Best Places to Camp Near Shannon
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Shannon Airport isn’t just your entry point to Ireland – it’s the perfect starting spot for some of the country’s most spectacular camping adventures. Located in County Clare, Shannon puts you right in the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, with easy access to dramatic cliffs, ancient landscapes, and charming villages that make for unforgettable camping experiences.
Whether you’re arriving with a campervan, planning to rent camping gear, or looking for glamping options, the Shannon region offers everything from riverside pitches to coastal campsites with stunning Atlantic views. The best part? Having a hire car gives you the freedom to explore multiple camping spots and discover hidden gems that most visitors never see.
O’Connor’s Riverside Camping & Caravan Park, Doolin
Just 20 minutes from Shannon Airport, O’Connor’s Riverside Camping & Caravan Park is a small, friendly, family-run park on the River Aille banks in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland. On site, there are 50 hardstanding touring pitches to choose from, with electric hook-up points available. This is camping with proper Irish charm – you’ll fall asleep to the sound of flowing water and wake up in one of Ireland’s most famous traditional music villages.
Doolin is legendary for its traditional Irish music sessions, with several pubs hosting live music most nights. The campsite is perfectly positioned for exploring the Cliffs of Moher (just 8km away) and catching ferries to the Aran Islands. Onsite facilities include a fully equipped campers kitchen with washing-up facilities perfect for when you would like to cook on-site. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Burren’s unique landscape while enjoying genuine Irish hospitality.
Nagle’s Doolin Camping Park
Another brilliant option in Doolin, This neat and tidy seaside site is located just one kilometre from the dramatic cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and just a few metres from the ferry, which zips across to the sparsely populated Aran Islands in 20 minutes. You literally can’t get closer to some of Ireland’s most iconic attractions than this.
The nearby village of Doolin, famed for its traditional music, has a good range of shops, restaurants and pubs with lively, impromptu music sessions. Walkers and nature lovers will be in their element here, with wonderful trails and signposted coastal walks along the eight-kilometre headland. The location is absolutely unbeatable – you can walk to the Cliffs of Moher and catch an early morning ferry to the Aran Islands without moving your car.
Corofin Village Camping Park
About 30 minutes from Shannon Airport, This compact green oasis in the centre of the village of Corofin occupies one acre and adjoins the family’s hostel. The owners, Jude and Marie Neylon, live on the site and have a policy of always having a family member on hand at all times. This is proper family-run Irish hospitality at its finest.
Corofin lies in the heart of the Burren with its many country roads ideal for walking and cycling, and Ideally located for visiting the Burren, Father Ted’s House, Lahinch, The Cliffs of Moher, Ailwee Cave and of course the beautiful Clare coastal scenery. The village setting means you’re within walking distance of pubs, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for those who want convenience alongside their outdoor adventure.
Strand Camping, Doonbeg
For something completely different, This is a small site facing resolutely out to sea on the beautiful Doonbeg Bay and just a short walk from Doonbeg village. About 45 minutes from Shannon, this coastal camping experience offers incredible Atlantic views and direct beach access.
We’re a small and friendly campsite located directly on Doonbeg Bay, in Doonbeg, County Clare, on the West Coast of Ireland. It’s a genuine! 10 minute walk from the campsite, along a flat, directly accessible local road to the centre of the village which hosts pubs, restaurants and two shops. The scenery is wild and spectacular, with numerous paths and trails, especially along the coast, so boots and bikes are popular accessories. Others come for kayaking, riding, golf and surfing.
Castledarcy Glamping, Lahinch
If you want camping comfort without the hassle, Castledarcy Glamping Bespoke family friendly Glamping in Lahinch on the Wild Atlantic Way offers luxury camping just minutes from one of Ireland’s best surfing beaches. Lahinch is about 25 minutes from Shannon and is known as Ireland’s surfing capital.
The glamping site puts you within walking distance of Lahinch’s famous promenade, excellent restaurants, and consistent surf breaks. It’s perfect for families or couples who want the outdoor experience with hotel-level comfort. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned for day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and traditional music sessions in nearby Doolin.
Powers the Pot Caravan and Camping Park, Ennistymon
Powers the Pot Caravan and Camping Park offers a more secluded camping experience about 20 minutes from Shannon. Located near the charming market town of Ennistymon, this family-run site provides easy access to both coastal attractions and inland Burren landscapes.
Ennistymon itself is a proper Irish market town with traditional shops, excellent pubs, and the spectacular Cascades waterfalls right in the town centre. It’s the perfect base for exploring the region without the crowds you’ll find in more tourist-focused areas.
Glen of Aherlow Caravan and Camping Park
While technically in County Tipperary, this award-winning site is less than an hour from Shannon and absolutely worth the drive. The owners of one of Ireland’s neatest parks, George and Rosaline Drew, are campers themselves and have created an idyllic park in a stunning location.
The Glen of Aherlow offers some of Ireland’s most spectacular mountain scenery, excellent hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s worlds away from the busier coastal areas. It’s perfect for those seeking a more tranquil camping experience while still being within easy reach of Shannon Airport.
Why Shannon Area Camping is Special
The Shannon region offers something genuinely unique in European camping – dramatic Atlantic coastlines, ancient landscapes, and authentic Irish culture all within easy reach of a major airport. Clare is a county in the West that once visited you’ll never forget. From the momentous sheer cliff face of the Cliffs of Moher to the mystical lunar landscape of the Burren, Clare’s natural attractions earn your respect from the moment you set eyes on them.
The combination of stunning natural beauty, genuine Irish hospitality, and excellent camping facilities makes this region perfect for both first-time visitors and experienced campers. Whether you’re seeking adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way or peaceful nights under Irish skies, the Shannon area delivers unforgettable experiences.
Make the Most of Your Shannon Camping Adventure
The Shannon region’s camping opportunities are truly spectacular, but having the right transport makes all the difference. Many of the best camping spots are off the beaten track, and having a hire car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems, chase the best weather, and discover the authentic Ireland that most tourists miss.
