Northern Ireland is one of those places that feels made for campervan travel. The roads are manageable, the scenery is dramatic, and you’re rarely more than a short drive from the sea. Whether you’re a seasoned motorhome traveller or heading out for your first campervan trip, there’s something genuinely special about waking up on this coastline with a brew in hand and the Atlantic in front of you.
At Dolmen Insurance, we work with a lot of people who are getting ready for trips like this — and making sure your campervan cover is sorted before you set off is one of the most important boxes to tick. But beyond the paperwork, we genuinely love Northern Ireland, and we think it deserves far more attention as a campervan destination than it typically gets.
Here are three spots we’d highly recommend.
1. Ballycastle & the Causeway Coast, County Antrim
If you’re only taking your campervan to one place in Northern Ireland, make it the Causeway Coast. The stretch between Ballycastle and Portstewart is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it earns that reputation every single time.
Ballycastle is a brilliant base — from here, you can hike the Gray Man’s Path walking trail, take the ferry across to Rathlin Island, and spend a morning on The Strand, Ballycastle’s Blue Flag beach. Just up the road, you’ve got the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the cliff-perched ruins of Dunluce Castle. There’s also the Old Bushmills Distillery nearby if you fancy a proper whiskey tasting after a day on the road.
For camping, Glenmore Caravan and Camping Park sits right on the beautiful Antrim Coast near Ballycastle, with 95 acres to explore and spectacular views from the top field. The site also runs a wood-fired pizza takeaway with a covered terrace and live music on weekends — which honestly sounds like the perfect evening after a day of coastal walking.
Insider tip: Book ahead if you’re coming in July or August. This stretch fills up fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling for a pitch on arrival.
2. Castlerock, County Londonderry
Castlerock is one of those spots that Northern Ireland locals know well but that doesn’t always make it onto the tourist trail — which is exactly why it’s worth going. It’s a quieter alternative to the busiest parts of the Causeway Coast, but it’s every bit as beautiful.
Castlerock Holiday Park is a short walk from the Blue Flag Castlerock Beach, sitting just below the historic Mussenden Temple — one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. The temple itself sits perched on a clifftop over the sea, and it’s genuinely one of those views that stops you in your tracks. The course at Castlerock Golf Club is also right on the doorstep if you’re that way inclined.
The town of Coleraine is only a short drive away for supplies, and the site is well-connected along the Causeway Coastal Route — so you can use it as a hub for day trips in both directions without having to move the campervan every morning.
Insider tip: Mussenden Temple is managed by the National Trust and is free to walk to. Go at sunset if you can — it’s extraordinary.
3. Annalong, County Down
If the north coast gets the drama, the south coast gets the peace — and Annalong, tucked in between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, might just be the most underrated campervan spot in Northern Ireland.
Annalong Holiday Park sits on the south coast with each of its touring pitches offering beautiful sea views, and with the Mourne Mountains rising behind you, it’s genuinely one of the most striking settings you’ll find anywhere on the island. The park is set between Slieve Binnian and the sea, with a pleasant semi-tropical feel thanks to the Cordyline palms throughout the grounds.
The nearby town of Newcastle is a classic seaside town with a good selection of restaurants, cafés, and pubs. Tollymore Forest Park and Murlough National Nature Reserve are both within easy reach, and the Mourne Wall walk is one of the finest full-day hikes in Northern Ireland if you want to stretch your legs properly.
Insider tip: If the weather turns (and in Northern Ireland, it will), Downpatrick is about 20 minutes away — Saint Patrick’s grave, a great museum, and plenty of places to wait out a shower in comfort.
Before You Set Off – One thing worth sorting before you travel
Northern Ireland’s roads and landscapes are spectacular, but adventure always comes with a degree of risk. Whether it’s a minor scrape in a narrow country lane or something more serious, making sure your campervan insurance is up to date gives you the freedom to enjoy the trip without the worry.
At Dolmen Insurance, we can help you find the right cover for your campervan or motorhome — tailored to how and where you travel. Give our team a call on 01-8022330 and we’ll talk you through your options.
Now get the kettle on, plot your route, and enjoy every mile of it.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolmen Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in legislation. Insurance policies and cover requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Readers should seek professional advice tailored to their specific situation before making any insurance decisions.
Dolmen Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Firm Reference Number 978635.
