VANDERLUST

Wexford native Niamh Mahon tells Siobhán Breatnach about the inspiration behind her camper van renovation project and plans for a summer on the road

Ihave been wanting to own a camper van for the longest time. Last year my husband and I decided to go ahead and buy an empty van and convert it ourselves. With no holidays and none on the horizon it seemed like the time was right. Little did we know there would be another lockdown. The van was great to give us something to do together on the weekends. We researched a lot on what to do and how to do it. YouTube was a huge help and there are a few Facebook groups too, which are fantastic help with any questions, no matter how silly they seem.

We bought an Opel Movano medium-wheel base van. We decided to buy from our local garage as they had a full-service history and we felt more comfortable knowing that. Certain specs are needed to qualify the van as a camper, so we started from there as to what had to be done. I started following lots of Instagram accounts relating to van builds and we decided what the best layout was for us. My husband is fantastic at anything DIY and I learned so much by doing this conversion with him.

Search #vanlife on Instagram and you’ll discover over 10-million posts offering idyllic views and ideas for a more minimalistic and simple way to travel and explore at your own pace. Given Ireland’s wide-open roads, its stunning rugged coastline and a network of lively cities, heritage towns and cosy villages, it’s no wonder we’re embracing the potential for fun and freedom in a whole new way.

Buying and renovating camper vans and motor homes became passion projects for many across the country during lockdown. Gorgeous driving routes like the Ring of Kerry, Wicklow’s Braveheart Drive or the Inishowen 100 in Co. Donegal, offers perfect sunsets and picturesque backdrops showing Mother Nature at her best. The Wild Atlantic Way, untamed and natural, stretches gloriously for 1,550-miles along the entire west coast, while The Grand Tour links attractions in counties Wicklow and Kildare and is another great way to explore the stories of the Ancient East. Rolling hills, golden beaches, ancient castles, and medieval ruins, what’s not to love about hitting the road in your very own home on wheels.

I am a practice manager in a GP surgery and I also have a photography studio (Beehive Studios). I specialise in new-born photography. Obviously, with lockdown the studio was closed so converting the van was great, as I am used to being busy with both my jobs. We both love to be outdoors and having the van allows us to literally hop in the van and off we go. Even if it’s just down to a local beach, it doesn’t matter you still get that sense of freedom. We are very lucky we live in Wexford and have some of the best beaches in the country, so we are never stuck for a place to go.

Being back to work now we haven’t managed to go further afield as of yet but we are planning on doing the Wild Atlantic Way in a few weeks. I am very excited about this. There are lots of places in Ireland that I have not seen, which I would imagine, lots of people are in the same situation. This is a great opportunity to explore Ireland. One of my top places to visit is the Giant’s Causeway. Donegal is another on my list and I am just looking forward to finally seeing and exploring my country, finding places that are off the beaten track, eating in local restaurants and enjoying the freedom the van will give us on a very new type of holiday for us.