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When I was invited to test drive a campervan at home in Ireland, there was an immediate problem: I don’t drive.
But after enlisting the help of my fully licensed partner, we were off, cruising down the M50 towards the fuchsia-draped boreens of the Wild Atlantic Way.
As a guest of Roadsurfer, our home on wheels for the four-day trek from Doolin to Lettergesh in Conamara was a Road House, a spacious Sprinter-type campervan perfect for the two of us, but big enough for four.
From the outset, it was clear that this kind of holiday is not for everyone. It requires a spirit of adventure, the willingness to rough it a little, and a considerable amount of patience.
But for those seeking a truly immersive experience, a campervan offers the purest sense of freedom I’ve ever felt on holiday.
I asked Metro‘s Audience team for their burning questions about a holiday on wheels. From going to the toilet to getting too close for comfort, here’s everything you could ever need to know.
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What’s in the van?
The Road House has the compact size of a campervan with the trappings of a motorhome.
It has sleeping space for up to four people (a sofabed downstairs and a pop-up tent on the roof), plus a kitchen with a fridge, movable dining table and dual gas hob.
There’s also a shower and toilet, but more on that later.
The van comes with a good amount of storage space, as well as a water tank and 230V electricity connection.
It has deck chairs and cooking utensils, including pots, plates, cutlery, and mugs, but you need to bring bed linen and pillows yourself.
Where do you go to the loo?
Everyone’s number one question.
The Road House has a narrow but functional bathroom, complete with a toilet, washbasin, and shower that runs from the water tank.
To use the shower, you’ll need to erect a curtain that covers the entire bathroom. It’s finicky, and there’s not a lot of space. Save yourself the trouble and shower in the campsite instead.
The shower head can be slipped through the window and used outside, but who wants to shower outdoors in Ireland if you can avoid it?
If you want to use the facilities, do your business in the toilet cassette (which is connected to a small plastic box) and flush it with water. Then, the fun part: you’ll need to empty the box in a designated disposal site when it’s full.
This was something I couldn’t bring myself to do, and really, there’s no need to. Just use the bathrooms in the campsite and avoid drinking liquids late at night.
How do I charge my gadgets?
As mentioned, the Road House has a 230V connection that can be hooked up to the mains at the campsite.
You can also charge your phone while driving.
Where do I sleep and how comfortable is the bed?
There are two places to sleep: the integrated sofabed in the main body of the van, and the pop-up tent that you manually raise on the roof.
Both are comfortable, and the tent was a lot of fun until the shrieking winds of Ireland’s west coast kept us up half the night.
Still, even when it was raining, there was something soothing about falling asleep with the sound of droplets bouncing off the roof.
Overall, I’d say if the weather is good, sleep upstairs. If the forecast is bad, bed down beneath.
How do you get up to the tent?
With a ladder that you keep above the driver’s seat.
The roof operates on a simple double latch system. Both sides are clipped into place when you’re driving and when the tent is not in use.
When you’re ready to pop it up, unclip the sides and push upwards. Et voila.
Can you stand up?
In the pop-up tent, no. In the rest of the van, yes — sort of.
It’s billed as full standing height, which was certainly the case for me (5’4). My partner (6’4) was a different story.
How much should you pack?
That depends on your route, itinerary, and personal preference.
For our five-day trek, we took two mid-size backpacks, four loose pairs of shoes (suitable for walking and swimming) and one handbag, plus bedding and pillows. All was loaded into the back with plenty of space to spare.
Was it scary at night?
No, except for the evening of the aforementioned banshee gusts, which did make us fret that the van might blow over (it never moved an inch).
Other than that, we felt perfectly safe at all times. It goes without saying that we locked the van before bed and parked up in official campsites.
You can find some of the best campsites in Ireland here and the UK here.
At times, is it too close for comfort?
Occasionally, yes, but that’s not the van’s fault!
Navigating narrow laneways and unfamiliar roads can be stressful, and once you’ve arrived, there’s nowhere to decompress.
You’re at close quarters, and there are things to do: hook up the electric, fill up the water tank, fold out the chairs, pop up the tent… you get what I mean.
As a result, a new couple in the first flush of romance might not want to opt for a holiday like this. You could any sense of mystery.
What was the best thing about it?
The freedom. The sense of being untethered. The feeling of being able to go anywhere, anytime.
What was the worst thing about it?
The only thing I would change about the van is the dining area.
There is a table that hooks onto the wall, but we kept knocking it over each time we walked past. It would be better to have something fixed instead.
Beyond the vehicle, it must be said that campervan holidays are not as cheap as you might imagine.
Factoring in petrol, campsite charges, and extras for additional equipment, the total cost often comes in higher than a few nights in a mid-range hotel.
Then again, you can’t put a price on freedom.
How much does it cost?
You can hire a Road House campervan for as little as £75 per night.
The exact price will vary depending on when you plan to travel and how long you’re travelling. Petrol and campsite charges are not included.
For more info on the latest deals, visit roadsurfer.com.
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