DESTINATIONS UK & IRELAND |WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Drive Teelin village, Donegal
This electric vehicle tour of Ireland, unveiled by Scottish operator McKinlay Kidd late last year to celebrate the Wild Atlantic Way’s 10th anniversary, is the first of its kind. There’s a choice of two types of
vehicle: a Tesla Model Y Long Range or a Polestar 2, each with a range of up to 400 miles. The self-guided itinerary is meticulously planned, with charging points at every overnight stop – so there’s no worry about running out of juice, even in the remotest parts of rural Ireland. Starting in Dublin, clients will
drive north to Donegal (passing back into UK territory at Lough Erne
On the
cards for the penultimate day is a phenomenal kayaking trip
on the way). At Malin Head, the strong Atlantic breeze buffets from all sides, but should clients come back after dark – which they can, thanks to the freedom a self-guided tour permits – they might get a glimpse of the northern lights. After a detour to Achill –
Ireland’s largest island – led by a
local guide, the itinerary pauses at the Wyatt Hotel in Westport, which has a classy cocktail bar and recently renovated rooms. Then it’s a slow wind down through Connemara and Clare until the route reaches the Shannon estuary, where bottlenose dolphins can be found playing in the wake of the ferry that takes cars to Kerry. On the cards for the penultimate day is a phenomenal kayaking trip through the sheltered and sandy bays of West Cork, where experienced guides help a small group glide through Gulf Stream- warmed waters to uninhabited islands and secret swimming spots.
expertexper ASK THE
“The Wild Atlantic Way covers over 1,600 miles of coastline, so clients can break it up into smaller sections, as each part has enough to fill a holiday on its own. Suggest pairing Clare and Connemara, Cork and Kerry, or Sligo with Mayo and Galway – that doesn’t even include Donegal. The Wild
Atlantic Way is an epicurean’s dream – think fantastic seafood and amazing local cheeses. In Cork, there’s a herd of water buffalo that produces award-winning mozzarella! For something off-piste,
mystical islands make for brilliant day trips – for instance, the Skelligs have ancient stone monasteries.” Chris Hendrie
business and product
development manager, McKinlay Kidd
En route to Dublin, clients will have time to break their journey in Cork for souvenir shopping in the 18th-century English Market, as well as a pit stop for a photo at the mystical Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. It’s a long way to go – but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re cruising in a sleek electric vehicle. Book it: McKinlay Kidd sells the 10-night Wild Atlantic Way EV Road Trip from £2,895 per person, based on two sharing, departing in October. Includes breakfast, EV hire and all tours. Transport to Ireland is extra.
mckinlaykidd.com TW
32
14 MARCH 2024
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Kevin George
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