Ireland Trip Planning 2026: Accommodations to Aran Islands Camping

Our Ireland adventure is just three days away!

While we usually prefer to book things on the fly, this Ireland trip is during peak season, so a more structured plan was definitely in order.

We almost didn't get a campervan, but thankfully, we managed to snag a reservation with a highly-rated company at a great price.

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The company we booked with is here

We had several phone calls with the company during the booking process, and each time, the voice on the other end was incredibly warm and friendly.

It was almost like a distant aunt living in Ireland was saying,

"I'll lend you my campervan, so travel to your heart's content in my vehicle!"

...or something like that! ^^

(Of course, we did pay a hefty sum for it. Haha.)

Read about our campervan booking experience here

Ireland Trip D-16 Almost missed campervan reservation! Finally confirmed!blog.naver.com

Will the real-life meeting be as warm as that friendly voice from across the globe? We'll find out soon enough!

So, for the initial 6 nights and 7 days, our plan is a combination of a rental car and camping on the Aran Islands!

Ireland During Its Busiest Season

This trip kicks off in mid-August 2026.

(We're arriving in Dublin on August 13th.)

This period coincides with summer holidays in Ireland and the UK, plus an August bank holiday, making it one of the busiest times of the year. That's why booking a campervan and accommodations was quite a challenge. We saw prices starting at a minimum of ~$345 per night, with even dorm beds costing around ~$69 per person.

First Night's Stay: Airbnb

08/13/2026 - 08/14/2026

First night's accommodation booked (Check-in 3:00 PM)

House · Cill Mhic Craith · ★4.97 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · No bathroomwww.airbnb.co.kr

Airbnb (booked under Jaecheol's ID)

Room in Cill Mhic Craith, Ireland

1 bedroom that sleeps four

Superhost for 2 years

Located within Burren National Park / Free parking available

Kitchen access not available, living room is accessible!

Total paid: ~$157

House Description

Located approximately 1.2 miles from Loughrea village.

The property has plenty of private parking,

the local village is a 5-minute drive away,

and the guesthouse owner is a taxi driver.

(Postal code H62HW20)

About a 40-minute drive from Galway.

Second Night's Stay

08/14/2026 - 08/15/2026

Second night's accommodation booked (Check-in 4:00 PM)

The Townhouse

Booking.com (booked under Mina's ID)

+353 65 708 5624

Family Room

Total paid: ~$196 (for €170)

Accommodation Description & Location

Main Street, Miltown Malbay, Ireland, Miltown Malbay, IE

Latitude 52.8557187357393, Longitude -9.40100194802562

3 Nights, 4 Days of Camping on the Aran Islands

You can reach the Aran Islands from either Rossaveal or Doolin, but we decided to depart from Doolin.

Online research suggested that the ferries from Rossaveal were larger and less prone to cancellations, but after speaking with the Doolin ferry company, they assured us that cancellations are rare this time of year.

Doolin - Aran Islands Ferry

08/15/2026 - 08/17/2026 (2 nights)

Camping on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands: 'Inishmore' Campsite

Camping wasn't our initial plan, but we started looking for accommodations so late that even subpar options were going for around ~$345 a night. So, we decided to bring a tent and camp!

It means a bit more luggage, but with camping costing around ~$69 per night for four people and the campsite itself looking fantastic, we're ready for a little extra effort.

08/17/2026 - 08/18/2026 (1 night)

Camping on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands: 'Inis Oírr' Campsite

On our third day on the Aran Islands, we plan to stay on the smallest island, Inis Oírr.

This time, we'll be renting a 'bell tent' directly from the campsite, so Aran and Grandma can sleep comfortably.

It's ultra-peak season, so rooms are scarce, and the available ones aren't even that great but are still expensive...

So far, we've got this much planned and booked. Normally, I'd just book the first night's accommodation and go, but that wasn't an option for this Ireland trip!

All that's left is to find accommodation for August 18th, the day before we pick up the campervan, and our week-long travel plan will be complete!

Oh! And we'll be able to cook our own meals every day except for the first night, which is a huge plus.