Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park, Dublin

Perfect for: Those looking for a relaxed break with easy access to the country’s capital.

What to do? Set on 300 acres of Corkagh Park Demesne, Camac Valley is perfect for a relaxed break where families can enjoy miles of tarmacked and grassed walks, fishing lakes, an animal farm, beautiful rose gardens and an abundance of wildlife. However, your break can have the best of both worlds, as there is a bus stop outside the camp gates, getting you into Dublin city centre within 20 minutes. So intersperse your break with a trip to Dublin Zoo, shopping on Grafton Street or a visit to the National Aquatic Centre.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs between €20 and €24. Unit for two adults and two children costs between €21 and €25. Website: www.camacvalley.com

Battlebridge Caravan and Camping Park, Leitrim

Perfect for: Those looking for a more glamorous camping experience.

What to do? Love the idea of camping, but not so fond of the reality? Then Battlebridge is your perfect solution, as it offers luxury glamping tents and eco pods. You don’t have to worry about the weather as you snuggle up in your pod. If you’re not mad about cooking on a camp fire, there is also a traditional pub on-site serving gourmet pub food. Your belly will be full to explore forest and canal walks, as well as nearby Carrick-on-Shannon. On top of that, there are plenty of opportunities to go golfing, fishing, horse riding, cycling or birdwatching, before finishing off the day with some traditional Irish music.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs €19. Unit for two adults and two children costs €23. Website: www.battlebridgecaravanandcamping.ie

Morriscastle Strand, Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford

Perfect for: A seaside family break.

What to do? A tried and tested option that has entertained Irish families for years, Morriscastle Strand is one of the oldest caravan and camping parks in Ireland. The beautiful, 20km-long, Blue Flag beach at Morriscastle has the longest stretch of strand in Europe, perfect for swimming, walking and bass fishing from the shore. If that’s not enough to entertain the younger members of the family, Kids Kamp runs during July and August. If camping cooking gets a bit too much for you, there is an on-site cafe serving food all day.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs between €20 and €25. Unit for two adults and two children costs between €22 and €28. Website: www.morriscastlestrand.com

Westport House Caravan and Camping Park

Perfect for: Families and adults looking for an active holiday.

What to do? Set in the lush parkland of Westport House estate, there’s so much for kids to do you might not see them for the entire holiday. From the pirates den area, playgrounds, the sand pit and discos, their schedule will be jam-packed. For active adults there is the adventure activity centre with zorbing, zip-wire rides, archery, laser combat games and water sports. For a more relaxed break, enjoy golf, deep sea fishing, pony trekking and some fantastic restaurants.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs between €24 and €26. Unit for two adults and two children costs between €32 and €34. Website: www.westporthouse.ie

Nagles, Doolin, Co Clare

Perfect for: Nature lovers and families or friends looking to explore the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Or those looking to try out glamping pods.

What to do? With wi-fi throughout the park and new glamping pods, Nangles is a camping experience with a little more luxury. However, this is just the start of the impressive list of perks. Situated on the verge of the Atlantic Ocean, between the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, Nagles is beside Doolin Pier where you can take a ferry to the Aran Islands or view the cliffs from a different perspective. The craic is mighty in this part of Clare, with some of Ireland’s most famous pubs just a short walk away, with traditional music nightly. Nearby local attractions also include excellent restaurants, Lahinch Seaworld, coastal walks and the great stalactite of Doolin Cave.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs between €17 and €19. Unit for two adults and two children costs between €23 and €25. Website: www.doolincamping.com

Blarney Caravan and Camping Park, Cork

Perfect for: Families or friends looking for a break, which is a fusion of city activity and nature.

What to do? Located just 8km from Cork city, Blarney Camping Park is well-sheltered and gently sloping, commanding views towards the world famous Blarney Castle and the surrounding countryside. You can enjoy the scenery, while meandering around the site’s beautifully-maintained 18-hole pitch and putt course, which caters for adults and teenagers. Day trips include the Fota Wildlife Park, the Old Midleton Jameson distillery, Cobh Heritage and the Titanic Centre. Relax with a drink at the end of the day, with a country pub located just 100 metres from the site.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs between €22 and €24. Unit for two adults and two children costs between €28 and €30. Website: www.blarneycaravan park.compark.com

Ballyness Caravan Park, Bushmills, Co Antrim

Perfect for: Nature lovers and those looking to relax.

What to do? Explore Northern Ireland from this award-winning base on the spectacular northern coast. Ballyness is the closest park to the Giant’s Causeway, which is perfect for some memorable pics and is sure to take your breath away. It’s also within easy access of the Bushmills distillery. If you’re looking to spend more time with nature, the area is great for birdwatching, fishing, sailing, surfing and walks on the Blue Flag beaches. A day-trip to Belfast city is also a must.

Prices: Unit for two adults costs £24. Unit for two adults and two children costs between £24 and £26.

Website: www.ballynesscaravan park.com

Top tips for camping

• Before packing up the car, research and plan your route, particularly if you’re bringing the kids. The website www.campingireland.ie has details of 84 Fáilte Ireland-registered caravan and camping parks around the country, so you can find exactly what you need in your location.

• Be sure to get your Camping Key Card on campingireland.ie It will cost you €16, but the investment is well worth it as it offers discounts on certain sites, visitor attractions, activities and a whole range of restaurants.

• Avoid being stranded during peak season. Book early or ring ahead to make sure there’s availability, particularly in July and August.

• Avoid the family fights on holidays and practise pitching your tent at home before heading off.

• Get to know your camping neighbours and don’t be afraid to ask them for a helping hand.