Eire is a spot we’ve needed to journey for a few years, and at last every part simply fell into place for us to go to. And never simply go to, however do it in fashion…as digital nomads residing van life in Eire!
Eire lived as much as its fame of getting dramatic coastlines, beautiful rolling inexperienced hills, tiny villages, and loads of locations to cease and take within the views.
However the van actually introduced an additional ingredient to the nation. We may considerably chase the climate, be spontaneous, work from the comfy desk, and keep related by tethering our telephones for wifi.
On this information, I’m going to stroll you thru the right way to decide a van, the corporate we went with, the precise van we ended up with, and a few suggestions we discovered alongside the best way so you possibly can plan a greater digital nomad journey round Eire. See additionally: Greatest Jobs for Van Life
Renting a Campervan in Eire with Indie Campers
Full disclosure, we rented with Indie Campers on this journey as a result of they reached out to us and requested us if we’d prefer to have a campervan journey in Eire and share our expertise with our viewers. I imply… who’s going to say no to that?
However, we’ve really rented with them earlier than in Portugal and we all know they’re an incredible firm, so we have been excited to go along with them anyway.
Despite the fact that this was a sponsored journey, we did the reserving course of the identical as you’d should you rented – so we received the entire expertise. It was tremendous easy to guide the van proper on their web site and there are many add-ons as properly.
The vans are all fashionable and well-maintained and the pickup and drop-off went actually easily. It solely took about half-hour from the time we arrived to drive away and the man who checked us in gave us a extremely thorough walkthrough of the van and its options.
We went with the Energetic Lengthy mannequin. It was spacious, tremendous comfy, and it had very nice finishes. We cherished that it had a correct mattress that was fairly cozy (don’t anticipate a king dimension pillow high although) and an incredible kitchen space, loads of storage and central warmth for the cool Irish nights.
There was additionally a surprisingly comfy workspace because of the seats that swivel round to a pullout desk.
Additionally, should you’re nervous a few campervan like this being too huge for roads in Eire… it actually wasn’t. In case you’ve pushed on slim roads earlier than, you’ll be positive. And should you haven’t, it’ll simply take a couple of hours to get used to it.
If I have been to offer a critique of the campervan expertise, it could be that the pots and pans and utensils have been fairly minimal and it was a bit annoying having them in a giant tupperware bin within the again. It will be higher in the event that they have been put in drawers with some sort of cell dwelling shelving to maintain them from bouncing round.
The place to Go: Our 10-Day Digital Nomad Route Via Eire
For this journey, we didn’t actually have a strict itinerary, which is de facto the fantastic thing about van life should you ask me. We really booked this journey fairly final minute, so whereas we had a tough concept of the place we have been going, we nonetheless determined daily the place we’d go and sleep for the night time.
We began in Dublin for an evening (we had a couple days in Dublin on the finish of the journey), earlier than selecting up the van the subsequent day. After we received the van, we headed south to Kilkenny, then labored our means by Nenagh, Lorrha, and alongside the coast to Galway.
From Galway, we drove as much as Connemara Nationwide Park and that was one of many main highlights of the journey.
There have been a lot of spots that we may’ve parked the van for the night time and wild camped with out anybody actually noticing, however we selected a wonderful campsite known as Clifden Eco Seaside Tenting as a result of it was too good to go up.
After Connemara within the North, we headed south all the way down to Doolin the place we checked out the famous Cliffs of Moher, after which southwest to Dingle, then spent a couple of days visiting Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.
We completed the journey by testing Cobh and Blarney Fortress earlier than heading again to Dublin. This was a reasonably in depth journey of the nation, though we didn’t see Northern Eire or the east coast, however it was simply accomplished in 10 days.
10 Important Ideas for Digital Nomads Doing Van Life in Eire
Earlier than we did this journey, we weren’t positive how properly van life and distant work would pair collectively in Eire… particularly in October.
However it turned out that it labored fantastically, however there have been a couple of issues we discovered alongside the best way. In case you’ve ever needed to journey round Eire whereas working from a campervan, hopefully these will enable you out.
1. Type your telephone plan out earlier than you allow Dublin.
Eire’s protection is ok in cities, however when you head towards Connemara or the Wild Atlantic Manner it could actually flip from full bars to zero. Get a neighborhood SIM or eSIM right at the start so that you’re not trying to find a sign once you really need it.
We used our eSIM from our Revolut Account, and it was respectable, however we most likely would’ve had higher protection with a neighborhood SIM. In case you’re touring as a pair, each of you may get an eSIM from a unique firm.
We didn’t consider it till close to the tip of the journey, however as soon as we different our eSIMs it normally meant that at the least one in every of us at all times had protection.
2. Use wet days as your workdays.
Irish climate modifications continuously. We ultimately discovered to stay with the rain… work when it pours, discover when it isn’t. It retains the entire journey relaxed as a substitute of attempting to power a plan.
3. Count on to work from the van greater than you suppose.
We assumed we’d be in cafés on a regular basis, however most days we labored proper from the van as a result of the views have been higher and we really received extra accomplished. The swivel seats helped, and the quiet mornings have been nice to get some work accomplished.
We additionally needed to shoot some reels on this journey, which might’ve been OK however the wind made it onerous, even with the nice mics we have now! In case you’re taking pictures movies, the within of the van on a sunny day is definitely fairly good acoustically and the lighting was nice too.
4. Cost the van battery anytime you pay for a campsite.
In case you’re at a campsite with electrical energy, make the most of it. Cost every part. The van batteries, laptops, cameras, energy banks… all of it. You by no means know when the subsequent few nights is perhaps wild tenting or when a campsite received’t have hookups.
5. Empty greywater and blackwater every time you could have the prospect.
Severely. Do it even should you’re solely half full. There have been a couple of instances after we mentioned we’d simply wait til the subsequent web site after which the subsequent couple of websites didn’t have the services so we have been nervous we’d replenish or run out. Not an incredible feeling.
6. Deliver your personal pillows and bedding.
The Indie Campers bedding works, however it’s not precisely luxurious. I by no means journey with out my pillow and a bedsheet and on this journey I used to be particularly glad to have it. The blankets Indie provides you might be heat and that makes a giant distinction on chilly nights, however these pillows weren’t nice.
7. Deliver a powerbank that really has energy.
Between charging laptops, cameras, telephones, and hotspots, having an additional battery took all of the stress off the van’s system. You probably have a powerbank, carry it.
8. Obtain every part earlier than leaving greater cities.
Maps, Netflix, playlists, work information… all of it. When you get into the countryside, the sign can vanish with out warning. To obtain Google Maps, simply hover over all of Eire and sort “OK Maps” into the search and it’ll obtain it to your telephone so you need to use it offline.
9. Combine campsites with some wild tenting
That is one thing we didn’t do, however we sort of wished we did. We spent fairly a little bit of time in cities and villages having fun with the pubs and music, so we simply stayed at close by campsites.
However subsequent time I’d love to return and do a fishing trip around Ireland the place I’d wild camp about 50% of the time.
In case you learn up on it, it says that it’s not allowed in Eire, however should you’re respectful and also you clear up after your self and go away early within the morning, no person would hassle you. No less than that’s what the Irish individuals stored telling us.
10. Hold the van tidy from day one.
A tiny house will get messy quick. As soon as every part had a house, life received simpler. Earlier than that… we have been continuously on the lookout for keys, chargers, socks, every part.
11. Positively guide the outside setup add-on.
This comes with simply two camp chairs and a light-weight desk however it makes a giant distinction on the sunny days once you don’t wanna be within the van on a regular basis. Each time it was sunny (and never too windy) we’d eat on our outside desk set. Indie has them as add-ons they usually’re undoubtedly value it.
12. Hold a couple of “don’t transfer the van at present” meals within the cabinet.
There have been days after we discovered the right parking spot and didn’t wish to transfer the van in any respect… not for groceries, not for something. Having a few straightforward meals you possibly can prepare dinner with out operating round trying to find outlets makes these quiet workdays attainable.
13. Construct your work hours round your driving hours.
Some driving days take extra power than you anticipate, particularly on Eire’s slim nation roads. On these days, we’d hold laptop computer time mild and save the deeper work for days after we weren’t masking many kilometres.
It’s so much for the mind to deal with should you’re gazing a highway and dodging different vehicles for five hours, and you then attempt to work for five hours!
Prices of Van Life in Eire
Eire isn’t low cost, and that was one of many causes the campervan made sense. Accommodations within the widespread spots can get expensive quick, so having our mattress and kitchen with us took a number of the sting out of the journey.
We regarded up some little B&Bs and stuff on the best way they usually have been round $250 per night time for a fundamental small room, despite the fact that we have been there within the shoulder season.
The van rental is the massive expense, clearly, however it saves you on the lodging and a few meals in. Thoughts you, we ate out just about each meal nonetheless as a result of we simply love the pubs and eating places in Eire and we received to fulfill individuals.
Gasoline prices have been OK. We crammed up the van twice for round €140 every time in 10 days. Eire appears small till you begin following each scenic highway and taking detours locals recommend. We drove far more than anticipated, however it was value it for the value of diesel for positive.
Campsites have been normally between 35 and 46 euros for a spot with electrical energy, showers, and someplace to dump the tanks.
There have been a couple of small extras…tolls, a top-up of AddBlue, a parking price right here and there. Nothing main. General, the van made Eire much more inexpensive than it could’ve been hopping between motels and eating places day-after-day.
The place to Sleep With a Campervan in Eire
One factor we discovered fairly shortly is that Eire doesn’t have the identical wild tenting tradition as locations just like the US or Canada.
You can discover the odd quiet pull-off with an incredible view, however they’re not in all places, and a number of coastal spots have indicators asking campervans to not keep in a single day. Due to that, we ended up mixing correct campsites with a couple of “discovered it on the final minute” locations.
Campsites have been straightforward sufficient to search out and most had every part we would have liked… electrical energy, scorching showers, a spot to dump gray and black water, and normally a little bit kitchen sink space.
General the standard was good in any respect of them and the house owners have been at all times tremendous pleasant (is there a grumpy Irish particular person anyplace?).
We used Park4Night so much. It isn’t excellent, however it saved us greater than as soon as after we have been arriving someplace late and simply wanted a spot to park with out driving round in circles.
The one place we actually thought-about wild tenting was round Connemara, however we determined in opposition to it simply because there have been such stunning campsites up there.
Nonetheless, the very best campsites in Eire are a grass subject with a surprising view, and the worst are simply cement parking heaps full of campers. It’s extra about utilizing the campsite as a spot to sleep and to discover from there.
Digital Nomad Necessities to Pack for Van Life in Eire
Earlier than this journey, we thought the van would have just about every part we would have liked. It has fairly a bit once you guide the add-ons, however after all it doesn’t have every part a digital nomad would wish.
There are some things we have been actually glad we introduced, and some we want we’d considered earlier. In case you’re planning to work from the highway, these are the objects that really made a distinction for us and stored the journey operating easily.
1. An actual energy financial institution (not a tiny one)
In case you’re staying in paid parking and charging the van each 2-3 nights, this wouldn’t matter, however should you’re wild tenting, you’ll undoubtedly need a big energy financial institution. You’ll find yourself utilizing extra energy than you suppose. A correct energy financial institution that may cost a laptop computer is value bringing from dwelling.
2. Your personal pillows and bedding
Like I mentioned earlier, the rental stuff works, however it’s not nice. On the very least, carry your personal pillow should you can, or decide one up in Eire for the journey.
3. An additional lengthy charging cable
Shops in vans are by no means the place you need them to be. The van we received was fairly properly arrange, however I do know they’re not all like that. An extended cable saves you from working in awkward positions.
4. A small extension wire or energy strip
In case you’re plugged into campsite electrical energy, this allows you to cost every part directly as a substitute of messing round with completely different retailers.
5. Cellphone holder for the dashboard
You’ll depend on Google Maps continuously, and holding your telephone or propping it someplace will get annoying quick. Surprisingly, the Energetic Lengthy in Eire didn’t have any display screen within the sprint so… no Apple CarPlay. Fortunately we nonetheless journey with telephone holders.
6. A water-proof bag on your electronics
Eire’s climate turns shortly. In case you’re strolling to a pub within the rain or hopping out for a hike, this retains your gear secure. I like YETI for waterproof luggage. I didn’t carry mine on this journey, however it could’ve been good if I needed to take my gear out.
7. Journey-sized kettle or a straightforward espresso setup
The van has a range, and it comes with a Moka Pot, however should you’re not used to creating espresso in a kind of, then having your personal fast espresso setup makes mornings contained in the van so much smoother.
8. Journey Energy Adaptor
Not all vans may have multi-plugs. In case you’re coming from a rustic that doesn’t use EU fashion plugins, then carry your personal.
9. A second SIM or eSIM
Protection can soar round exterior cities. Having a backup community saved us greater than as soon as.
10. A small, light-weight laptop computer stand
That is one thing we forgot however would’ve been nice, particularly for a extra prolonged campervan journey in Eire. In case you’re going to be working so much, then it’s at all times good to search for quite than down at your display screen. The desk is comfy, however it’s decrease than most kitchen tables, so a stand would undoubtedly be a bonus.
FAQs About Van Life in Eire
Is it onerous to drive a giant campervan in Eire?
Folks at all times say the roads in Eire are tremendous slim, however even on The Ring of Kerry, we handed huge buses in our campervan and had no difficulty. Not as soon as did I even must again as much as give house.
Are you able to simply pull over and sleep anyplace?
Typically. We discovered a couple of quiet spots that felt completely positive, however it’s not a rustic the place you possibly can depend on wild tenting each night time. Campsites ended up being our base more often than not.
Do it’s good to guide campsites?
We didn’t guide forward in any respect in September/October. In summer time, we’d most likely plan a bit extra, however shoulder season was extensive open. Typically it was simply us and one different camper in your complete web site.
Is the WiFi adequate to work?
In cities, sure. Out within the countryside, it comes and goes. Between our personal knowledge, having 2 eSims, and the campsites wifi, we at all times managed.
Does it get chilly at night time?
It may possibly. Our van had heating, which made an enormous distinction. And it wasn’t only a fan heater, it was central warmth! In case you are available October, you may stay with a lot of bedding (we noticed some campers doing it), however it’s far more comfy to get a van with warmth.
Any particular license wanted?
Our common licenses have been sufficient.
Is it secure?
We by no means felt unsafe. Campsites have been quiet, and the few rural spots we stayed in felt relaxed. There’s at all times safety on the campsites so far as we may inform and Eire is fairly secure generally I believe, particularly exterior of Dublin.
Closing Ideas on Campervan Life in Eire as Digital Nomads
This was a visit we had needed to do eternally, and we might undoubtedly suggest doing a campervan journey in Eire, whether or not you’re a digital nomad or not.
For us distant employees, clearly there’s a bit extra to consider logistically, however it was all doable. We just about at all times had sign and the van was tremendous comfy to stay and work in.
IndieCampers was nice to work with. The checkout and checkin was tremendous fast and straightforward and actually, this van was so much newer than the van we had in Portugal, so we have been actually proud of it.
In case you’ve ever considered visiting Eire, otherwise you’ve been earlier than however you probably did it the normal means in motels and B&Bs, I extremely suggest attempting it with a campervan. It was a blast and I don’t suppose it’ll be our final time doing Eire this fashion.
I hope you discovered this submit useful. You probably have any questions, shoot us an e-mail from our Contact Web page.
Joyful travels!
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