5 Things to Think About When Buying a Campervan in Ireland

 

Buying a campervan in Ireland is an exciting step — more freedom, more road trips and the ability to explore the country at your own pace. But before you put down a deposit, there are a few important things worth thinking through first.
From how you’ll actually use it, to practical considerations like size, running costs and insurance, making the right decisions early can save you stress (and money) later on.

Here are five key things to think about when buying a campervan in Ireland.

1. How Will You Use Your Campervan in Ireland?

Before you start viewing vans, be honest about how you’ll really use it.
Will it be:

• The odd weekend away?
• Regular Irish staycations?
• Longer trips around the Wild Atlantic Way or abroad?
• Used solo, as a couple or with family?

How often you’ll use your campervan — and where you’ll travel — should guide the size, layout and level of comfort you need. Many people buying a campervan in Ireland discover that a smaller, more practical setup suits Irish roads and campsites better than something oversized.

2. New, Used or Converted Campervan?

When buying a campervan in Ireland, you’ll usually be choosing between:

• A new campervan
• A used factory‑built camper
• Or a converted van

New campervans offer peace of mind but come at a higher cost. Used campervans can be better value, but it’s important to check service history, signs of damp, and overall condition.

Converted vans are very popular in Ireland, but not all conversions meet the standards required for insurance. It’s worth checking early that a van can be insured before you commit to buying it.

3. Budget for More Than the Purchase Price

The purchase price is only part of the cost of buying a campervan in Ireland.
You’ll also need to think about:

• Campervan insurance
• Motor tax
• Maintenance and servicing
• Fuel costs
• Storage, if you can’t keep it at home

Some campervans hold their value extremely well, while others may be cheaper upfront but cost more to run over time. Looking beyond the sticker price helps avoid surprises later on.

When buying a campervan in Ireland, it’s also important to factor in taxes and registration. The Revenue Commissioners have detailed guidance on Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), particularly for imported or converted campervans.

4. Size, Weight and Irish Roads

Campervans may look similar online, but size and weight make a big difference in real life — especially on Irish roads.
Before buying, consider:

• How comfortable you are driving a larger vehicle
• Where you’ll park it at home
• Height or length restrictions in car parks and campsites
• Payload limits once the van is fully loaded

When buying a campervan in Ireland, practicality often matters more than extra space you may rarely use.

5. Insurance and Insurability

Insurance is often left until the last minute, but it should be part of your decision‑making from the start.
Factors that can affect campervan insurance in Ireland include:

• The age of the vehicle
• Type of conversion
• Security features
• How and where the campervan is stored
• Whether it’s used occasionally or regularly

Checking insurability early — especially with converted or imported campervans — can save a lot of frustration after you’ve already found “the one”.

Campervan Insurance in Ireland

Once you’ve found the right campervan, making sure it’s properly insured is just as important.
At Insurance for Campervans, we specialise in campervan insurance in Ireland and understand the differences between factory‑built campers, conversions and real‑world usage.

Buying a campervan in Ireland and need a quote?

Get in touch with us today for a campervan insurance quote, or get a quote online here.