Motorhome Road trip Ireland and Northern Ireland in 10 days
A good motorhome trip should feel planned and flexible, but it still helps to begin with a route that makes some sense. That is especially true if you want to explore both North Western Ireland and Northern Ireland in one trip without spending half your holiday doubling back, rushing through places, crisscrossing the border or ending up on back roads that are less enjoyable, especially in a larger rig.
This 10 day route has been created around that idea. It starts in Letterkenny and creates a practical loop through Donegal, Inishowen, Derry, the Causeway Coast, Antrim, Fermanagh, Sligo, Mayo and back to Donegal. It brings together dramatic coastline, lively towns, quieter inland stretches and several spots that suit a motorhome holiday particularly well. Northern Ireland is a place where motorhomes are plentiful, as local residents use them to explore the whole of the north of iIreland.
It is also a useful example of the kind of trip many buyers picture when they start looking at motorhomes. Some people want weekends around Donegal and Sligo. Others are already thinking about a longer loop that takes in the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route in the same journey. This itinerary shows how easily that can work when the route is planned with a motorhome in mind.
If you are currently comparing layouts and vehicle sizes, it is worth browsing the current new motorhomes in Ireland and pre owned motorhomes before you travel. The kind of route you want to do often tells you a lot about the kind of motorhome that will suit you best.
At a glance
Duration: 10 days
Approximate distance: around 1,000 km depending on diversions and campsite choice
Starting point: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal or pick any point that suits you best
Best time to travel: May to September
Ideal for: couples, families, first time motorhome users and anyone planning a mixed Ireland and Northern Ireland road trip
Route summary:
- Day 1 Letterkenny to Slieve League
- Day 2 Donegal south coast along the WWW to Dunfanaghy
- Day 3 Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head
- Day 4 Derry city stopover
- Day 5 Causeway Coast west section
- Day 6 Causeway Coast east section
- Day 7 Enniskillen and Fermanagh Lakelands
- Day 8 Sligo and Benbulben
- Day 9 Westport and the Mayo coast
- Day 10 Achill Island and return north to Letterkenny
Why this route works so well in a motorhome
There are plenty of ways to tour the island, but this loop done in any order works because it balances headline stops with realistic daily distances. You get major scenery and memorable landmarks, but you also get towns where you can restock, reset and enjoy the simple side of travelling by motorhome.
It also makes sense geographically. Donegal gives you the Atlantic start. Inishowen leads naturally into Derry City. The Causeway Coast gives you a stunning Northern Ireland section without forcing a full run to Belfast unless you want to extend the trip in to the city. Fermanagh then changes the rhythm with lakes and slower inland roads before the route brings you back through Sligo and west Mayo.
That variety matters. A good 10 day road trip should not feel like ten versions of the same day. This one gives you sea cliffs, beaches, heritage towns, mountain backdrops and lakeland scenery. The route has plenty of stopovers, food outlets and historical sites.
For anyone testing the idea of motorhome ownership, it also highlights the practical value of having your own bed, kitchen and storage with you. You are not locked into hotel check in times and you can slow the pace whenever a place deserves longer. In Northern Ireland interestingly there are more motorhome owners who are also dog owners, so once again the motorhome is a great canny canine choice of transport.
Day 1 and Day 2: Letterkenny, Slieve League, Ardara and Dunfanaghy
Starting in Letterkenny makes sense because it is a proper service town with fuel, grocery stops and easy access west. If you are collecting a vehicle, arranging a handover or simply calling in before a trip, it gives you a straightforward launch point rather than wasting the first day navigating a crowded city exit. Donegal Motorhomes could be your start or end point.
From Letterkenny, head towards south west Donegal through Ballybofey and Barnesmore Gap and make your way to Slieve League, through Donegal Town, which offers a few campsites and overnight parking options. The Sliabh Liag sea cliffs are among the most memorable opening stops you could choose for a motorhome holiday. The roads become narrower as you approach, so it is worth taking your time and not arriving late in the day when parking choices can be tighter. There is a campsite here too.
The appeal of this first section is that it feels like a genuine break from routine almost immediately. Teelin, Glencolmcille which has a campsite and the wider south west Donegal landscape create that sense of being properly away without needing to drive for hours and hours. Wild Camping is very common, so you will see vans parked at beaches or in pub car parks where they are welcomed.
On Day 2, take the coast north with stops that suit your pace. Ardara is a worthwhile town stop and the N56 gives you a scenic run towards the north west corner of Donegal. Dunfanaghy is a popular overnight base because it gives you beach access, headland views and an easy onward route for Day 3. You have the option to extend the trip this day by deviating via Dungloe and Falcarragh to see Muckish and Errigal.
This part of the trip is where many people realise what they want from a motorhome. Some will value a more compact van style layout for scenic somewhat bumpy roads and easier parking. Others will be happy with a larger vehicle once they see how they prefer to move through the day.
Day 3 and Day 4: Inishowen, Malin Head and Derry
The Inishowen Peninsula is one of the best sections of the route because it feels remote without being awkward to reach. The Inishowen 100 gives structure to the day while still leaving plenty of room to stop where you want. Malin Head is the obvious landmark, but the wider peninsula is part of the point. Beaches like Doagh Isle and Five Finger Strand, elevated viewpoints and small villages all add to the experience. Try out the award winning Chowder in Nancys’ Barn in Ballyliffen.
If you are travelling in a larger motorhome, this is a day to be patient and selective with stops rather than trying to squeeze in every turn off. Carndonagh is a useful place to top up with supplies before you head further north.
From there the route into Derry along the Foyle is easy and gives the trip a different mood. After a few days of coastal scenery, a city stop to walk the walls works well. Derry City is compact enough to explore on foot once parked and it offers a great mix of history, food and atmosphere without demanding a full urban break.
The walls, the Bogside area and the wonderful riverside walk setting on both sides of the river all make it worth the stop. For readers in Northern Ireland, Derry also makes this route feel naturally cross border rather than stitched together for the sake of it. For readers in Southern Ireland, it is an easy and worthwhile addition to a wider north west trip. The craic in Derry is always great.
Practical note for tourists: the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland has no immigration controls whatsoever, so UK and Irish citizens move freely within the Common Travel Area. Non Irish and non British travellers should check whether Electronic Travel Authorisation rules apply before travel to either country.
Day 5 and Day 6: The Causeway Coast
This is the stretch many people will already know by name and it earns its place in the itinerary. The Causeway Coastal Route is one of Northern Ireland’s best known driving routes and it works especially well when you do not try to rush it.
Base yourself sensibly and treat these as two proper exploring days rather than one long drive. The Giant’s Causeway is the obvious centrepiece, with great parking facilities and local campsites, but the wider route is what makes the stop feel complete. Dunluce Castle, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and the surrounding coast all add sightseeing opportunities to the journey. Why not take a wee walk over Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, when you are in the area. One must pre-book to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. 15 minutes away is the world famous Old Bushmills Distillery, with parking and located at 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills. Co Antrim.
This is also a section where planning matters. In busy periods, standard visitor parking and attraction access can be tighter, especially for larger vehicles. A motorhome trip is more enjoyable when you accept that you may need to visit key places early, book in advance where needed and leave room for short local detours rather than trying to force every stop into one afternoon.
If you are still in research mode, looking through the current motorhome news and advice section can also help you build a clearer picture of ownership, maintenance and travel planning.
Why this route works so well in a motorhome
A motorhome road trip across Northern Ireland does not need to be complicated, but a few practical checks make a big difference.
Book your key overnight stops early if you are travelling in peak season, especially in urban areas. Popular coastal areas can fill quickly and larger vehicles have fewer easy last minute options. Wild camping is an option in many coastal areas.
Check road approach routes before leaving each morning. A scenic road in a car can feel very different in a larger motorhome, especially for the passengers.
Allow more time than the map suggests. A route that looks short on paper often includes slower roads, photo stops and unplanned coffee breaks. Apple and Google maps usually quote time for cars and not motorhomes so add 20%.
Keep the border crossing practical rather than dramatic. The currency changes between euro and sterling, road signs in Northern Ireland use miles per hour rather than kilometres per hour and mobile roaming rates can vary by provider, so check your plan before travel. For the most part you will not even notice when you cross the border, so do watch those signs carefully.
Make sure the motorhome is ready before a longer trip. If your vehicle has been sitting up for a while or you want added peace of mind before heading off, book a motorhome service or a habitation check. And VRT or CVRT or MOTs need to be done as per the due dates, before heading out on the open road.
Most importantly, leave space in the itinerary. Some of the best moments on a motorhome trip are the unplanned ones. The route gives you some structure, but the freedom is still the point. By all means change the structure based on the weather forecast. And you will make new friends along the way which will slow you down, but in a good way.
Why starting in Letterkenny makes commercial sense for buyers too
This route is not only a useful itinerary. It is also a good buying lens. Starting in Letterkenny puts you close to Donegal Town, close to Derry City and in a practical position for a route that immediately tests how you like to travel. There is quite a mix of road types.
That matters if you are choosing between motorhome sizes, layouts and levels of equipment. A route like this helps clarify what you will actually use or want. Do you want a compact vehicle that is easier on narrower roads? Do you want a larger lounge because you are travelling with family? Do you want more storage for longer loops around Ireland and Northern Ireland?
These are better buying questions than simply asking what looks nicest in the yard. A motorhome should match the kind of trips you want to do. This itinerary helps future owners picture that really clearly.
If you would like help choosing a vehicle for routes like this or want support before a longer tour, get in touch with Donegal Motorhomes. A brief conversation about how you plan to travel can often narrow the shortlist quickly. Weight is a critical thing to consider in order to comply with your driving licence allowance, which is usually under 3.5 tons.
FAQs Motorhome Road trip Ireland and Northern Ireland in 10 days
Is 10 days enough for a motorhome trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Well, 10 days is enough for a very enjoyable loop if the route is planned well. You will not see everything, but you can comfortably take in Donegal, Derry, the Causeway Coast, Fermanagh, Sligo and Mayo without the trip feeling rushed. You could squeeze in a visit to Belfast.
Can you cross freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland in a motorhome?
For practical driving purposes, yes absolutely. There are no immigration controls on the land border. Hardly any signage either, although they are there somewhere. UK and Irish citizens move freely within the Common Travel Area. Travellers from other countries should check current UK and Ireland entry rules, including ETA requirements where relevant.
Is this route suitable for first time motorhome users?
Yes, with that same good planning. The route includes scenic roads and some narrower stretches, but it also includes towns such as Letterkenny, Derry, Enniskillen, Sligo and Westport where you can restock and reset during the trip.
What type of motorhome suits this Ireland and Northern Ireland route best?
That depends on how you travel. Couples and shorter trip planners often like compact campervan or van conversion layouts. Families or travellers spending longer on the road may prefer larger lounge space, more storage and a separate sleeping area.
Should I service my motorhome before a 10 day road trip?
Yes, especially if the vehicle has not been used recently or if you are planning a longer mixed route across Ireland and Northern Ireland. A pre trip service and habitation check can help reduce the risk of avoidable problems on the road. There is nothing worse than breaking down on a hillside in a remote area, regardless how beautiful the views. Mind you at least you have the bed.