The Wicklow Mountains and southeast is the most underrated short campervan trip in Ireland — and the best first trip for anyone picking up in Dublin who's never driven a campervan before. The roads are wider than the west coast, the distances are shorter, the attractions are world-class (Glendalough, Powerscourt, Kilkenny), and you're never more than 90 minutes from Dublin if anything goes wrong. Think of it as the confidence-builder before you take on Kerry or Connemara.
Route overview
The Wicklow and Southeast loop starts in Dublin and heads south through the Wicklow Mountains — the largest upland area in Ireland — before turning east to the coast at Arklow and Wexford, sweeping around Hook Head (Europe's oldest working lighthouse), and returning via Kilkenny and the Barrow Valley. Total driving distance is approximately 350km over 3–5 days.
The roads on this route are significantly better maintained and wider than the west-coast routes. The M11 motorway gives you the option of a fast transit south; the Sally Gap and Military Road through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains are slower but spectacular alternatives.
~350km loop from Dublin
3 days is feasible; 5 days allows proper stops at Glendalough, Hook Head, and Kilkenny
Dublin (all operators). This is the natural first trip for Dublin-pickup renters.
First-time campervan renters, families, shorter trips, anyone who wants easier roads than the west coast
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | Route | Distance | Key stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dublin → Enniskerry → Sally Gap → Glendalough | ~80km | Powerscourt Waterfall, Enniskerry village, Sally Gap, Glendalough monastic site |
| 2 | Glendalough → Roundwood → Arklow → Wexford | ~100km | Wicklow town, Brittas Bay beach, Arklow, Wexford town and quays |
| 3 | Wexford → Rosslare → Hook Head → New Ross | ~90km | Rosslare beach, Wellington Bridge, Hook Head Lighthouse, Dunbrody Famine Ship at New Ross |
| 4 | New Ross → Kilkenny | ~40km | Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny city centre walk |
| 5 | Kilkenny → Carlow → Dublin via N9/M9 | ~120km | Jerpoint Abbey (Kilkenny), Carlow town optional, Dublin return |
Day 1 — Wicklow Mountains: The Sally Gap is the highest point on any public road in Ireland at approximately 500m — a bogland plateau with stunning views and a road that handles motorhomes fine despite its exposed position. The Military Road through the Wicklow Mountains (from Glencree south to Aghavannagh) is one of the great Irish mountain road experiences. Glendalough — the 6th-century monastic city in a glacial valley — is genuinely one of the most atmospheric historic sites in Ireland. The two lakes, the round tower, and the cathedral ruins are extraordinary. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm to avoid the worst of the tour-group traffic.
Day 2 — East Coast: Brittas Bay is Wicklow's most popular beach — a long, fine-sand beach backed by dunes that fills up on summer weekends but is peaceful on weekdays. Arklow, further south, has a working fishing harbour worth a look. Wexford town is one of the oldest towns in Ireland, with a Viking street pattern still visible in the narrow streets of the town centre.
Day 3 — Hook Head: Hook Head Lighthouse, on the eastern shore of Waterford Harbour, has been guiding ships since the 5th century — one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world. Tours of the lighthouse run from the visitor centre. The approach road from Wellington Bridge is worth savouring slowly — the farmland at the tip of the Hook Peninsula has a timeless quality. The phrase "by Hook or by Crook" reportedly refers to this peninsula.
Day 4 — Kilkenny: Kilkenny is the best-preserved medieval city in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle dominates the city from its hill above the River Nore; St Canice's Cathedral and its round tower are the oldest surviving structures. The city also has an exceptional food and craft scene — the Kilkenny Design Centre, the Marble City Bar, and the Smithwick's Experience are all within easy walking distance.
Overnight stops
| Location | Type | Facilities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glendalough area | Campsite/hostel campsite | Moderate facilities | Campsite associated with the Wicklow Way/Glendalough hostel. Book ahead in summer. |
| Arklow area | Campsite | Good facilities | Croghan Farm campsite near Arklow is a well-regarded option. |
| Wexford area | Campsite | Good facilities | Ferrybank Camping near Wexford town, or campsites around Rosslare. |
| Hook Head area | Campsite/farm | Basic to moderate | Smaller camping options near the Hook Peninsula. More limited than the Wexford coastline. |
| Kilkenny area | Campsite | Good facilities | Campsites outside Kilkenny city. Good access to the city by foot or bus. |
Road notes for campervans
This is the most forgiving route in this guide for large motorhomes. The key practical notes:
- Sally Gap and Military Road: These are open bog roads — wide enough for a standard motorhome, though you'll meet the occasional farm vehicle. The Military Road is in reasonable condition throughout; the Sally Gap is more exposed but the road surface is solid.
- Glendalough car park: The main car park at Glendalough is large and handles motorhomes without issue. Arrive early in peak season — the car park fills by 10am on summer weekends.
- Hook Head approach: The roads on the Hook Peninsula narrow progressively as you approach the tip. Standard campervans are fine throughout; longer motorhomes (over 8m) should be aware of the tight bends near the lighthouse itself.
- Kilkenny city: The city centre is not motorhome-friendly for parking. Park at the Rose Inn Street car park (suitable for motorhomes) or at an out-of-town campsite and walk or bus into the centre.
- M11/N11 motorway sections: Fast, modern road suitable for any size vehicle. This is the arterial route connecting Dublin to Wexford and makes the transit sections of this loop genuinely easy.
Practical tips
- Rosslare Europort: If you're finishing this trip with a ferry crossing to France (Cherbourg or Roscoff, operated by Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries), Rosslare is on this route. A Wicklow-Southeast loop can be the first chapter of a longer European campervan journey.
- Fuel: Plentiful throughout the route. Major towns (Wicklow, Arklow, Wexford, New Ross, Kilkenny) all have multiple fuel stations. No concerns about running low on this route.
- Supermarkets: Full supermarket coverage throughout. Wexford, Kilkenny, and Arklow all have large supermarkets for restocking.
- Mobile coverage: Excellent throughout except in the deepest Wicklow mountain valleys. Coverage quickly returns once you drop back to the coast or main roads.
- Day trips from Dublin: If you don't have 3–5 days for the full loop, Glendalough is an excellent single-day destination from Dublin by campervan — 90 minutes from the city, and the valley is spectacular enough to justify a single overnight.
Best time to visit
April–October — the Wicklow route is more accessible in shoulder and off-season than the western routes, because the campsite infrastructure is more resilient and the urban sections (Kilkenny, Wexford) are year-round destinations. Glendalough in autumn is particularly beautiful — the oak woods above the upper lake turn gold in October.
Summer weekends: Glendalough and Powerscourt get very busy on summer weekends. Weekday visits are significantly more pleasant. If you must visit on a Saturday or Sunday in July/August, arrive before 9am.
Recommended operators for this route
All Dublin-based operators work perfectly for this route — it's the natural home ground for a Dublin pickup campervan.
- Bunk Campers (Dublin, Swords): The widest fleet choice; if this is a first trip and you're not sure which vehicle size suits you, Bunk's range gives you options. Good for families.
- Indie Campers (Dublin): Modern compact campervans are excellent for this route. Unlimited km means no odometer watching on the longer days.
- Spaceships (Dublin area): Budget camper-cars are ideal for this route — the roads are straightforward, the distances are manageable, and a budget vehicle here makes economic sense.
- Budget Campervans: Good option for cost-conscious renters doing a shorter trip. This route doesn't demand a premium vehicle.