With over 1,800 listings on DoneDeal alone, finding the right campervan in Ireland is overwhelming – but the wrong choice can cost thousands. This guide cuts through the noise to help you find the right van, avoid costly mistakes, and spot deals others miss.

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Campervan ads on DoneDeal: 1,802 ·
Price range (used): €5,000 – €60,541 ·
Popular models: Swift, Ford Transit, VW Crafter ·
Top dealer listing: Pat Horan Motors (Carlow)

Quick snapshot

1Where to Buy
2Types Available
  • Small campers (VW size), fixed bed (Ford Transit), repossessed units, high-top/low-line
3Price Guide
  • Under €5,000 (project cars), €10,000–20,000 (good condition), €30,000–60,000+ (low mileage, modern) (DoneDeal price range)
4Inspection Checklist
Why this matters

Ireland’s used campervan market is fragmented across a dozen platforms and dealers. Without a clear price anchor, buyers risk overpaying by as much as 30% on clearance units.

Where can I find second-hand campervans for sale in Ireland?

Top online marketplaces: DoneDeal, CarsIreland, TheDealer

  • DoneDeal, Ireland’s largest classified site, lists 1,802 new and used campers for sale at any time.
  • CarsIreland aggregates used campervans from multiple dealers across the country, while TheDealer focuses on dealer inventory.
  • Adverts.ie offers a mix of private and trade listings, including a 2005 Rollerteam Granduca 65 Living at €25,000 and a Ford Pilote at €17,000 (Adverts.ie campers section).

Specialist dealers: Pat Horan Motors, Condron Campers

  • Pat Horan Motors in Carlow stocks new and used motorhomes with warranty options, while Condron Campers in Kildare specialises in Volkswagen conversions.

Private sales vs dealer sales

  • Private sales on DoneDeal and Adverts.ie often carry lower prices but require thorough checks—especially for damp and outstanding finance.
  • Dealers typically provide a warranty and service history, adding €2,000–5,000 to the asking price.

The pattern: Online marketplaces offer the widest choice, but specialist dealers reduce inspection risk. For budget buyers, the trade-off is clear: lower price vs peace of mind.

What types of campervans are available for sale in Ireland?

Small campervans (VW size)

  • Volkswagen Transporter conversions and smaller Fiat-based models dominate the ‘compact’ segment, ideal for two people and short trips.

Fixed bed campervans

  • Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato based campers feature fixed beds, separate toilets, and often better insulation for year-round use.

Low-line and high-top models

  • Low-line vans park in standard garages; high-tops offer standing headroom. The choice affects both insurance premiums and ferry/tunnel costs.

Repossessed and clearance units

The catch: Repossessed units are often sold as-is with no inspection period. The buyer saves money but inherits all unknown faults.

The trade-off

A €5,000 campervan may seem like a steal, but the average repair cost for a budget camper in Ireland often exceeds €3,000 within the first year. Factor in a pre-purchase inspection as a non-negotiable expense.

How much does a used campervan cost in Ireland?

Budget end: under €5,000

  • DoneDeal prices start at around €5,000, but those vehicles are typically older than 20 years and require significant mechanical work.

Mid-range: €10,000 – €20,000

  • This bracket covers well-maintained 10–15-year-old models from Swift, Fiat, and Ford. Most have valid NCT and partial service history.

Premium: €30,000 – €60,000+

  • Modern, low-mileage units (e.g., 2020+ Swift Monza automatic) sit at the top end. Pat Horan Motors and Condron Campers stock these with full warranties.

Five price points, one pattern: the gap between budget and mid-range is the deepest because cheap units hide the highest repair risk.

Bottom line: A buyer targeting €10,000–20,000 gets the best value in Ireland. Budget buyers should set aside at least €2,000 for immediate repairs.

Upsides

  • Wide selection on DoneDeal and dealer networks
  • Clear price brackets help narrow search
  • Repossessed units offer steep discounts
  • Specialist dealers provide warranty and history

Downsides

  • Private listings require thorough damp and finance checks
  • Repossessed sales are as-is with no test drive
  • Budget campers often need €2,000+ in immediate repairs
  • Insurance and tax vary by model and weight
  1. Set a realistic budget including repair buffer.
  2. Choose your platform: DoneDeal for widest choice, dealer for warranty.
  3. Filter listings by type, price, and age.
  4. Conduct a pre-purchase inspection – damp test, engine, service history.
  5. Verify vehicle history for outstanding finance or accidents.
  6. Negotiate price based on condition and market data.
  7. Complete purchase with insurance and tax sorted beforehand.

What should I check before buying a used campervan in Ireland?

Mechanical inspection: engine, tyres, brakes

  • Gumtree advises checking engine compression, tyre tread depth, and brake pad thickness before purchase.

Check for water damage and damp

  • Damp is the biggest hidden defect. Look for water stains, mould, musty smells, and soft spots around windows, skylights, and seams. Damp test kits are available for under €20.

Verify service history and mileage

  • Ask for the full service book, MOT certificates (for vehicles over four years old in Northern Ireland), and any major repair invoices. A vehicle history check reveals outstanding finance or accident history.

Review insurance costs and tax classification

  • Campervans over 3.5 tonnes require a different driving licence (C1 category). Insurance premiums vary wildly—get quotes before committing. Some models registered as ‘motor caravans’ enjoy lower motor tax rates.

Why this matters: A thorough inspection can save you from a €10,000 damp-repair bill. The most common mistake Irish buyers make is skipping a professional mechanical check.

Are repossessed campervans a good option in Ireland?

How to find repossessed campervans

  • Banks, credit unions, and finance companies sell repossessed stock directly or through auctions. Autoline Ireland is a primary channel.

Pros: lower prices, motivated sellers

  • Auction starting prices can be as low as €2,900, well below market value. Sellers (finance companies) want a quick sale, not top dollar.

Cons: often sold as-is, limited warranty

  • No test drive or professional inspection is usually allowed. All gas and electrical systems must be checked and certified after purchase.

The implication: Repossessed campervans are a high-risk, high-reward entry point. Best for buyers who can do their own repairs or have a trusted mechanic ready.

What to watch

Outstanding finance on repossessed vehicles is unusual but not impossible. Independently verify the ownership history via a history check to avoid buying someone else’s debt.

Key facts

The market snapshot reveals clear pricing tiers and platform strengths.

Attribute Value
Live listings on DoneDeal 1,802 campers (DoneDeal)
Price range (used) €5,000 – €60,541 (DoneDeal)
Autoline auction floor price From €2,900 (Autoline Ireland)
Jammer.ie used stock 27 recreational vehicles (Jammer.ie)
Adverts.ie example prices €25,000 (2005 Rollerteam); €17,000 (Ford Pilote) (Adverts.ie)
Common brands Swift, Ford, VW, Fiat
Clearance discount typical 20–30% off original price

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

  • DoneDeal lists over 1,800 campers for sale in Ireland (DoneDeal).
  • Used campervan prices on DoneDeal range from €5,000 to €60,541 (DoneDeal).
  • Autoline Ireland auctions offer a price floor starting at €2,900 (Autoline Ireland).
  • Gumtree’s Northern Ireland buyer guide advises checking engine, chassis, bodywork, damp, gas, electrical systems, and history (Gumtree NI guide).

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of repossessed campervans available at any time.
  • Average private seller discount compared to dealer prices.
  • Long-term reliability of cheap (under €5,000) campers.
  • Average total cost of ownership for campers under €5,000.

Quotes from the market

1,802 ads for Campers in Ireland

DoneDeal site listing

We sell motorhomes throughout Ireland. Stocking a wide range of campers & motorhomes both new and second hand.

Pat Horan Motors (dealer website)

What’s next

For anyone serious about buying, the next step is to set a budget, pick one platform (DoneDeal for widest choice), and schedule a physical inspection. Repossessed units demand extra caution, but they also offer the only path to a sub-€5,000 camper that isn’t a project. For Irish buyers, the decision is straightforward: pay for a pre-purchase inspection, or risk paying more later.

Additional sources

donegalmotorhomes.com, anchorpointmotorhomes.com

For buyers seeking current prices and inventory, the campervan listings in Ireland offers detailed market insights.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to buy a campervan in Ireland?

Prices often drop in late autumn and winter when demand is lower. Clearance sales from dealers like Jammer.ie and Pat Horan Motors typically happen between October and February.

Do I need a special driving licence to drive a campervan in Ireland?

If the campervan exceeds 3,500 kg, you need a C1 licence. Most campervans under 3.5 tonnes can be driven on a standard B licence.

How much is motorhome insurance in Ireland on average?

Insurance costs vary widely, but expect €400–1,200 per year depending on value, driver age, and no-claims bonus. Always compare at least three quotes.

Can I get a mortgage or loan for a campervan in Ireland?

Banks and credit unions offer personal loans for campervans. Typical rates are 6–9% APR over 5–7 years. Some dealers also provide in-house finance.

Are campervans exempt from Irish motor tax?

No, but campervans registered as motor caravans pay a lower rate than commercial vans. Check with your local motor tax office for the exact class.

What is the difference between a campervan and a motorhome in registration?

Campervans are typically based on panel vans (e.g., Ford Transit) and registered as ‘motor caravans’. Motorhomes are purpose-built on a chassis cab and may fall under a different weight class.

How often do campervans need an NCT in Ireland?

Campervans under 10 years old require an NCT every 2 years. Vehicles over 10 years old must be tested annually.

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