How much does a motorhome cost in Ireland in 2026?
Picture yourself parked on the Wild Atlantic Way with nothing ahead, but open road, the kettle on, and absolutely no bus or flight to catch. Maybe on the way to Achill or to Dungloe. That is the dream that brings most people here to Donegal Motorhomes. Buyers come to us from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland who are done with airports and overpriced hotel rooms and are ready to do things on their own terms. And some have children or a pet, so they want enough private space.
The first practical question is always the same. What is this actually going to cost me? How much is a motorhome?
The honest answer is that it depends. Motorhome prices in Ireland in 2026 range from around €35,000 for a solid pre-owned campervan to €185,000 or more for a top spec fully integrated A-Class, a ‘forever motorhome’. That range is not random. It reflects four genuinely different categories of vehicle, each built for a different kind of buyer and a different kind of trip.
We have been in this business since 2003. We are probably the longest running motorhome company in Ireland, and we still think the best thing we can do for anyone starting this journey is help them understand what they are actually comparing before they make any decisions. It is time to look under the hood, the roof and the chassis. So here is a straightforward breakdown of what motorhomes cost in Ireland right now and what is behind the numbers.
What you get at each motorhome price level
The compact campervan range from €45,000 to €70,000
Van based campervans sit at the really accessible end of the market and they have a loyal following for good reason. Built on a VW, Fiat or Peugeot base, these are compact, easy to drive, simple to park in a tight spot and genuinely capable of getting you from Donegal to the Dolomites without a second thought.
What you are trading is space. A compact campervan suits a couple or a solo traveller who wants freedom without a large footprint. You will typically get a kitchenette, a clever fold out or fixed bed, and maybe a compact shower and toilet in better specified models. They are also particularly popular with buyers across Northern Ireland and Donegal who want something that handles as neatly as a large car on narrower roads and is easy to manoeuvre in coastal towns or villages like Glencolmcille or Renvyle.
The Knaus Boxlife range sits at the quality end of this category, with German engineering, very clever precision layouts and a build standard that holds its value well. Pre-owned examples from reputable dealers start from around €35,000 to €45,000 depending on age and condition. Our new campervans page is a good starting point if this category interests you. Just check it out for size and ideas.
The mid range step up from €70,000 to €100,000
This is where most first time buyers land after a proper conversation about how they actually intend to use the vehicle. The jump from entry campervan to this tier brings meaningfully more space, better insulation, a full kitchen with hob and oven, a proper shower room with headroom and decent garage storage under the rear.
If you are a couple planning to tour Europe for a few weeks at a time, or a small family wanting weekend breaks without the scramble of hotels and check in times, this is the tier that tends to work best in practice. And yeah, it might be more than you had planned for. But it is more than you planned for in terms of options and warranty. Roof warranty is critical.
The 2017 Knaus Boxstar Solution 600 is a current example on our pre-owned forecourt at €69,950, a well regarded van based model with that characteristic Knaus quality of finish. The owners have traded up for a bigger model.
The serious touring motorhome from €100,000 to €135,000
This is the most popular segment among buyers who are genuinely committed to the motorhome lifestyle and it is easy to see why. Semi integrated and coachbuilt motorhomes in this range offer full standing headroom, separate sleeping areas, as in up to 3 double beds, real proper honest to god insulation for year round touring. And enough storage to bring the BBQ, golf clubs, the bikes, surfboards, inflatable canoe and the dog without negotiating.
Retirees from both sides of the border heading off season across Europe. Families from Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and further south who have done the campervan experience already and are ready for something with more room and comfort. Couples who have decided this is how they want to travel and want to do it properly. These are the buyers this tier is built for. Michael just picked his rig up after a service and he has had it since 2008. It is going like new. He is knocking up a few thousand kilometres a year. We added air bags for him this year to give his rig more height.
Two models currently in stock show what this tier offers. The 2026 KNAUS L!VE WAVE 700 LX is priced at €115,000 and the KNAUS BOXLIFE 600 ME Platinum Selection at €110,000. Both carry a minimum two year warranty and are ready to drive away.
The fully integrated A Class from €135,000
A fully integrated motorhome is built from the ground up as a motorhome, not ‘converted’ from a commercial van. There is no partition between cab and living space, the driving position sits above the engine, and the whole interior flows as a single considered environment. The best of them feel genuinely like a well appointed apartment on wheels. Maybe a studio apartment.
This is a significant investment and the buyers who make it tend to know exactly what they want. Or Liam helps them define what is right for them. The 2026 KNAUS L!VE I 700 MEG, currently one in stock with us, is a great example of what this tier offers at €137,000. The Knaus Sun I range extends further above this figure for those who want the top of the line, with more bells and whistles.
What actually moves the price within each tier?
Two vehicles in the same category can differ by €15,000 or more. Here is what is behind that gap.
How many people need to sleep comfortably. Every additional sleeping space adds to the base price. A fixed rear double, an overcab bed or separate bunks for children each bring their own cost. A two berth layout will always come in below the equivalent four berth from the same manufacturer.
What is under the hood, the bonnet. A Mercedes-Benz or VW chassis costs more than a Fiat Ducato equivalent. Both are capable, reliable bases, but there is a price and residual value difference. A lot of excellent motorhomes in the mid range are Fiat based and represent outstanding value for money. But the VW or Merc will be better and cost more. And there is a reason for the higher figure. That one of Michaels I mentioned is on a Merc.
Standard versus Platinum. Knaus offer models in standard spec and in Platinum Selection. The Platinum tier adds solar panels, lithium batteries, a quality exterior awning, upgraded upholstery, and enhanced chassis specification. The premium over standard is typically €8,000 to €15,000, but fitting those items individually after purchase usually costs considerably more.
The optional extras list. Air conditioning, satellite navigation, reversing cameras, bike rack systems and upgraded heating all add to the build price. When we work through a new Knaus custom order with a customer, Liam goes through the ‘configurator’ option by option to make sure nothing gets ticked that will never get used. And bear in mind that due to weight restrictions, you might not be able to buy everything that you might want. Liam will literally weight up the options with you to keep your overall weight right.
Comparing new and pre-owned motorhomes
Pre-owned motorhomes offer real value for buyers who are flexible on age and do not need the factory warranty. A motorhome that is three to five years old in good condition can represent a meaningful saving compared to the equivalent new model and the motorhome market has relatively stable residuals compared to regular cars. Do get the roof checked, because this is usually where the biggest fault will lie.
The important thing with pre-owned is knowing what to look for. Damp, roof seal condition, habitation system history, and service records all matter. Liam has been assessing, buying, and selling motorhomes for over 20 years, so when a pre-owned vehicle comes through our doors it gets a proper going over, not a quick once over. We get up on top, where it is hard to see. And we check the ceilings in detail for moisture.
If you are weighing up the new versus pre-owned decision, our current pre-owned stock gives a real world picture of what is available and at what prices right now. Our full new versus pre-owned buying guide covers the decision in more detail. A custom order will always deliver the best option for you, so ask LIam for a price to include all your wishlist options.
The costs beyond the sticker price
Annual servicing. A motorhome needs two types of service each year. The vehicle service covers the engine, brakes, oil, and tyres. The habitation service covers the gas system, water system, heating, roof seals, windows, and 12 volt electrics. Both matter. We carry out motorhome servicing and habitation checks from our workshop in Letterkenny and we regularly cover customers travelling from across Northern Ireland and the wider northwest. Gas checks can only be done by a certified specialist. Gas is dangerous so don't let any uncertified place do that check.
Insurance. Specialist motorhome insurance in Ireland varies depending on vehicle value, your history and how far you plan to travel. European cover is standard with most policies, but worth confirming. Get at least three quotes, if you can find three firms to quote.
VRT if you are importing. If you are buying from the UK mainland or elsewhere outside Ireland, Vehicle Registration Tax applies before the vehicle can go on Irish plates. Motorhomes fall under VRT Category B, currently 13.3% of the Open Market Selling Price in Ireland (or 8% for lower emission models). On a €100,000 vehicle, that is a significant number. Buying through an established Irish dealer means VRT is already settled and there are no registration surprises. For a plain language overview, Citizens Information covers the full process.
Storage. Not everyone can keep a motorhome on the driveway. Secure dedicated storage is an extra annual cost worth budgeting for if you are in that situation.
Getting kitted out. Levelling ramps, fresh water hoses, a leisure battery monitor, bedding, awning, mats and gas regulators for different European countries all add up quickly, in weight and money. A rough guide for initial essentials is €500 to €1,500 depending on what you are starting with.
The custom build option most buyers do not know about
Because we are the sole official Knaus Tabbert agent in the Republic of Ireland, we can do something most dealers cannot. A new Knaus motorhome can be ordered to your exact specification before it is built at all. Custom orders literally deliver exactly what you want.
Liam runs through the Knaus configurator with customers either in person at the Letterkenny showroom or over Zoom or Teams, which makes it straightforward for customers in Northern Ireland, the wider northwest, or anywhere across the island who cannot easily make the trip to Letterkenny in the first instance. You choose the model, the layout, the chassis, the spec grade, and the options that matter to you. He adds up the weight with each item you add. If you have specific requirements around sleeping arrangements, wheelchair access, pet friendly layouts, or off grid capability, this is the route that gets you exactly what you need rather than the closest thing that happened to be in stock.
It takes longer than buying from the forecourt, but the result is a motorhome built for the way you actually travel. Many retirees choose this option.
If you would like to talk through what a custom build might look like, call Liam on 087 285 7602. He will happily chat through the options. Alternatively, get in touch through the contact page or browse what we currently have in stock if you would like something available sooner. Liam is the guy to talk to either way.
Frequently asked questions about motorhome costs in Ireland
Is it cheaper to buy a motorhome in Ireland or the UK?
UK asking prices can look lower at first glance. But once you factor in VRT (currently 13.3% of the Irish market value for motorhomes), the administrative cost of importing from Great Britain post-Brexit, and the absence of local warranty support, the final cost is usually comparable to, or often higher than, buying from an Irish dealer. Buying in Ireland also means someone local is responsible if anything needs attention after the sale. This is a big spend, so you want to be able to drive back to the dealer. We have been at the same address since 2003!
What is the cheapest new motorhome available in Ireland in 2026?
Entry level new campervans from quality European manufacturers typically start from the mid to upper €60,000 range in Ireland in 2026, depending on spec and base vehicle. Pre-owned examples can be found considerably below this. Although it is hard to find good second hands on the market. Contact Donegal Motorhomes to find out what is currently available across both new and pre-owned stock.
How much does annual motorhome servicing cost in Ireland?
Once you understand what separates the four price tiers, the motorhome market in Ireland makes a lot more sense. The right budget is not the biggest budget. It is the one matched to how you actually plan to travel. And sometimes your best option is a smaller right than you had planned to buy.
We have been helping people find that match since 2003. Whether you are based in Donegal, across Northern Ireland, or further south, the starting point is always the same. A conversation with Liam is always the right first step.
Call on 087 285 7602, drop in to see us in Letterkenny, or browse current stock online.
What new Knaus motorhomes are available in Ireland right now?
The current 2026 stock includes fully integrated and semi integrated Knaus models, all with two year warranties. Browse new motorhomes in stock to see what is available and call Liam to arrange a viewing in Letterkenny. Maybe start with a call to Liam.
What pre-owned motorhomes are for sale in Letterkenny and across Ireland?
A regularly updated selection of checked and serviced pre-owned campervans and coachbuilts is available at the Letterkenny forecourt. Models from Knaus, Burstner, Bailey, and other brands appear throughout the year. View current pre-owned motorhomes for sale.
How do I order a custom Knaus motorhome built to my specification?
As the sole official Knaus agent in Ireland, Donegal Motorhomes can place a factory custom order to your exact layout, spec grade, and options. Liam guides you through the configurator in person or via video call. Get in touch to start the conversation.
Is a motorhome holiday cheaper than a typical family holiday abroad?
For many buyers the answer is yes, particularly when you factor in flights, accommodation, restaurant meals and luggage costs. A full breakdown is covered in our guide to motorhome holidays versus traditional travel.
What is the difference between buying new and pre-owned in Ireland?
A new motorhome gives you a factory warranty, the latest spec and the option to order to your exact requirements. Pre-owned can offer savings, depending on age and condition. A full comparison is covered in our buying guide.