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Restructure wiki for EV workation with confirmed dates

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- Remove Germany/Netherlands files (not needed — early ferry, no stops)
- Rewrite Hoek van Holland as daytime ferry already booked
- New England file focused on EV charging + Cambridge/York/Lakes/Liverpool stops
- Add EV charging section to Isle of Man
- Rewrite Dublin with confirmed events: Aug 30 college football, Aug 31 Bon Jovi
- New return leg: Dublin → Cherbourg ferry → Walldorf by Sep 2
- Update README with full timeline and confirmed dates table
- Update .ai-context with EV conventions and fixed date constraints
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Till Mueller
2026-08-03 12:12:47 +02:00
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.ai-context.md
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# AI Context — Roadtrip Wiki # AI Context — Roadtrip Wiki
## Purpose ## Purpose
This is a personal travel planning wiki for a road/cycling trip. It lives on GitHub and is designed to be extended by any AI assistant. Personal travel planning wiki for a workation road and cycling trip. Lives on GitHub, designed to be extended by any AI assistant.
## Trip Overview ## Trip Overview
- **Start:** Walldorf, Germany (near Heidelberg) - **Traveller:** Based in Walldorf, Germany
- **End:** Ireland (cycling the Wild Atlantic Way) - **Vehicle:** Electric car
- **Departure:** Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 - **Departure:** Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 (early morning — must catch daytime ferry)
- **Mode:** Car (Germany → England), ferry crossings, cycling (Ireland) - **Return:** ~September 2nd, 2026
- **Nature:** Workation — working remotely while travelling
## Route Summary ## Route (in order)
1. Walldorf, Germany → Hoek van Holland (Netherlands) by car 1. **Walldorf → Hoek van Holland** — drive to port, no stops needed
2. Hoek van Holland → Harwich, England by ferry (Stena Line overnight) 2. **Hoek van Holland → Harwich** — Stena Line daytime ferry, already booked
3. Harwich → Heysham or Liverpool by car (with stops) 3. **Harwich → Liverpool** — drive north; stops at Cambridge, York, Lake District recommended
4. Heysham or Liverpool → Isle of Man by ferry (Steam Packet Company) 4. **Liverpool → Isle of Man** — Steam Packet ferry (or from Heysham)
5. Isle of Man → Dublin or Belfast by ferry 5. **Isle of Man** — 2–4 days sightseeing
6. Ireland: cycle the Wild Atlantic Way (north or south) 6. **Isle of Man → Belfast** — ferry; start Wild Atlantic Way from the north
7. **Wild Atlantic Way** — cycling/driving north to south (Donegal → Kerry), ~3 weeks
8. **Dublin** — arrive by Aug 29; Aug 30 college football (Aviva Stadium), Aug 31 possible Bon Jovi
9. **Dublin → Cherbourg** — Irish Ferries overnight ferry, Sep 1
10. **Cherbourg → Walldorf** — drive ~1,000 km, Sep 2
## Confirmed Dates
- **Aug 4:** Morning ferry Hoek van Holland → Harwich (booked)
- **Aug 30 (last Saturday of August):** Aer Lingus College Football Classic, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- **Aug 31:** Possible Bon Jovi concert, Dublin
- **Sep 1:** Dublin → Cherbourg overnight ferry
- **Sep 2:** Home in Walldorf
## EV Considerations
Every location file should include an **EV Charging** section covering:
- Rapid charger locations near key stops
- Charging strategy (overnight vs. en route)
- Known gaps or limitations (Isle of Man has a limited network)
- Cannot charge on any ferry crossing
Useful tools: [Zap-Map](https://www.zap-map.com) (UK), [ESB ecars](https://esb.ie/ecars) (Ireland), [Chargemap](https://chargemap.com) (France/Europe), [A Better Route Planner](https://abetterrouteplanner.com)
## Wild Atlantic Way Direction
**North to south** — starting near Belfast/Donegal, ending near Kerry/Cork before driving to Dublin.
Official WAW direction is north→south. Cycling this way means headwinds on exposed Atlantic sections but the landscapes build dramatically as you go south.
## Wiki Structure ## Wiki Structure
``` ```
/ /
├── README.md # Trip overview and navigation ├── README.md # Trip overview, navigation, confirmed dates
├── .ai-context.md # This file — AI instructions and trip context ├── .ai-context.md # This file
├── CONTRIBUTING.md # How to add locations and recommendations ├── CONTRIBUTING.md # How to add/edit location files
├── locations/ └── locations/
│ ├── 00-walldorf.md ├── 01-hoek-van-holland-ferry.md
│ ├── 01-route-germany-netherlands.md ├── 02-england-to-iom-ferry.md
│ ├── 02-hoek-van-holland.md ├── 03-iom-ferry.md # (to be created)
│ ├── 03-harwich-england.md ├── 04-isle-of-man.md
│ ├── 04-route-england-ferry.md ├── 05-belfast.md
│ ├── 05-isle-of-man.md ├── 06-dublin.md
│ ├── 06-belfast.md ├── 07-wild-atlantic-way.md
│ ├── 07-dublin.md └── 08-return-via-france.md
│ └── 08-wild-atlantic-way.md
└── assets/
└── (maps, images)
``` ```
## Location File Format ## Location File Format
Each location file follows this template:
```markdown ```markdown
# Location Name # Location Name
> **Type:** City / Region / Route > **Type:** City / Region / Route / Ferry
> **Recommended stay:** X days > **Recommended stay:** X days
> **Best for:** [driving | cycling | walking | sightseeing] > **Best for:** [driving | cycling | walking | sightseeing | ferry]
## Why Visit ## Why Visit / Why It Matters
Brief pitch for why this stop is worth it. Brief pitch.
## Must-See ## Must-See
- Bullet list of top sights with short descriptions - Bullet list, max 5–7 items
## Itinerary ## Itinerary
### Day 1 ### Day 1
... ...
## EV Charging
- Specific charger locations
- Strategy for this stop
## Practical Info ## Practical Info
- **Parking / bike storage:** - Logistics, currency, driving side, booking notes
- **Ferry / transport links:**
- **Best season:**
- **Tips:**
## Links ## Links
- [Official tourism site](url) - Official sources only
- [OpenStreetMap](url)
``` ```
## AI Instructions ## AI Instructions
When extending this wiki: 1. Follow the file format above — especially include an **EV Charging** section
1. Follow the location file format above 2. Keep numbering sequential to preserve route order
2. Number new files to maintain route order 3. Opinionated recommendations over exhaustive lists
3. Focus on actionable, opinionated recommendations over exhaustive lists 4. When referencing ferry bookings, always note if booking in advance is essential
4. Cycling-specific info is a priority for Ireland sections 5. Wild Atlantic Way detail lives in `07-wild-atlantic-way.md` — for individual WAW stops, add subsections there rather than new files
5. Include practical ferry/transport logistics 6. Update the README navigation table when adding new files
6. Keep the README.md navigation table updated when adding files 7. Dublin (file 06) is the confirmed end-anchor — events on Aug 30/31 are fixed constraints
7. Prefer official or well-known sources for links 8. The return leg (file 08) targets Sep 2 arrival in Walldorf — don't suggest itinerary extensions past Sep 1
8. Wild Atlantic Way direction: the trip goes roughly **north to south** starting near Belfast/Dublin
README.md
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# Roadtrip Wiki — Summer 2026 # Roadtrip Wiki — Summer 2026
A living travel planning wiki for a road and cycling trip from Germany to the west coast of Ireland. Built to be extended by humans and AI alike. A living travel planning wiki for a workation road and cycling trip from Germany to Ireland and back. Built to be extended by humans and AI alike.
**Departure:** Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 from Walldorf, Germany **Departure:** Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 from Walldorf, Germany
**Return:** ~September 2nd, 2026
**Vehicle:** Electric car
--- ---
## The Route ## The Route
``` ```
Walldorf, Germany Walldorf, Germany (Aug 4 — early start, catch morning ferry)
↓ drive ~530km ↓ drive to port
Hoek van Holland, Netherlands Hoek van Holland → Harwich (Stena Line, daytime, already booked)
↓ Stena Line overnight ferry ↓ drive north with stops (Cambridge, York, Lake District, Liverpool)
Harwich, England
↓ drive north with stops
Liverpool / Heysham Liverpool / Heysham
↓ Steam Packet Company ferry ↓ Steam Packet Company ferry
Isle of Man 🏝️ Isle of Man 🏝️ (~2–4 days)
↓ ferry to Belfast or Dublin ↓ ferry to Belfast or Dublin
Ireland Belfast (start Wild Atlantic Way from north)
↓ cycle the Wild Atlantic Way 🚴 ↓ cycle / drive Wild Atlantic Way 🚴 north → south
Kerry / Cork Dublin (arrive by Aug 29)
↓ Aug 30: College Football at Aviva Stadium 🏈
↓ Aug 31: Bon Jovi concert (possible) 🎸
↓ Sep 1: Ferry Dublin → Cherbourg, France (overnight)
Cherbourg → Paris → Strasbourg → Walldorf (Sep 2, ~10h drive)
``` ```
--- ---
## Confirmed Dates
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| Aug 4 (Tue) | Depart Walldorf; morning ferry Hoek van Holland → Harwich |
| Aug 30 (Sat) | **College Football: Aviva Stadium, Dublin** (Aer Lingus Classic) |
| Aug 31 (Sun) | Possible Bon Jovi concert, Dublin |
| Sep 1 (Mon) | Ferry Dublin → Cherbourg (overnight) |
| Sep 2 (Tue) | Drive Cherbourg → Walldorf (~1,000 km) |
---
## Location Files ## Location Files
| # | Location | Type | Days | | # | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|----------|------|------| |---|----------|------|-------|
| [00](locations/00-walldorf.md) | Walldorf, Germany | Starting point | 0–1 | | [01](locations/01-hoek-van-holland-ferry.md) | Hoek van Holland → Harwich | Ferry (booked) | Daytime crossing; EV can't charge on ferry |
| [01](locations/01-route-germany-netherlands.md) | Walldorf → Hoek van Holland | Drive + stops | 1 | | [02](locations/02-england-to-iom-ferry.md) | England: Harwich → Liverpool | Drive + stops | Cambridge, York, Lake District; EV charging guide |
| [02](locations/02-hoek-van-holland.md) | Hoek van Holland | Ferry departure | pass-through | | [03](locations/03-iom-ferry.md) | Isle of Man Ferry | Ferry logistics | Heysham or Liverpool → Douglas |
| [03](locations/03-england-harwich-to-ferry.md) | England: Harwich → Liverpool | Drive + stops | 1–3 | | [04](locations/04-isle-of-man.md) | Isle of Man | Island destination | 2–4 days; limited EV charging |
| [04](locations/04-isle-of-man.md) | Isle of Man | Island destination | 2–4 | | [05](locations/05-belfast.md) | Belfast | City + WAW start | Titanic, Causeway Coast; start WAW from here |
| [05](locations/05-belfast.md) | Belfast | City + ferry arrival | 1–2 | | [06](locations/06-dublin.md) | Dublin | End anchor + events | Aug 30 football, Aug 31 concert |
| [06](locations/06-dublin.md) | Dublin | City + ferry arrival | 1–2 | | [07](locations/07-wild-atlantic-way.md) | Wild Atlantic Way | Cycling route N→S | Donegal → Kerry; the centrepiece |
| [07](locations/07-wild-atlantic-way.md) | Wild Atlantic Way | Cycling route | 2–6 weeks | | [08](locations/08-return-via-france.md) | Return: Dublin → Walldorf | Ferry + drive | Dublin → Cherbourg → Walldorf by Sep 2 |
> **Belfast or Dublin?** Both work as Ireland entry points. Belfast → start WAW from the north (Donegal). Dublin → start from the south (Kerry) or drive north first.
--- ---
## Key Ferries ## Key Ferries
| Route | Operator | Duration | | Route | Operator | Duration | Status |
|-------|----------|----------| |-------|----------|----------|--------|
| Hoek van Holland → Harwich | [Stena Line](https://www.stenaline.co.uk) | ~6.5h overnight | | Hoek van Holland → Harwich | [Stena Line](https://www.stenaline.co.uk) | ~6.5h daytime | **Booked** |
| Heysham → Isle of Man | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~3.5h | | Heysham or Liverpool → Isle of Man | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | 2.5–3.5h | Book ASAP |
| Liverpool → Isle of Man | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.5h | | Isle of Man → Belfast | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.75h | Book ASAP |
| Isle of Man → Belfast | [Steam Packet / Stena](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.75h | | Dublin → Cherbourg | [Irish Ferries](https://www.irishferries.com) | ~19h overnight | Book ASAP |
| Isle of Man → Dublin | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.75h (seasonal) |
**Book all ferries in advance** — August is peak season.
--- ---
## Trip Stats (estimate) ## EV Notes
- **Cannot charge on any ferry** — plan battery state for each arrival port
- **Total distance:** ~3,500+ km (driving + cycling) - UK charging: Gridserve (motorways), Pod Point, Tesla Supercharger
- **Driving:** ~1,500 km (Germany to IoM ferry port) - Isle of Man: limited network, charge overnight in Douglas
- **Cycling:** ~500–2,000+ km depending on WAW section chosen - Ireland: ESB ecars network; good coverage in cities, sparse on WAW
- **Ferries:** 3–4 crossings - France return: Ionity and Tesla at autoroute service areas
- **Countries:** Germany, Netherlands, England, Isle of Man (Crown dependency), Ireland (Republic + Northern Ireland)
- **Currencies:** EUR (Germany/Netherlands/Republic of Ireland), GBP (England/Isle of Man/Northern Ireland)
--- ---
## For AI Assistants ## For AI Assistants
See [.ai-context.md](.ai-context.md) for full trip context, file format conventions, and instructions for extending this wiki. See [.ai-context.md](.ai-context.md) for full trip context, file format conventions, and instructions for extending this wiki.
See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for contribution guidelines. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for contribution guidelines.
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# Walldorf, Germany
> **Type:** Starting point / Base
> **Recommended stay:** 0–1 days (home base)
> **Best for:** Day trips before departure
## Why Visit
Walldorf itself is a quiet SAP company town, but it sits in one of Germany's most rewarding day-trip zones — the Neckar Valley, Heidelberg, and the northern Black Forest are all within 30 minutes.
## Must-See Nearby
- **Heidelberg** (20 min) — Heidelberg Castle ruins above the old town (entry €11 adult, daily 09:00–18:00), the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk) along the hillside, the Alte Brücke over the Neckar. Easily half a day.
- **Schwetzingen Palace** (15 min) — Baroque palace and enormous garden with a fake mosque. Underrated.
- **Mannheim** (25 min, 30 km) — Home to the second-largest Baroque palace in Europe after Versailles. Luisenpark is a good riverside stretch.
- **Speyer** (18 min, 19 km) — Kaiserdom Romanesque cathedral (UNESCO, free entry), the Technik Museum has a full-size Buran Soviet space shuttle on the roof plus a Boeing 747 you can walk through.
- **Worms** (34 min, 58 km) — Cathedral, the Luther Monument (Diet of Worms 1521), Nibelungen Museum, and one of Germany's oldest Jewish heritage sites.
- **Rhine Valley** (1h 15m, ~125 km) — Drive or take the train along the Middle Rhine: Loreley cliff, Bacharach, Rüdesheim, 40+ castles. A full day or overnight if you want to slow down.
- **Black Forest / Baden-Baden** (1h, 80 km) — Baden-Baden has the famous Caracalla thermal spa (€21 for 2h); further in: Triberg waterfalls (163m, Germany's highest), Titisee lake.
## Itinerary (Day Before Departure)
### Evening / Last Night
Pack the car. Walk Walldorf's Marktplatz. Dinner in Heidelberg's Altstadt if time allows.
## Practical Info
- **Ferry departure context:** Drive north to Hoek van Holland is ~5–6 hours; plan for an early start on Aug 4th or drive the evening before
- **Route north:** A67/A5 north through Frankfurt, then A3 toward Cologne or straight up A5/A45 to the Netherlands
- **Fuel:** Fill up in Germany — significantly cheaper than Netherlands/UK
## Links
- [Heidelberg Tourism](https://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/en/)
- [Speyer Tourism](https://www.speyer.de/en/)
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# Hoek van Holland → Harwich (Early Morning Ferry)
> **Type:** Ferry crossing — already booked
> **Departure:** Early morning, August 4th (check your booking for exact time)
> **Best for:** Drive straight to port, board, cross, arrive England mid-morning
## Key Info
- **Operator:** Stena Line
- **Route:** Hoek van Holland → Harwich (Parkeston Quay)
- **Duration:** ~6.5 hours
- **This is a daytime crossing** — no cabin needed, no overnight
## EV on the Ferry
- Drive-on/drive-off with your car as normal
- **You cannot charge on the ferry** — plan your battery around arriving in Harwich with enough range to reach the first UK charging stop
- Arrive at port **at least 45–60 minutes before departure**
## On Arrival: Harwich
You dock at Harwich International Port in Suffolk. From here head northwest toward your England stops and ultimately the Isle of Man ferry at Heysham or Liverpool.
- **First UK charging stop:** Colchester (20 min from Harwich) has multiple rapid chargers. Good place to top up before deciding your route north.
- **Currency:** GBP from here. Cards accepted everywhere but have some cash for rural spots.
- **Driving:** Left side of the road from the moment you leave the ferry.
- **Mobile data:** UK is outside EU — check roaming charges before departure.
## Links
- [Stena Line Hook–Harwich](https://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/hook-of-holland-harwich)
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# Route: Walldorf → Hoek van Holland
> **Type:** Drive
> **Distance:** ~530 km
> **Drive time:** ~5–6 hours (without stops)
> **Best for:** Driving with 1–2 stops
## Route Overview
Walldorf → A5 north → Cologne (optional stop) → A57/A3 → Dutch border → Utrecht → The Hague → Hoek van Holland
Alternatively via Cologne → Düsseldorf → Arnhem for a slightly different angle through the Netherlands.
## Recommended Stops
### Cologne (Köln) — 3h from Walldorf
The cathedral alone is worth a stop. Pull off, park near the Domplatte, and spend an hour.
- **Kölner Dom** — Gothic cathedral, one of the world's largest. Free entry, towers cost ~€6. The view from the top is worth it if you have time.
- **Hohenzollernbrücke** — Love-lock bridge right next to the Dom, good photo with the cathedral spire.
- **Altstadt** — 15-minute walk, old town with brewhouses serving Kölsch in small cylindrical glasses.
### Rotterdam — 30 min past Utrecht (optional detour)
If you want a city with a completely different feel from the historic ones:
- **Erasmus Bridge** — Striking cable-stayed bridge; the skyline here feels genuinely modern
- **Markthal** — Enormous arch-shaped market hall with apartments built into the walls; food stalls below
- **Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)** — Tilted yellow cube homes by Piet Blom; one is open to visit
- **Kinderdijk** — 19 windmills in a UNESCO-listed polder landscape, 20 min from Rotterdam
### Utrecht — 1.5h from Cologne
A smaller, quieter Amsterdam but with canals at street-level rather than road-level — far more walkable.
- **Domtoren** — 112m church tower, tallest in the Netherlands. Guided tours €13.50 (book at domtoren.nl). Views across the flat lowlands are worth it.
- **Oudegracht** — The unique two-level canal: boats on the water, café terraces in the medieval wharf cellars below street level.
- **Cycle infrastructure** — World-class cycling city; good place to test any gear or pick up supplies before England.
### Delft — 30 min before Hoek van Holland
Optional quick stop if you're not pressed for time.
- **Markt** — Beautiful central square with the Nieuwe Kerk and City Hall facing each other
- **Vermeer connection** — Girl with a Pearl Earring was painted here; small Vermeer museum
## Practical Info
- **Total drive:** Leave Walldorf by 7am to reach Hoek van Holland comfortably before an evening/overnight ferry
- **Dutch motorways:** Toll-free; watch for 100 km/h speed limits (strictly enforced by cameras)
- **Fuel:** Fill up before crossing into Netherlands — German prices are lower
- **Parking in Utrecht:** P+R lots on the outskirts are cheap; old town is cyclist-priority
## Ferry Connection
See `02-hoek-van-holland.md` for ferry details.
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# England: Harwich → Isle of Man Ferry
> **Type:** Drive north with stops
> **Distance:** Harwich → Heysham ~370 km | Harwich → Liverpool ~380 km
> **Drive time:** ~4–5h direct
> **Best for:** 1–2 day paced drive with sightseeing stops; EV charging built in
## Ferry Port Options for Isle of Man
- **Heysham** (near Lancaster) — most frequent sailings, quieter port
- **Liverpool** — seasonal summer sailings, better city for a stopover
**Recommendation:** Liverpool. Better city, similar distance, and the Steam Packet summer schedule usually covers the route well in August. Spend a night there.
---
## EV Charging: Harwich to Liverpool
The route north (A12 → M11 → A1(M) / M1 → M6 → Liverpool) has good motorway service charging but gaps between cities. Key stops:
| Location | Charger options | Notes |
|----------|----------------|-------|
| Colchester (A12) | Gridserve, Tesla | First stop after ferry — top up here |
| Cambridge services (M11) | Gridserve Hub | Fast 150kW+ chargers |
| Wetherby/Leeds (A1M) | Extra MSA, Tesla | Good midpoint if going via York |
| Lancaster/Forton MSA (M6) | Pod Point, Osprey | Last stop before Heysham |
| Liverpool (city) | Multiple rapid chargers in centre | Tesla SC at Liverpool ONE |
**Tip:** Gridserve has the most reliable rapid chargers on this corridor. Use Zap-Map or A Better Route Planner (ABRP) for live availability.
---
## Recommended Stops
### Cambridge — 1.5h from Harwich
One of the world's great university cities. Worth a 2–3h stop and has a Gridserve Hub right on the M11 for charging while you explore.
- **The Backs** — The famous view of King's, Clare, and Trinity colleges from the riverside meadows; best seen on foot or by punt
- **King's College Chapel** — Gothic masterpiece; free to walk past, ticketed entry inside
- **Market Square** — Central, lively, great coffee and street food
- **Punting** — Hire a punt on the Cam; touristy but genuinely enjoyable
### York — detour via A1(M), 2h from Cambridge
Unmissable if you go via the A1 rather than M1. Park at a P+R (all have charging), walk the walls.
- **York Minster** — One of Europe's greatest Gothic cathedrals; the Great East Window is the world's largest surviving medieval stained glass
- **The Shambles** — Medieval street with overhanging timber-framed houses; browse not shop
- **City Walls** — Full 3.4km circuit of Roman/medieval walls around the old city (~2h walk)
- **JORVIK Viking Centre** — Atmospheric underground Viking-age York reconstruction; worth 1h
### Lake District — 1.5h from Lancaster/Heysham
If you have a night to spare before the IoM ferry, the Lakes are right there.
- **Windermere / Ambleside** — Most accessible base; good EV charging at Rheged and Tebay services (M6)
- **Langdale Valley** — The dramatic fells without the Windermere crowds; short walks from the valley floor
- **Grasmere** — Wordsworth's village; small, beautiful, good gingerbread at the churchyard shop
- **Scafell Pike** — England's highest (978m); 4–5h round trip if weather is good
### Liverpool — ferry departure city (recommended overnight)
- **Albert Dock** — Victorian docklands converted into museums, restaurants, and bars; Tate Liverpool is here
- **The Beatles Story** — Thorough museum at the dock; even non-fans find it interesting given the city context
- **Cavern Quarter** — Mathew Street and the Cavern Club (reconstructed); lively at night
- **Liverpool Cathedral** — Anglican cathedral completed 1978; one of the largest in the world and genuinely spectacular inside. Free entry.
- **Hope Street** — The two cathedrals (Anglican and Catholic) face each other 500m apart; walk the street between them
- **Food:** Bold Street for independent restaurants; Baltic Triangle for bars
---
## Practical Info
- **Isle of Man ferry from Liverpool:** Steam Packet Company; departs from Liverpool Pier Head (Princes Parade). [steam-packet.com](https://www.steam-packet.com)
- **Parking Liverpool:** Liverpool ONE car park has EV charging; overnight options near the docks
- **Journey pacing:** Harwich → Cambridge (charge) → York → Lakes → Liverpool works as a relaxed 2-day drive
## Links
- [Zap-Map UK chargers](https://www.zap-map.com)
- [A Better Route Planner](https://abetterrouteplanner.com)
- [Steam Packet Company](https://www.steam-packet.com)
- [Visit York](https://www.visityork.org)
- [Visit Lake District](https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk)
- [Visit Liverpool](https://www.visitliverpool.com)
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--- ---
## Practical Info ## Practical Info
- **Currency:** British Pounds (GBP). Manx Pounds are also in circulation and accepted everywhere on the island but not valid in the UK. - **Currency:** British Pounds (GBP). Manx Pounds also in circulation on the island but not valid in the UK.
- **Driving:** Left side. Public roads are used for TT racing — in August, normal speed limits apply. - **Driving:** Left side. Public roads are used for TT racing — in August, normal speed limits apply.
- **Car hire:** Available in Douglas if you come without a car (but bringing your own from Heysham is easy)
- **Accommodation:** Douglas has the most options; Peel and Ramsey have smaller B&Bs - **Accommodation:** Douglas has the most options; Peel and Ramsey have smaller B&Bs
- **Best view:** Snaefell summit on a clear day — genuinely 5 countries visible - **Best view:** Snaefell summit on a clear day — genuinely 5 countries visible
## EV Charging on the Isle of Man
The island's charging network is limited compared to mainland UK — plan carefully.
- **Manx Electricity Authority (MEA)** operates most public chargers; coverage is concentrated in Douglas
- **Douglas:** Chargers at the Sea Terminal car park and various town centre locations
- **Peel, Ramsey, Castletown:** Each has at least one public charger but speeds are typically 7–22kW (slow/fast, not rapid)
- **Strategy:** Charge overnight in Douglas accommodation where possible. The island is small (~50km north to south) so range anxiety is manageable if you start each day with a full battery.
- **Before boarding the return ferry:** Top up in Douglas before the crossing — Belfast and Dublin both have good rapid charging infrastructure on arrival.
## Onward Ferry to Ireland ## Onward Ferry to Ireland
See `06-belfast.md` or `07-dublin.md`. Ferry from Douglas to Belfast (Belfast car ferry) or Dublin (seasonal). The Belfast route is more scenic and sets you up well for the Wild Atlantic Way going north-to-south. See `06-belfast.md` or `07-dublin.md`. Ferry from Douglas to Belfast (Belfast car ferry) or Dublin (seasonal). The Belfast route is more scenic and sets you up well for the Wild Atlantic Way going north-to-south.
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# Dublin, Ireland # Dublin, Ireland
> **Type:** City destination + ferry arrival (alternative to Belfast) > **Type:** City destination + confirmed event anchor
> **Recommended stay:** 1–2 days > **Confirmed dates:** August 30 (college football), August 31 (possible Bon Jovi concert)
> **Best for:** Culture, literary history, pubs; southern starting point for Wild Atlantic Way > **Recommended stay:** 2–3 days at end of trip
> **Best for:** End-of-trip anchor; culture, pubs, events
## Why Via Dublin ## Confirmed Events
If you take the Isle of Man → Dublin ferry, you arrive in the Republic's capital. From here you can drive/cycle north to start the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal (long drive, ~4h), or travel it south-to-north starting in Kerry/Cork.
**Note:** The Wild Atlantic Way is usually more dramatic cycling south-to-north (prevailing wind at your back, progressively wilder landscapes). But north-to-south is the official direction. ### College Football — Aviva Stadium, Saturday August 30
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Notre Dame vs Navy at Aviva Stadium (capacity 51,700), Lansdowne Road.
- **Book tickets early** — this sells out and is a major event drawing American visitors
- Stadium is in Ballsbridge, 3km from city centre; Luas Red Line or taxi
- Pre-match atmosphere in the pubs around Baggot Street and the city centre is excellent
- [aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com](https://www.aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com)
### Bon Jovi Concert — Sunday August 31 (possible)
Verify venue and tickets — likely Aviva Stadium or a major outdoor venue. Check [ticketmaster.ie](https://www.ticketmaster.ie).
---
## Why Via Dublin (Arrival)
Arriving from the Wild Atlantic Way (coming south from Donegal/Galway/Kerry), Dublin is the natural end point. The Wild Atlantic Way terminates near Cork/Kinsale; from there it's 3h north to Dublin for the Aug 30 fixture.
**Timing:** Build your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary backward from August 29 in Dublin (day before the game). That gives you ~3 weeks of cycling/driving from a Belfast/Donegal start around August 7–10.
---
## Must-See
### Trinity College & Book of Kells
Ireland's oldest university (1592). The Long Room library is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world — 65m barrel-vaulted ceiling, 200,000 ancient books. The Book of Kells (9th-century illuminated gospel) is displayed here.
- Book ahead: [tcd.ie/visitors](https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/)
### Kilmainham Gaol
The prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed by firing squad. Essential to understanding modern Irish history. Guided tours only — book well ahead.
- [kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie](https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie)
### National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology
Free. World-class prehistoric gold collection and the Iron Age bog bodies (Clonycavan Man, etc.). Worth 1–2 hours.
### Temple Bar
Dublin's cultural quarter. Cobblestones, pubs, galleries. Touristy but genuinely alive at night. Skip the Temple Bar pub (overpriced) — try Mulligan's on Poolbeg St or The Long Hall on George's St for a proper pint.
### Phoenix Park
1,750-acre park with wild deer, the US Ambassador's residence, and the Irish President's house. Good for a morning run or cycle.
### Guinness Storehouse
Nine floors in the original fermentation plant; complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar with city views. Book ahead.
---
## EV Charging in Dublin
Dublin has solid rapid charging infrastructure.
- **ESB ecars** network is widespread across the city (app: eCars)
- Rapid chargers at Merrion Road, Ballsbridge (near Aviva), and most major car parks
- **Aviva Stadium area:** ESB chargers on Serpentine Avenue and Merrion Road
---
## Practical Info
- **Currency:** Euro (EUR)
- **Driving:** Left side
- **Getting around:** Luas tram (Red and Green lines), Dublin Bus, cycling. City centre is walkable.
- **Accommodation:** Book months ahead for the Aug 30 weekend — the college football game fills the city
## Onward: Return to Walldorf
See `08-return-via-france.md` for the Dublin → ferry to France → Walldorf leg (target: home by Sep 2).
## Links
- [Visit Dublin](https://www.visitdublin.com)
- [Aer Lingus College Football Classic](https://www.aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com)
- [Ticketmaster Ireland](https://www.ticketmaster.ie)
- [ESB ecars charging](https://www.esb.ie/ecars)
## Must-See ## Must-See
locations/08-return-via-france.md
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# Return: Dublin → France → Walldorf
> **Type:** Return leg
> **Target:** Home in Walldorf by ~September 2nd
> **Mode:** Ferry Dublin → France (Cherbourg or Roscoff), then drive
## Timeline
- **Aug 30 (Sat):** College football at Aviva Stadium
- **Aug 31 (Sun):** Possible Bon Jovi concert — stay in Dublin
- **Sep 1 (Mon):** Ferry Dublin → France (overnight or daytime)
- **Sep 2 (Tue):** Drive France → Walldorf (~900–1,100 km depending on port)
---
## Ferry Options: Dublin to France
### Stena Line / Irish Ferries: Dublin or Rosslare → Cherbourg
- **Irish Ferries Dublin → Cherbourg:** ~19h crossing, overnight. Departs evening, arrives next morning.
- **Irish Ferries Rosslare → Cherbourg:** ~17h. Rosslare is 2h south of Dublin.
- **Brittany Ferries Rosslare → Roscoff:** ~17h overnight. Roscoff is in Brittany; slightly shorter drive home.
**Recommendation:** **Dublin → Cherbourg** with Irish Ferries. Depart evening Sep 1, arrive Cherbourg morning Sep 2. Drive home from Cherbourg is ~1,000 km (via Paris, Metz, Strasbourg → Walldorf), approximately 9–10h.
Book at [irishferries.com](https://www.irishferries.com).
### EV on the Ferry
- Cabins available and strongly recommended for overnight crossings
- **Cannot charge on the ferry** — arrive in Cherbourg ready to charge first thing
- **Cherbourg has Tesla Supercharger and Ionity** — charge before hitting the autoroute south
---
## Drive: Cherbourg → Walldorf (~1,000 km, ~9–10h)
| Segment | Route | Notes |
|---------|-------|-------|
| Cherbourg → Paris | A84 / N13 → A13 | ~350 km; charge at Caen or Chartres |
| Paris → Strasbourg | A4 | ~490 km; charge at Metz or Nancy |
| Strasbourg → Walldorf | A5 south | ~130 km; easy final leg |
### EV Charging: France
France has excellent autoroute charging — Ionity and Tesla Superchargers at most major service areas (Aires).
- **Caen** — Good Ionity charger on the A84
- **Metz** — Multiple rapid chargers on A4 corridor
- **Strasbourg** — Tesla SC and Ionity before the final push to Walldorf
Use [Chargemap](https://chargemap.com) or ABRP for live routing — French autoroute services are generally reliable.
---
## Alternative: Rosslare → Roscoff (Brittany Ferries)
If you prefer arriving in Brittany:
- Roscoff → Paris → Strasbourg → Walldorf is similar total distance (~1,050 km)
- Brittany Ferries has good cabin/lounge options
- Book at [brittany-ferries.co.uk](https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk)
---
## Practical Info
- **Book Dublin → France ferry as soon as possible** — late August sailings fill up
- **Eurotunnel is not an option** on this return route (you'd need to go via UK, which adds a crossing)
- **French motorway tolls:** Budget ~€60–80 Cherbourg to Walldorf. Télépéage (Liber-t tag) speeds things up but card payment works at all tollbooths.
- **German fuel:** If your EV has range to spare, no action needed; otherwise final top-up in France is fine (French electricity is cheap — nuclear grid)
## Links
- [Irish Ferries](https://www.irishferries.com)
- [Brittany Ferries](https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- [Chargemap](https://chargemap.com)
- [A Better Route Planner](https://abetterrouteplanner.com)