Wild Atlantic Way EV Road Trip

There’s more than one way into Ireland; inbound travel is not included in this holiday, but no matter where you’re travelling from, we’ll help you choose the simplest route to reach central Dublin, location of our EV rental partner.

Choose from a Tesla Model Y Long Range (max range 330 miles / 530 km) or Polestar 2 (max range 400 miles / 640 km) and set off away from the city, making your way towards the north-western tip of the island.

At McKinlay Kidd, we’ve spent many years travelling across the island of Ireland, and indeed we now have key team members based close to the Wild Atlantic Way. So, we’re in an ideal position to provide personally created guidance through our favourite areas, recommending key touchpoints along the way, enriching every kilometre – and making sure you’re never too far away from charging opportunities.

Today, heading north-west, you’ll travel past Navan and through the lively town of Kells, along the shores of Lough Ramor in Co Cavan, soon crossing the border into Northern Ireland. Perhaps take lunch by magnificent Lough Erne, before re-entering the Republic at Donegal and heading to the coast of Lough Swilly.

Your Accommodation in North Donegal

One of the places we can never wait to return to, your accommodation on Lough Swilly seamlessly blends Georgian scale and grandeur with personal attention and service. Set in seven acres of wooded gardens, you’re only a step or three away from an expansive golden, sandy beach, making this an inspiring and relaxing location. Inside, there’s a touch of opulence, though no hint of stuffiness. And while you’ll certainly be tempted by the fine-dining restaurant, we can heartily recommend pizza from the garden’s wood-fired pizza oven accompanied by a creamy pint from the draft Guinness tap.

Today’s drive 163 miles/ 263 km. EV charging on site.

Head 30 minutes north this morning to feel the force of the north Atlantic. You’ll visit Fanad Head, one of the great lighthouses of Ireland, consistently voted one of the world’s most beautiful, and enjoy an authentic guided tour telling the story of the peninsula and the lighthouse, including a thrilling visit to the top of the tower for a 360° view.

Later, perhaps take the gentle ferry ride across the lough to Buncrana and make your way to Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, where you can really lean into the whispering breeze!

Today delivers a true flavour of the best European road trips. Wave goodbye to Lough Swilly and head for the north-west coast of Donegal, then wend your way south amidst views of the Donegal Archipelago, Gola and Dowey Islands and the cliffs of Sliabh Liag. Round Donegal Town and enter historic Co Sligo – Yeats country, and home to stunning Benbulbin. Sticking close to the North Atlantic as you go, Neolithic Ceide Fields and vast Ballycroy National Park promote more gasps as you cross the bridge to Achill, Ireland’s largest offshore island, recently made more famous by its inclusion in the hit film the Banshees of Inisherin. Here, you’ll meet an engaging local guide and set off on a tour of discovery, telling the often alarming story of the 19th-century mission colony established here.

Your Accommodation in Westport

There’s no more central location to spend a night in this buzzing little town. Brightly painted in yellow ochre, curving around  the Octagon Monument to George Glendining (whose statue lost its head to target-practising Free State troops during the Civil War in 1923) the hotel is a longstanding stalwart of Westport life. Recently extended to include upgraded rooms and an elegant Orangery, it’s a fine spot in which to spend the evening.

Today’s drive 208 miles/ 335 km. EV charging on-site and we’ll include locations of top-up options along the way for complete peace of mind.

There’s no need to rush today, as your next stop is not a great distance. So take your time over a leisurely Irish breakfast before setting off along the pitching coast of Co Mayo. Your route skirts the foothills of Croagh Patrick ‘Ireland’s Holiest Mountain’ and affords views of peaceful Clare Island on sweeping Clew Bay. Dropping south, you enter the wild landscape of Connemara, home to Ireland’s only fjord and astonishing Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Take time to wander here, and perhaps stop by vibrant ‘capital’ Clifden, before settling into your accommodation on Lough Inagh.

Your Accommodation in Connemara

Set right by the shimmering waters of the lough, your accommodation in Connemara is a complete haven for rest and relaxation. Surrounded by soaring Mam Turks and Twelve Bens, there’s no end of opportunity for the casual or more serious walker. Each bedroom enjoys views of the lough, a perfect place to repair after a long day’s exploration. Then choose to enjoy dinner of superb country-house classics in the restaurant.

Today’s drive 72 miles / 116 km. EV charging on site.

Another wonderfully gentle day’s holiday today. Make the short trip to Clifden and switch from four wheels to two as you enjoy a pair of state-of-the-art eBikes for the day. Never ridden an electric bike? You’re in for a treat, and there’s nothing to learn as it’s exactly like riding a bicycle, only with a pleasing shove when you meet a hill – of which there are plenty around here. Ascend Skye Road away from town for stunning views of Turbot, Inishturk and Ormey islands. Rest for lunch of chowder and Guinness at a classic strand bar, before carrying on to Anchor Beach and eventually looping back to Clifden.

It’s another relaxing drive today, so you’ve plenty of time to dawdle over breakfast before your journey south continues around sweeping Galway Bay – perhaps taking time in Europe’s westernmost city. The pitching roadways of the Wild Atlantic Way carry you along the coast, through Kinvarra, past popular Traught beach and into Co Clare. Stick to this coastal route and you’ll find Flaggy Shore and Bishops Quarter on your way to Ballyvaughan in the mystical landscape of the Burren, location of your base for the next two nights.

Your Accommodation in the Burren

A long-established, family-owned gem, your accommodation sits genuinely surrounded by the limestone splendour of the Burren on three sides, with views out to Galway Bay on the fourth. Established by the current host’s parents, this place exudes a relaxed warmth alongside a touch of sophistication to its every space and, in particular, to its food. We love it here.

Today’s drive 96 miles / 155 km. EV charging on site.

How to explain the Burren to someone who’s never visited? This unique and unwieldy landscape appears at times to have been poured onto this vast area, and is home to an endless collection of cracks and crevices, crags and corners, where ancient tombs and grottos, as well as wildflowers and fauna unseen anywhere else, coalesce to form a quite magical place to spend time. Today you meet your local guide, who’s spent his whole life here and knows every detail, helping tell the story of its formation and its significance to life in Co Clare and wider Ireland.

Wend your way along the coast of Co Clare this morning, perhaps taking time to visit the soaring Cliffs of Moher, the music mecca of Miltown Malbay and dramatic Spanish Point, on your way to the ferry at Killimer. Take the 30-minute ride across the Shannon and you find yourself in the Kingdom of Kerry, serious Wild Atlantic Way country! Pick your path down the coast and around the Dingle peninsula, arriving at Lough Leane for your overnight stop on the outskirts of Killarney.

Your Accommodation by Killarney

Elevated above the lough giving stunning views of the water and McGillicuddy’s Reeks, your accommodation by Killarney delivers something of a treat for your one-night stay. Filled with art and colour, there’s a bright and fresh feel throughout the public areas, with the restaurant and bar enjoying those superb views. Cossetting bedrooms mirror the superb service here, and you’ll certainly wish to make use of the pool and extensive spa facilities. Should you fancy an evening out, a complimentary service shuttles guests back and forth to vibrant Killarney within a few minutes.

Today’s drive 96 miles / 154 km. EV charging on-site.

Set off for the world-famous Ring of Kerry this morning, to one of its most beautiful beaches at Derrynane. Here, meet with one of Ireland’s most engaging and ebullient guides, a world expert on seaweed. Taking to the rocks and the foreshore, you’ll discover the surprising and fascinating story of how this bountiful resource has sustained communities here and around the Irish coast. Now it is in demand from some of the world’s top chefs. 

Then continue exploring the Ring of Kerry and the peninsulas of Bere and Beara, perhaps even visiting Mizen Head, the mainland’s southernmost point, on the way to your final base in wonderful West Cork.

Your Accommodation in West Cork

Perched on a twin causeway-connected island overlooking a stupendous Atlantic beach, your accommodation near the vivacious village of Clonakilty is a wonderful jewel of a place. Popular with local and international holidaymakers, this is a place where wallowing in the tranquillity of the location comes as standard. Combining contemporary bedrooms with vast views, superb dining and an extensive spa, this is an ideal place at which to round off your Wild Atlantic odyssey.

Today’s drive 194 miles / 312 km. EV charging on-site.

A final treat to cement these Irish memories. In the company of friendly and experienced local guides, set off from close to your hotel, allowing the Gulf stream currents to glide you along this pristine shoreline. You’ll experience golden beaches,  uninhabited islands and sea caves, seeing the shimmering West Cork coastline from a wonderful perspective.

A final day on the road – along Ireland’s Ancient East no less! – as you make your way north, first towards Cork City. Perhaps make a brief pit-stop here to visit the wonderful 18th-century English Market and its array of artisan food producers and merchants, before continuing through Co Tipperary, home to the world-famous Rock of Cashel. Arriving in Dublin, drop your car in the city centre before commencing your homeward journey.

Today’s drive 192 miles / 309 km.