5 destinations to trace St Patrick’s mythology around Ireland

On 17th March, Dublin becomes the capital of the world. Saint Patrick’s Day brings together millions of visitors every year, attracted by the parades, music festivals, ceilidhs, the “wearing of the green”, shamrock-themed ornaments and “one or three” pints of Guiness around the Temple Bar.

If you are planning to come to Ireland this Paddy’s Day, there is no need to worry about finding an affordable accommodation. With overbooked hotels and B&B’s, hiring a campervan from Bunk Campers’ Dublin depot is the best option to both enjoy the city events and touring Ireland independently to discover more about the Patron Saint’s legends.

At Bunk Campers, we have put together 5 alternative ways to spend the “post-celebration hangover” exploring some of the key Saint Patrick’s sites around the Emerald Isle. Discover them all on board a campervan, your transport and accommodation in one.

1. Slemish Mountain

From Bunk Campers’ Dublin depot, you can drive easily to Slemish Mountain in co. Antrim. According to the legend, Patrick worked here as a slave shepherd for around 6 years. After finding consolation to loneliness in his prayers, he escaped, became priest and returned to Ireland to start his evangelist mission. Why not spend a day in this legendary place, cook lunch in your camper amongst the green countryside and enjoy a hike up the 1500 foot mountain?

2. Lough Derg

This peaceful lake in co. Donegal hosts two extraordinary stories about St. Patrick. Here, the Saint hunted the last snake in the island, turning the waters red with its blood. According to the second story, Christ Himself revealed the Hell’s doors to Patrick inside a cave. Park up your camper and enjoy the full range of activities that this sacred place of pilgrimage has to offer: from praying, sailing or cycling to adventurous water sports such as kayaking, water skiing or power boat racing.

3. Saint Patrick Trail

There’s no better way to learn about the Saint’s life and time in Ireland than following his footsteps in your campervan. Drive along this 92-mile route around Northern Ireland at your own pace. From Bangor to Armagh through Downpatrick: discover his stories while exploring the region’s natural paradise. If you want more information about driving along the Saint Patrick Trail, don’t miss out our St Patrick’s day trail blog post.

4. County Tipperary

Drive your camper to one of the most important Christian Heritage Sites in Ireland. Co. Tipperary is home to the Rock of Cashel or St. Patrick’s Rock, where the savior baptised Aenghus, the King of Munster – accidentally stabbing him in the foot with his crozier. This “hazardous” ritual marked the end of paganism in Ireland. Head on 15 miles southwards and stop off at St. Patrick’s Well in Clonmel. Take a stroll around this tranquil valley and enjoy the well’s water, which is said to have magical properties.

5. Croagh Patrick

Point your camper towards co. Mayo and visit this must-see St. Patrick’s destination. The summit, known in pagan times as Cruachán Aigle, was an ancient site for Celtic rituals of fertility during the summer solstice. According to the Christian legends, St. Patrick spent 40 days there fighting snakes, dragons and pagan demons. Nowadays, the hill receives almost one million pilgrims every year, thousands of them making the trek barefoot on Reek Sunday – last Sunday of July.

On 17th March, run away from over-crowed and over-priced accommodation places and hire a campervan from Bunk Campers. Enjoy both a Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin and a tour around Ireland.

For more information and booking, simply use Bunk Campers’ online engine, email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 2890 813057. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to be updated on the latest promotions, travel routes, destinations and tips!