The headline comparison
| Operator | Fleet size (IE) | Indicative weekly (shoulder, 2-berth) | Pickup hubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunk Campers | ~120 | €780–€1,150 | Dublin, Belfast |
| Indie Campers | ~80 | €730–€1,100 | Dublin |
| Roadsurfer | ~30 | €820–€1,250 | Dublin |
| Cookies Campers | ~35 | €700–€1,000 | Dublin |
| Camperin (smaller Irish operators) | ~10–25 | €650–€950 | Cork, Galway |
Prices are indicative for a 2-berth campervan, 7-night rental, May or September (shoulder season). Add 30–60% for July/August. Add a further 5–15% for one-way rentals. Always include the cost of any add-ons (extra driver, late pickup, child seat, bedding kit) when comparing — headline daily rates can be misleading.
1. Bunk Campers
The biggest player by fleet, with depots in Dublin and Belfast. Reliable, professional, well-maintained vans — you know what you're getting. The Aero (Ford Transit-based 2-berth) is the workhorse and a safe bet for first-timers.
Strengths: Largest fleet, two depots, good aftercare, north-south one-ways possible.
Watch for: Premium pricing in peak. Standard insurance has high excess (€1,500–€2,500); their excess-reduction add-on is €14–€22/day — budget for it.
Check Bunk Campers availability and prices (affiliate)
2. Indie Campers
Pan-European operator with a Dublin depot. The brand standardises on Mercedes Marco Polo and similar premium-base 2-berths. Pricing is competitive, the vans are newer than the average rental fleet, and the booking platform is the slickest of the lot.
Strengths: Newer vehicles, good app, transparent pricing, decent insurance terms.
Watch for: Single Irish depot (Dublin) limits one-way logistics. Lower deposit visibility than Bunk; check the small print on damage policy before booking.
Browse Indie Campers fleet (affiliate)
3. Roadsurfer
German operator that arrived in Ireland in 2023. The "Surfer Suite" 2-berth is a VW Crafter conversion that's particularly well-equipped (proper kitchen, decent fridge, comfortable bed). Premium pricing reflects the kit.
Strengths: Best-equipped vans of the three majors. Good European integration if you're crossing on a ferry.
Watch for: Smallest Irish fleet, so availability tightens early. Pickup at Dublin Airport only.
Roadsurfer Irish fleet (affiliate)
4. Cookies Campers (Irish-owned)
Family-run Dublin-based operator. Smaller fleet of mostly Fiat Ducato 2-berths. Personal service, slightly older vans, well-loved by repeat customers.
Strengths: Local service, flexible deposit terms, willing to discuss longer rentals.
Watch for: Older fleet means occasional reliability surprises. Confirm habitation service is current before pickup.
5. The smaller Irish operators (Cork, Galway, Donegal)
A handful of small operators with 5–15 vans each, mostly serving the local market. Examples: Camperin (Cork), CamperVan Hire Ireland (Galway). Often cheaper than the majors and useful if you want to start your trip outside Dublin.
Strengths: Local pickup, often substantial price advantage. Personal service.
Watch for: Smaller fleets mean less flexibility on dates. Confirm one-way return options up front. Insurance terms vary — read carefully.
How to choose
- First-timers, Dublin start, peak season: Bunk. Largest fleet means availability when others are booked out.
- Newer vehicle preference, app users: Indie. Slickest experience, newer fleet.
- Best-kitted-out, willing to pay premium: Roadsurfer.
- Returning customers, off-peak: Cookies, or one of the smaller operators — better value.
- Want to start your trip on the south or west coast: Camperin (Cork) or CamperVan Hire Ireland (Galway).
The non-obvious extras to watch for
- Excess reduction. Standard motorhome rental excesses are €1,500–€3,000. The reduction add-on is usually €14–€25/day; for a week-long trip, that's €100–€175. Worth doing for peace of mind.
- Bedding kit. Some operators include linen; some charge €30–€60/person to add it. Bring your own if you're price-sensitive.
- One-way fees. Picking up Dublin and dropping off Belfast (or vice versa) typically €75–€150 fee.
- Mileage caps. Most rentals are unlimited mileage, but check — the cheapest deals sometimes cap at 200–300 km/day.
- Late return fees. Almost universally punitive (€30–€60 per hour after the contracted return time). Plan margin.
- Driver minimum age. Most operators require 25+; some 23+. Under-25 drivers usually pay a "young driver surcharge".
If you've never driven a campervan before
The standard 2-berth on a Ford Transit / Fiat Ducato base is no harder to drive than a panel van. The non-obvious driving notes:
- Reverse cameras are the difference between a relaxing trip and a parking nightmare. All three majors include them on most models in 2026; double-check for older fleet.
- Heights of 3.0–3.5 m mean some carparks (multi-storeys, some hotel forecourts) are off-limits. Plan accordingly.
- Wind on the west and north coasts can be ferocious. Don't park side-on to a gale; you don't sleep.
- Reverse very slowly — 90% of rental damage claims are reversing scrapes.