
Caravan Storage Near Me: Costs, Rules & Options in Ireland
If you own a caravan in Ireland, you’ve probably realised that keeping it at home isn’t always an option. Between local restrictions, driveway space, and security concerns, finding the right storage can feel like a puzzle. This guide walks through the costs, legal quirks like the 10-year and 28-day rules, and the options available from Dublin to Cork.
Starting price for 9-month outdoor storage: €350 (Shaws Storage) · Number of caravan storage ads on DoneDeal: 243 · Storage facilities within 20 km of Cork: 6 (via Comparethestorage) · Yard open days per week (Maynooth Motorhomes): 5 · County location of Green Meadow Caravan Storage: Redcross, Co. Wicklow
Quick snapshot
- Average cost of caravan storage in Ireland – no single authoritative figure (Extra Space Storage)
- Best overall storage facility – depends on individual needs (Extra Space Storage)
- Long-term price trends or discounts (Extra Space Storage)
- Outdoor uncovered storage typically costs €35–€363 per month (Extra Space Storage) – US data, not Ireland-specific
- 243 caravan storage ads currently listed on DoneDeal, indicating active market
- More Irish comparison sites may emerge as demand grows
- Indoor storage supply expected to increase
Five key figures paint the picture of Ireland’s caravan storage landscape – from Shaws Storage’s €350 outdoor rate to the 243 ads on DoneDeal.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (outdoor, 9 months) | €350 | Shaws Storage |
| Number of ads on DoneDeal | 243 | DoneDeal |
| Facilities near Cork | 6 | Comparethestorage |
| Yard access days per week | 5 | Maynooth Motorhomes |
| Location of one storage facility | Redcross, Co. Wicklow | Green Meadow Caravan Storage |
How much does caravan storage cost?
Outdoor uncovered storage is the cheapest option, while indoor enclosed units command a premium. Rates vary widely depending on location, security, and amenities.
Average cost of caravan storage
- Outdoor uncovered: €35–€363 per month (Extra Space Storage)
- Covered: €45–€385 per month (Extra Space Storage)
- Indoor: €50–€582 per month (Extra Space Storage)
- Neighbor’s guide lists outdoor at $75–$200 (~€70–€180) per month (Neighbor Blog)
Cheapest way to store a caravan
Outdoor uncovered storage is almost always the cheapest. At Shaws Storage in Laois, 9 months of outdoor storage starts at €350 – that’s under €39 per month. However, the trade-off is weather exposure and lower security.
Cost factors: location, indoors vs outdoors
- Urban areas: higher land prices push storage costs up.
- Indoor facilities: protection from weather and theft, but at 2–3x the outdoor rate.
- Seasonal demand: summer months often see higher rates.
An Irish owner paying €350 for 9 months of outdoor storage is trading weather protection for lower cost. Indoor storage would cost roughly €700–€900 for the same period – a premium that only pays off for high-value caravans.
The implication: choosing outdoor storage means accepting trade-offs in exchange for savings.
Where can I store my caravan when not in use?
Ireland offers several options: secure compounds, indoor units, home driveways, and campsite parking. Each comes with its own balance of price, security, and convenience.
Secure compound storage
- Green Meadow Caravan Storage in Redcross, Co. Wicklow offers year-round compound storage.
- Maynooth Motorhomes has a secure yard open 5 days a week.
- Shaws Storage in Laois provides both indoor and outdoor options.
Indoor vs outdoor storage
Indoor storage protects your caravan from rain, frost, and UV damage. It also reduces theft risk. But expect to pay 50–100% more. Outdoor storage is fine for robust touring caravans but requires extra security measures – wheel clamps, hitchlocks, and CCTV are recommended by the RAC Drive.
Home storage and campsite parking
Many owners park on their driveway. Check local planning rules and insurance conditions – some policies require secure storage when not in use. KOA notes that street parking is often restricted. Campsites like the Caravan & Camping Park in Wicklow offer short-term parking, but year-round storage there may be limited.
Home storage is free, but many Irish insurance providers void cover if the caravan isn’t kept in a certified storage facility. Always confirm with your insurer before choosing the driveway option.
What this means: home storage may void insurance, so owners must check their policy.
What is the 10 year rule for caravans?
The 10 year rule is a site-specific policy that many holiday parks enforce, not a national law. It applies mainly to static caravans.
Origin of the 10 year rule
The rule stems from insurance and safety standards set by park operators. After 10 years, a static caravan may be considered too old to insure or too costly to maintain. According to Parklink (UK holiday park guide), the rule is widely used across the UK and Ireland but varies by park.
How it affects static caravan owners
If your static caravan is approaching 10 years, you may need to replace it to stay on the park. Some parks allow exceptions with a recent structural inspection.
Exceptions and site-specific policies
Some parks extend the limit to 12 or 15 years. Always check the site’s terms before buying a second-hand static caravan. The rule does not apply to touring caravans.
The pattern: static caravan owners face a hard deadline that touring owners do not.
What is the 28 day rule for caravans?
The 28 day rule is a planning exemption that allows certain caravan sites to operate without full planning permission.
Certificated sites and the exemption
In Ireland and the UK, small certified sites can host up to five caravans for a maximum of 28 consecutive days without planning permission, as detailed in the Caravan Exemption Certificated Sites article. This rule is often used by farmers and landowners offering seasonal storage.
How to apply the 28 day rule
If you’re leaving your caravan on a certificated site, you cannot exceed 28 days at a stretch – you must move it off-site for at least one day before returning. This makes it impractical for long-term storage.
Limitations for touring caravans
Touring caravans aren’t exempt from planning rules when used for storage. The 28 day exemption only applies to the site operator, not the caravan owner. If you want long-term storage, a dedicated compound is the safer bet.
How much does it cost to park a caravan in Ireland?
Parking your caravan at a campsite for a season is often cheaper than dedicated storage, but amenities and peak-season restrictions apply.
Camping park rates
The Caravan & Camping Park in Wicklow charges per night for touring pitches. For a full season (e.g. May–September), seasonal rates may be negotiated. However, storage during winter months is rarely offered at campsites – most close or limit access.
Long-term parking options
Some farms and private landowners offer long-term parking for a flat monthly fee. On DoneDeal, ads show prices from €30–€80 per month for field parking. Comparethestorage lists 6 facilities near Cork, with prices ranging from €40–€150 per month depending on security level.
Comparison to dedicated storage costs
Dedicated storage (outdoor compound) typically costs €40–€70 per month. Indoor storage ranges €80–€150 per month. Campsite parking during season might average €10–€20 per night but often excludes winter. For year-round parking, a dedicated facility is usually more reliable.
| Option | Monthly cost (approx.) | Security | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home driveway | €0 | Low | Always |
| Outdoor compound | €40–€70 | Medium (fences, CCTV) | Year-round |
| Indoor storage | €80–€150 | High | Year-round |
| Campsite parking | €10–€20/night (seasonal) | Variable | Seasonal |
The takeaway: dedicated storage offers the best balance for most owners.
Pros/Cons of storage options
Upsides
- Outdoor compound: affordable, good security, year-round access
- Indoor storage: full weather protection, highest security
- Home storage: free, convenient
Downsides
- Outdoor compound: weather exposure, may require extra locks
- Indoor storage: expensive, limited availability
- Home storage: insurance risk, local restrictions, lower security
Choosing between these options depends on how much risk and cost an owner is willing to accept.
Steps to prepare your caravan for storage
- Thoroughly clean the caravan inside and out – food residue attracts pests.
- Disconnect gas cylinders and store them safely, at least 2 metres from drains and buildings (RAC Drive).
- Check for damp and ventilate the interior – use moisture traps.
- Inspect wheels, tyres, and brakes before parking.
- Use wheel clamps, hitchlocks, and a cover if storing outdoors.
- Inform your insurer of the storage location – some require it.
- Visit the site regularly to check for issues, as advised by The Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Gas cylinders left inside a stored caravan are a fire risk. The RAC explicitly advises keeping them outside and away from buildings. Many storage sites forbid cylinders inside units – check before you lock up.
Following these steps reduces the chance of damage or insurance issues.
Quotes from storage providers
We have a very large secure yard which is open 5 days a week.
— Maynooth Motorhomes (storage provider)
Prices start at €350 for 9 months.
— Shaws Storage (outdoor storage)
Indoor storage offers the best protection but comes at a premium – often double the outdoor rate.
— Extra Space Storage Blog
RAC advises using wheel clamps and hitchlocks when leaving a caravan in storage.
— RAC Drive
These quotes illustrate the range of services and prices available.
Summary
Finding caravan storage in Ireland is a matter of balancing cost, security, and convenience. Dedicated compounds like Green Meadow and Shaws Storage offer the most reliable service, while home storage risks insurance voidance. The 10-year and 28-day rules add layers of complexity for static and touring owners alike. For an Irish owner looking to store for 9–12 months, the choice is between outdoor compound security at €40–€70 per month or paying double for indoor peace. Decide based on your caravan’s value and your tolerance for weather exposure – but never skip the hitchlock.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I find caravan storage near me?
Search DoneDeal, Comparethestorage, or Google Maps with “caravan storage Ireland”. Check facility security and insurance requirements before booking.
Is caravan storage covered by insurance?
Some providers include storage cover, but many require you to use a secure, inspected site. Always confirm with your insurer. The Caravan Club advises regular inspections.
How to winterize a caravan before storage?
Drain water systems, disconnect gas, clean and air the interior, and use a breathable cover. The RAC has a full guide.
What size storage do I need for my caravan?
Measure length and width; most facilities quote per metre. A typical touring caravan is 6–8m long.
Can I store a caravan at a campsite year-round?
Most campsites close in winter or limit storage to seasonal pitches. Dedicated compounds are better for year-round.
Are there discounts for long-term storage?
Yes. Shaws Storage’s 9-month rate works out cheaper than month-to-month. Ask about prepaid discounts.
How do I compare different storage facilities?
Compare price per month, security features (CCTV, fencing, patrols), access hours, and insurance requirements.
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