25pp.
7. Eagle Point Camping, Co Cork
This is a great site if your kids love to swim and play on the beach. Eagle Point Camping provides top standard amenities and a relaxing base for touring the west Cork/south Kerry region. Due to the nature of the terrain at Eagle Point, caravan pitches are organised in tiered terraces, overlooking the Bay, so most sites have sea views. Tent pitches are stretched out along the peninsula - right down to the waters edge if so desired. Most of the season, visitors can choose their own pitch on arrival.
Image via Pinterest.
