From b9a360586210966daf89ae2650f70c1b4dd527a7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Till Mueller Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2026 21:34:55 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Add full ITINERARY.md with ferry times and driving suggestions MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit - New ITINERARY.md: complete day-by-day from Aug 4 Walldorf to Sep 2 home. Includes exact ferry departure/arrival times for all 4 crossings, recommended hotel departure times on driving days, timed daily schedules. Key findings: IoM→Larne (not Belfast) every 2-3 days, Aug 10 sailing fits; Galway→Dingle via Killimer-Tarbert car ferry saves 90km vs Limerick. - IoM restored to 3 nights (Aug 7-10) to fit ferry schedule - Belfast updated: arrival from Larne, not Belfast direct - All section dates corrected; README updated with ITINERARY.md link --- ITINERARY.md | 430 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ README.md | 23 +- locations/04-isle-of-man.md | 4 +- locations/05-belfast.md | 9 +- locations/06-wild-atlantic-way.md | 42 +-- locations/06a-donegal.md | 2 +- locations/06b-sligo.md | 2 +- locations/06c-mayo.md | 2 +- locations/06d-connemara.md | 2 +- locations/06e-galway.md | 2 +- locations/06f-clare.md | 2 +- locations/06g-kerry.md | 2 +- locations/06h-cork.md | 2 +- 13 files changed, 480 insertions(+), 44 deletions(-) create mode 100644 ITINERARY.md diff --git a/ITINERARY.md b/ITINERARY.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b81bbbe --- /dev/null +++ b/ITINERARY.md @@ -0,0 +1,430 @@ +# Full Trip Itinerary — Summer 2026 + +> **Dates:** Aug 4 – Sep 2, 2026 +> **Party:** 3 colleagues, electric car, workation +> **Hard deadline:** Aviva Stadium, Dublin — Aug 30 (college football) + +--- + +## Pre-Trip Checklist +- [ ] Stena Line ferry booked (Hoek van Holland → Harwich, Aug 4) +- [ ] Steam Packet booked: Liverpool → Douglas (Aug 7) + Douglas → Larne (Aug 10) +- [ ] Irish Ferries booked: Dublin → Cherbourg (Sep 1) +- [ ] Aviva Stadium tickets (Aug 30) +- [ ] Skellig Michael boat trip booked (Portmagee, ~Aug 23–24 window) +- [ ] Accommodation booked for Westport and Galway especially — fills up in August +- [ ] Three UK SIM for hotspot — buy on arrival at Harwich +- [ ] Verify IoM roaming policy with your carrier before departure + +--- + +## Part 1 — Getting There + +### Aug 4 (Tue) — Walldorf → Harwich +**Depart Walldorf:** ~01:30–02:00 to reach Hoek van Holland by ~07:30 + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| ~07:30 | Arrive Hoek van Holland port | +| 08:30 | 🚢 **Stena Line departs** Hoek van Holland | +| ~17:00 | Arrive Harwich (Parkeston Quay) | +| 17:30 | Clear immigration, drive off ferry | +| 18:00 | Buy Three UK SIM at first supermarket/petrol station | +| 18:30 | **First charge stop:** Colchester (Gridserve, A12, 20 min from port) | + +**Tonight:** Cambridge (~1.5h from Harwich). Check in, dinner in the city centre. + +--- + +### Aug 5 (Wed) — Cambridge +**Depart hotel:** No rush — full day in Cambridge. + +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| Morning | The Backs, King's College Chapel | +| Afternoon | Punt on the Cam (hire at Magdalene Bridge) | +| ~17:00 | Charge at Gridserve Cambridge (M11 services) | +| ~17:30 | Depart Cambridge → York (~2.5h via A1M) | + +**Tonight:** York. Arrive ~20:00, dinner in the Shambles area. + +> **Workation:** Cambridge and York both have good café wifi if you need a morning of work. + +--- + +### Aug 6 (Thu) — York → Liverpool +**Depart York:** Aim for ~10:00 after a morning walk of the city walls. + +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| 08:00–09:30 | York Minster + city walls walk | +| 10:00 | Depart York → Liverpool (~1.5h via M62) | +| ~11:30 | Arrive Liverpool — check in, park up | +| Afternoon | Albert Dock, Beatles Story, Hope Street cathedrals | +| Evening | Bold Street dinner, Cavern Quarter | +| 21:00 | Charge at Liverpool ONE car park or hotel overnight charge | + +**Tonight:** Liverpool. Spend the evening — this is the last big city before the islands. + +--- + +### Aug 7 (Fri) — Liverpool → Isle of Man +**Depart hotel:** Leave by 06:00 to reach Pier Head by 06:45. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 06:00 | Depart hotel → Pier Head terminal (15 min) | +| 06:45 | Check in at Steam Packet terminal, Princes Parade | +| 07:15 | 🚢 **Manannan departs** Liverpool Pier Head | +| ~10:00 | Arrive Douglas, Isle of Man | +| 10:30 | Check in. Charge at Douglas Sea Terminal car park. | +| Afternoon | Douglas promenade, Manx Museum (free) | + +> **Alternative sailing:** 11:15 departure → arrives ~14:00. Fine if you want a lie-in, but the 07:15 gives you a full first day. + +**Tonight:** Douglas (night 1 of 3). + +--- + +### Aug 8 (Sat) — Isle of Man: Castletown & Peel +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| 09:00 | Depart Douglas → Castletown (20 min) | +| 09:30–12:00 | ⭐ Castle Rushen — allow 1.5–2h | +| 12:30 | Drive to Peel (35 min via TT circuit road) | +| 13:00 | Lunch in Peel — Manx kippers at Moore's | +| 14:00–16:00 | House of Manannan museum + Peel Castle | +| 16:30 | Drive back to Douglas (30 min) | +| Evening | Dinner in Douglas; charge overnight at hotel | + +--- + +### Aug 9 (Sun) — Isle of Man: Snaefell & TT Circuit +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| 09:00 | Depart Douglas → Laxey (20 min) | +| 09:30 | Laxey Wheel (Lady Isabella) — 30 min | +| 10:15 | ⭐ **Snaefell Mountain Railway** — take it to the summit (30 min up). Views to 5 countries on a clear day. | +| 12:00 | Drive the TT Mountain Course north to Ramsey — Ballaugh Bridge, Creg ny Baa pub stop | +| 13:30 | Lunch in Ramsey | +| 15:00 | Drive back via coast road to Douglas | +| Evening | Last night on IoM — dinner and early night | +| 21:00 | Charge to full for tomorrow's ferry | + +--- + +### Aug 10 (Mon) — Isle of Man → Larne → Belfast +**Depart hotel:** Leave by 08:30 to reach Sea Terminal by 09:00. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 09:00 | Check in at Douglas Sea Terminal | +| 09:30 | 🚢 **Ben My Chree departs** Douglas | +| 14:15 | Arrive **Larne** (not Belfast — Steam Packet now serves Larne) | +| 14:45 | Drive Larne → Belfast city centre (~35 min, A2) | +| ~15:30 | Arrive Belfast. Check in. Full recharge — last good rapid charging before sparse Donegal network. | +| Evening | Belfast city centre — Cathedral Quarter pubs | + +> ⚠️ **Note:** Steam Packet no longer serves Belfast directly. You dock at Larne, 20 miles north of Belfast. The drive in is easy and scenic along the coast road. Confirm your sailing date — this route runs every 2–3 days (Aug dates: 3, 5, 7, **10**, 12, 14…). + +**Tonight:** Belfast (night 1 of 2). + +--- + +### Aug 11 (Tue) — Belfast: Causeway Coast +**Depart hotel:** 08:00 for an early Causeway arrival. + +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| 08:00 | Depart Belfast → Giant's Causeway (~1h 15min via A2 coast road) | +| 09:15 | ⭐ **Giant's Causeway** — arrive before coaches. Charge at visitor centre car park while you walk. Allow 1.5–2h. | +| 11:30 | Drive west along Causeway Coast — Dunluce Castle (20 min stop), Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (45 min) | +| 13:30 | Lunch in Bushmills or Ballycastle | +| 14:30 | Bushmills Distillery tour (optional, book ahead) | +| 16:30 | Drive back to Belfast (~1h 15min) | +| Evening | ⭐ **Black Cab Tour** — book for 18:30 or 19:00. Falls Road + Shankill murals. ~1.5–2h. One of the best things you'll do on the whole trip. | + +**Tonight:** Belfast (night 2 of 2). Early start tomorrow. + +--- + +## Part 2 — Wild Atlantic Way + +### Aug 12 (Wed) — Belfast → Donegal Town +**Depart hotel:** 08:30. 2h 45min / 155km — mostly A-roads via Derry. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 08:30 | Depart Belfast → Derry (~1.5h via A6) | +| 10:00 | Optional stop: Derry city walls (30 min walk, free) | +| 10:30 | Depart Derry → Donegal Town (~45 min via N13) | +| 11:30 | Arrive Donegal Town. Charge at ESB ecars charger. Check in. | +| Afternoon | Walk the Diamond (town square), lunch, orient yourself | +| Evening | Dinner in Donegal Town | + +> **Charge strategy:** Top up fully in Donegal Town every evening — it's the only reliable charger in the county. + +--- + +### Aug 12–13 — Donegal (2 nights) +**Base:** Donegal Town + +| Day | Depart | Activity | +|-----|--------|---------| +| **Aug 12 pm** | 14:00 | Drive to Killybegs (30 min) — largest fishing port in Ireland. Fresh fish on the quay. | +| **Aug 13** | 08:30 | ⭐ **Slieve League day** — drive to Teelin (45 min from Donegal Town). Walk Bunglass viewpoint or the full One Man's Pass ridge. Allow 3–4h on the mountain. Lunch in Killybegs on the way back. | +| **Aug 13 pm** | 15:00 | Glenveagh National Park (1h from Donegal Town) — walk to the castle or take the shuttle bus. Return by 18:30. Charge in Donegal Town overnight. | + +> **If you have a spare morning:** Fanad Head Lighthouse is 1h north — one of Ireland's most photogenic. Easy add-on. + +--- + +### Aug 14 (Thu) — Donegal → Sligo +**Depart:** 10:00 after breakfast. 1h 45min / 90km via N15. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 10:00 | Depart Donegal Town | +| 10:45 | Stop: **Drumcliff churchyard** — Yeats' grave, Benbulben backdrop (15 min) | +| 11:15 | Continue → Sligo Town (~30 min) | +| 11:45 | Arrive Sligo. Check in. Charge at ESB Sligo. | +| Afternoon | Sligo town walk, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (30 min drive, 1h visit) | +| Evening | Strandhill (8km west) — Voya seaweed bath if booked, dinner at Shells Café | + +--- + +### Aug 14–15 — Sligo (2 nights) +**Base:** Sligo Town + +| Day | Activity | +|-----|---------| +| **Aug 15** | Morning: Carrowmore if not done. Afternoon: drive to Enniscrone (50 min) — Kilcullen's seaweed baths (book ahead), beach walk. Or: hike to Benbulben plateau (3h return, park at Ballintrillick). | + +--- + +### Aug 16 (Sat) — Sligo → Westport +**Depart:** 10:00. 2h / 105km via N17/N5. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 10:00 | Depart Sligo | +| 11:00 | Optional stop: **Céide Fields** (north Mayo, 20 min detour off N5) — world's oldest field system under the bog. Allow 1h. | +| 13:00 | Arrive Westport. Check in. Charge at ESB Westport. | +| Afternoon | Walk Westport town — the Octagon, Carrowbeg river walk | +| Evening | Matt Molloy's pub for traditional music | + +--- + +### Aug 16–18 — Westport, Mayo (3 nights) +**Base:** Westport + +| Day | Depart | Activity | +|-----|--------|---------| +| **Aug 17** | 09:00 | ⭐ **Achill Island full day** — 40 min drive. Drive the Atlantic Drive loop. Walk to Keem Bay (1h from road end). Slievemore Deserted Village. Rent bikes in Keel for the afternoon. Slow charger at Keel — charge in Westport before going. | +| **Aug 18** | 07:30 | ⭐ **Croagh Patrick** — early start beats the crowds. Murrisk car park (30 min from Westport). Hike 3–4h return. Summit at 764m — extraordinary views over Clew Bay on a clear day. Afternoon: rest in Westport, laundry, work session. | + +> **Workation:** Westport has reliable wifi and good cafés on Bridge Street. Good for a morning of work before heading out. + +--- + +### Aug 19 (Tue) — Westport → Clifden +**Depart:** 10:00. 1h 30min / 75km via N59. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 10:00 | Depart Westport via N59 (scenic bog road) | +| 10:45 | Optional stop: **Kylemore Abbey** — castle on a lake (45 min–1h). Charge note: no charger here. | +| 12:00 | Arrive Clifden. Check in. Charge at ESB Clifden (22kW — allow 1–1.5h to top up). | +| Afternoon | ⭐ **Sky Road** — 16km circular from Clifden. Drive or optional bike rental in town. | +| Evening | Dinner in Clifden — E.J. King's or Marconi restaurant | + +--- + +### Aug 19–20 — Clifden, Connemara (2 nights) +**Base:** Clifden + +| Day | Activity | +|-----|---------| +| **Aug 20** | Morning: **Connemara National Park** — Diamond Hill walk from Letterfrack (2h return, 9km). Visitor centre for context. Afternoon: slow drive back via Roundstone (beautiful small fishing village, 30 min south of Clifden). Charge fully in Clifden before leaving tomorrow — Galway is 1h 20min but you want to arrive with margin. | + +> ⚠️ **Connemara gap:** The coast road Clifden ↔ Westport (~90km) has no public charger. Never attempt it without a full battery. + +--- + +### Aug 21 (Thu) — Clifden → Galway +**Depart:** 10:00. 1h 20min / 70km via N59. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 10:00 | Depart Clifden | +| 11:20 | Arrive Galway city. Check in — book well ahead for August. | +| 11:30 | Charge: **Tesla Supercharger at Galway Retail Park** (Headford Rd) — fastest charger on the WAW. Full recharge here. | +| Afternoon | Walk the Latin Quarter — Shop Street, Spanish Arch, River Corrib | +| Evening | ⭐ Tigh Neachtain (Cross Street) for traditional music. Ard Bia at Nimmos for dinner. | + +--- + +### Aug 21–23 — Galway (3 nights) +**Base:** Galway City + +| Day | Depart | Activity | +|-----|--------|---------| +| **Aug 22** | 07:30 | ⭐ **Aran Islands (Inis Mór)** — drive to Rossaveal (37km, 45 min). Ferry departs ~08:30, arrives Inis Mór ~09:10. Rent bikes at the pier. Dún Aonghasa (Iron Age fort on 100m cliff edge). Seven Churches. Back to Galway by early evening. Book ferry ahead: [aranislandferries.com](https://www.aranislandferries.com) | +| **Aug 23** | 07:30 | **Clare day trip** — Cliffs of Moher + Burren + Doolin. See below. Return to Galway by 20:00. | + +> **Workation:** Galway is the best work base on the whole trip. Coffeewerk + Press on Kirwan's Lane has excellent wifi. Use the morning of Aug 21 arrival or any morning here for heavy-duty meetings. + +**Clare Day Trip (Aug 23):** + +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| 07:30 | Depart Galway → Cliffs of Moher (1h 25min via N18/R478) | +| 09:00 | ⭐ **Cliffs of Moher** — arrive before coaches. Walk south to Hag's Head (3km return). | +| 11:00 | Drive to Doolin (15 min) — coffee, walk the harbour | +| 12:00 | Drive the Burren — Poulnabrone Dolmen (roadside), Green Road walk above Ballyvaughan (1.5h) | +| 15:00 | Lunch in Ballyvaughan. Charge in Ennis (~30 min south, ESB fast) on way back if needed. | +| 17:30 | Back in Galway | +| Evening | ⭐ **Doolin music note:** If you want to stay for a session at McGann's, plan an overnight in Doolin instead — return drive after a late session is a long day. Otherwise the Galway music scene is equally good. | + +--- + +### Aug 24 (Mon) — Galway → Dingle +**Depart:** 09:30. 2h 40min / 140km via N18/N67 (scenic coast) or N18/N20/N21 (faster). + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 09:30 | Depart Galway | +| 11:00 | Optional stop: **Lahinch** (surf beach, 45 min from Galway) — coffee and a walk, ESB charger at car park | +| 12:15 | Continue south via Kilrush and the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry across the Shannon estuary (20 min crossing, avoids 90km detour via Limerick) — departs hourly. | +| 14:30 | Arrive Tralee. Charge at ESB Tralee. | +| 15:15 | Depart Tralee → Dingle (45 min via Conor Pass — spectacular but narrow; or via Annascaul if towing) | +| 16:00 | Arrive Dingle. Check in. | +| Evening | Walk the harbour, dinner at Out of the Blue or Ashe's | + +--- + +### Aug 24–25 — Dingle, Kerry (2 nights) +**Base:** Dingle Town + +| Day | Depart | Activity | +|-----|--------|---------| +| **Aug 25** | 08:00 | ⭐ **Slea Head Drive** — leave early. 55km loop from Dingle town. Gallarus Oratory (6th century stone chapel), beehive huts (*clochán*), Blasket Islands viewpoint, **Connor Pass** on the return (highest driveable pass in Ireland — views over both coastlines). Allow 4–5h with stops. Evening: music at An Droichead Beag. | + +> **Skellig Michael:** If your boat is booked for Aug 25 or 26, depart from Portmagee (45 min from Dingle). The 09:30 boat returns by ~13:00. Move the Slea Head Drive to the other day. + +--- + +### Aug 26 (Wed) — Dingle → Killarney +**Depart:** 10:00. 1h 30min / 55km via N86 or over Connor Pass. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 10:00 | Depart Dingle → Killarney (via Annascaul/Castlemaine — flatter, faster) | +| 11:30 | Arrive Killarney. Check in. **Charge: Tesla SC or ESB fast — full recharge.** | +| Afternoon | Killarney National Park: Torc Waterfall (15 min walk from road), Muckross Lake loop | +| Evening | Killarney town — good pubs on High Street | + +--- + +### Aug 26–27 — Killarney, Kerry (2 nights) +**Base:** Killarney + +| Day | Depart | Activity | +|-----|--------|---------| +| **Aug 27** | 08:30 | ⭐ **Ring of Kerry** — full day. Drive **counterclockwise** (Killarney → Kenmare → Waterville → Cahersiveen → Killorglin → Killarney) to avoid head-on coach traffic. ~180km, 4–5h driving with stops. Kenmare for lunch. Portmagee detour for Skellig boat if not done from Dingle. **Start with a full battery — no chargers mid-circuit.** | + +--- + +### Aug 28 (Thu) — Killarney → Cork +**Depart:** 10:00. 1h 30min / 85km via N22. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 10:00 | Depart Killarney → Cork via N22 | +| 11:30 | Arrive Cork. Check in. Charge at Mahon Point (Tesla SC) or city centre ESB. | +| 12:30 | **English Market** — lunch at Farmgate Café upstairs (book ahead). Walk the market stalls. | +| Afternoon | St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Shandon Bells tower | +| Evening | Dinner: Market Lane or Elbow Lane. Cork city is small and very walkable. | + +--- + +### Aug 29 (Fri) — Cork → Wicklow +**Depart:** 09:00. 3h / ~230km via M8 → Carlow → N81. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 09:00 | Depart Cork — charge to full before leaving | +| 10:30 | Optional: **Cashel** detour (30 min off M8) — Rock of Cashel, medieval cathedral on a hill above the town. Good legs-stretch and impressive even from the car park. | +| 11:30 | Continue north via N81 through the Wicklow foothills | +| 12:30 | **Blessington** — ESB charger. Top up here. | +| 13:30 | Arrive **Laragh / Glendalough** area. Check in. | +| 14:30 | ⭐ **Glendalough** — monastic ruins, round tower, lower lake walk. Then **upper lake trail** (2h return, very scenic glacial valley). | +| Evening | Dinner in Laragh or Rathnew village | + +--- + +### Aug 30 (Sat) — Wicklow → Dublin → Aviva Stadium +**Depart:** 09:30 — easy drive, no rush. + +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| 08:00 | Optional: **Powerscourt Estate** (35 min from Laragh via R755) — formal gardens, mountain backdrop. Worth 1h if you leave early. | +| 09:30 | Depart Laragh → Dublin (1h 15min via N11) | +| ~10:45 | Arrive Dublin. Check in / drop bags. | +| 11:30 | Charge at ESB Merrion Road (near Aviva) or hotel | +| 13:00 | Head toward Aviva area — lunch near Baggot Street. Pre-match atmosphere builds in the pubs. | +| **Kickoff TBC** | 🏈 **Aer Lingus College Football Classic — Notre Dame vs Navy, Aviva Stadium** | +| Post-match | Baggot Street / city centre pubs | + +--- + +### Aug 31 (Sun) — Dublin +| Time | Activity | +|------|---------| +| Morning | Slow start. Trinity College & Book of Kells (book ahead — [tcd.ie/visitors](https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/)) | +| Afternoon | Kilmainham Gaol (book ahead — [kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie](https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie)) or Phoenix Park walk | +| Evening | 🎸 Bon Jovi concert (if tickets secured — check [ticketmaster.ie](https://www.ticketmaster.ie)) | + +--- + +## Part 3 — Return + +### Sep 1 (Mon) — Dublin → Ferry +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| Morning | Free time in Dublin. Check out. | +| 12:00 | Charge to full at ESB Merrion Road or city centre | +| 14:00 | Depart hotel → Dublin Port (20 min) | +| 14:30 | Check in at Irish Ferries terminal | +| **16:00** | 🚢 **W.B. Yeats departs** Dublin (or 18:30 if Isle of Inisheer sailing — check your booking) | +| Overnight | Cabin crossing — dinner on board | + +--- + +### Sep 2 (Tue) — Cherbourg → Walldorf +| Time | Event | +|------|-------| +| **11:30** | Arrive Cherbourg (W.B. Yeats) or **15:30** (Isle of Inisheer) | +| 12:00 | Clear French customs. **Charge immediately** — Ionity and Tesla SC in Cherbourg town. | +| 13:00 | Depart Cherbourg → Paris (3.5h via A13/A84) | +| 16:30 | Paris — charge at autoroute service area (Ionity on A4) or bypass via Périphérique. | +| 17:30 | Depart Paris → Metz (1.5h via A4) | +| 19:00 | Metz — charge at autoroute services if needed | +| 20:00 | Depart Metz → Strasbourg (1h via A4) | +| 21:00 | Strasbourg — optional final charge | +| 22:30 | **Arrive Walldorf** 🏠 | + +> **Note:** If arriving Cherbourg at 15:30 (later sailing), target overnight in Strasbourg and drive the final leg Sep 3 morning rather than a 22:30 arrival. + +--- + +## Summary + +| Metric | Value | +|--------|-------| +| Total nights | 29 | +| Countries | Germany, Netherlands, England, Isle of Man, N. Ireland, Ireland, France | +| Ferry crossings | 4 | +| Longest stay | Westport 3 nights, Galway 3 nights, Dublin 2 nights | +| Total driving | ~4,500 km | +| Confirmed bookings needed | Stena Line (booked ✅), Steam Packet IoM, Irish Ferries Sep 1, Aviva tickets, Skellig Michael | diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 5b895f0..3d191de 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ Cherbourg → Paris → Strasbourg → Walldorf (Sep 2, ~10h drive) | [PACKING.md](PACKING.md) | Packing list for 3 colleagues — documents, electronics, EV gear, clothing | | [WORKATION.md](WORKATION.md) | Connectivity setup (SIMs, hotspot) + per-stop workation ratings | | [HIGHLIGHTS.md](HIGHLIGHTS.md) | Top 15 must-not-miss experiences across the whole trip | +| [ITINERARY.md](ITINERARY.md) | Full day-by-day itinerary with ferry times and driving departure suggestions | --- @@ -59,18 +60,18 @@ Cherbourg → Paris → Strasbourg → Walldorf (Sep 2, ~10h drive) | [01](locations/01-hoek-van-holland-ferry.md) | Hoek van Holland → Harwich | Ferry (booked) | Daytime crossing; EV can't charge on ferry | | [02](locations/02-england-to-iom-ferry.md) | England: Harwich → Liverpool | Drive + stops | Cambridge, York, Lake District; EV charging guide | | [03](locations/03-iom-ferry.md) | Isle of Man Ferry | Ferry logistics | Heysham or Liverpool → Douglas | -| [04](locations/04-isle-of-man.md) | Isle of Man | Island destination | Aug 7–9; 2 nights; limited EV charging | -| [05](locations/05-belfast.md) | Belfast | City + WAW start | Aug 9–10; Titanic, Black Cab Tour, Causeway Coast | +| [04](locations/04-isle-of-man.md) | Isle of Man | Island destination | Aug 7–10; 3 nights; ferry to Larne Aug 10 | +| [05](locations/05-belfast.md) | Belfast | City + WAW start | Aug 10–11; Titanic, Black Cab Tour, Causeway Coast | | [06](locations/06-wild-atlantic-way.md) | Wild Atlantic Way | Scenic drive overview | Timeline with driving times + EV summary | -| [06a](locations/06a-donegal.md) | Donegal | WAW section 1 | Aug 11–12; cliffs, bog, remotest section | -| [06b](locations/06b-sligo.md) | Sligo | WAW section 2 | Aug 13–14; Benbulben, surf, megaliths | -| [06c](locations/06c-mayo.md) | Mayo | WAW section 3 | Aug 15–17; Westport (3 nights), Achill, Croagh Patrick | -| [06d](locations/06d-connemara.md) | Connemara | WAW section 4 | Aug 18–19; Sky Road, bog, Kylemore | -| [06e](locations/06e-galway.md) | Galway | WAW section 5 | Aug 20–22; 3 nights; Aran Islands + Clare as day trip | -| [06f](locations/06f-clare.md) | Clare | WAW day trip from Galway | Aug 22; Cliffs of Moher + Burren + Doolin (75km / 1h25) | -| [06g](locations/06g-kerry.md) | Kerry | WAW section 7 | Aug 23–24 Dingle, Aug 25–26 Killarney | -| [06h](locations/06h-cork.md) | Cork | City stop | Aug 27; English Market, evening in city | -| [06i](locations/06i-wicklow.md) | Wicklow | East coast stop | Aug 28–29; Glendalough, drive to Dublin Aug 30 morning | +| [06a](locations/06a-donegal.md) | Donegal | WAW section 1 | Aug 12–13; cliffs, bog, remotest section | +| [06b](locations/06b-sligo.md) | Sligo | WAW section 2 | Aug 14–15; Benbulben, surf, megaliths | +| [06c](locations/06c-mayo.md) | Mayo | WAW section 3 | Aug 16–18; Westport (3 nights), Achill, Croagh Patrick | +| [06d](locations/06d-connemara.md) | Connemara | WAW section 4 | Aug 19–20; Sky Road, bog, Kylemore | +| [06e](locations/06e-galway.md) | Galway | WAW section 5 | Aug 21–23; 3 nights; Aran Islands + Clare as day trip | +| [06f](locations/06f-clare.md) | Clare | WAW day trip from Galway | Aug 23; Cliffs of Moher + Burren + Doolin (75km / 1h25) | +| [06g](locations/06g-kerry.md) | Kerry | WAW sections 6–7 | Aug 24–25 Dingle, Aug 26–27 Killarney | +| [06h](locations/06h-cork.md) | Cork | City stop | Aug 28; English Market, evening in city | +| [06i](locations/06i-wicklow.md) | Wicklow | East coast stop | Aug 29; Glendalough, drive to Dublin Aug 30 morning | | [07](locations/07-dublin.md) | Dublin | End anchor + events | Aug 30 football, Aug 31 concert | | [08](locations/08-return-via-france.md) | Return: Dublin → Walldorf | Ferry + drive | Dublin → Cherbourg → Walldorf by Sep 2 | diff --git a/locations/04-isle-of-man.md b/locations/04-isle-of-man.md index de5e277..84bf7b5 100644 --- a/locations/04-isle-of-man.md +++ b/locations/04-isle-of-man.md @@ -1,8 +1,8 @@ # Isle of Man > **Type:** Island destination -> **Dates:** ~Aug 7–9 (2 nights — leaving 1 day for Wicklow later) -> **Recommended stay:** 2–3 nights +> **Dates:** ~Aug 7–10 (3 nights — ferry to Larne Aug 10) +> **Recommended stay:** 3 nights > **Best for:** Coastal roads, castles, TT culture, Celtic heritage ## Why Visit diff --git a/locations/05-belfast.md b/locations/05-belfast.md index 30573b1..01a21e2 100644 --- a/locations/05-belfast.md +++ b/locations/05-belfast.md @@ -4,8 +4,13 @@ > **Recommended stay:** 1–2 days > **Best for:** History, Titanic, murals, starting point for Wild Atlantic Way north -## Why Via Belfast -Arriving in Belfast (from Isle of Man via Steam Packet or Stena Line) puts you in Northern Ireland, which gives you the option to start the Wild Atlantic Way from its northern end — Donegal and the Inishowen Peninsula — heading south. This is the more dramatic and less touristy direction. +## Arrival from Isle of Man +**Steam Packet no longer serves Belfast directly.** Since December 2025 the route is **Douglas → Larne** (not Belfast). Larne is 20 miles north of Belfast — 30–40 min drive to the city centre. + +- Ferry departs Douglas 09:30, arrives Larne 14:15 (~4h 45m) +- Sailing runs every 2–3 days — **check available dates** when booking: [steam-packet.com](https://www.steam-packet.com) +- August 2026 sailing dates from Douglas: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31 +- **Aug 10 sailing** fits the itinerary (arrive Larne 14:15, Belfast ~15:00) ## Must-See diff --git a/locations/06-wild-atlantic-way.md b/locations/06-wild-atlantic-way.md index b91bd95..11d4974 100644 --- a/locations/06-wild-atlantic-way.md +++ b/locations/06-wild-atlantic-way.md @@ -8,31 +8,31 @@ ## What Is It The Wild Atlantic Way is a signed coastal route along Ireland's entire west coast — the world's longest defined coastal route. The west coast is the windward side of Ireland: constantly changing light, dramatic cliffs, remote peninsulas, and Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) communities. -## Rough Timeline: Aug 9 → Aug 30 +## Rough Timeline: Aug 10 → Aug 30 -**Deadline: Wicklow Aug 29, Dublin morning Aug 30.** +**Deadline: Wicklow Aug 28–29, Dublin morning Aug 30.** | Dates | Base | Nights | Drive from prev. | What to do | |-------|------|--------|-----------------|------------| -| Aug 9 | **Belfast** | 2 | — (ferry from IoM) | Titanic; Causeway Coast day trip | -| Aug 11 | drive only | — | 2h 45min / 155km | Belfast → Donegal Town | -| Aug 11–12 | **Donegal Town** | 2 | — | Slieve League, Glenveagh day trips | -| Aug 13 | drive only | — | 1h 45min / 90km | Donegal → Sligo | -| Aug 13–14 | **Sligo** | 2 | — | Benbulben, Strandhill, Carrowmore | -| Aug 15 | drive only | — | 2h / 105km | Sligo → Westport | -| Aug 15–17 | **Westport** | 3 | — | Achill Island, Croagh Patrick | -| Aug 18 | drive only | — | 1h 30min / 75km | Westport → Clifden | -| Aug 18–19 | **Clifden** | 2 | — | Sky Road, Connemara NP | -| Aug 20 | drive only | — | 1h 20min / 70km | Clifden → Galway | -| Aug 20–22 | **Galway** | 3 | — | City; Aran Islands day trip; Clare as day trip (Cliffs of Moher + Doolin, 1h 25min / 75km each way) | -| Aug 23 | drive only | — | 2h 40min / 140km | Galway → Dingle | -| Aug 23–24 | **Dingle** | 2 | — | Slea Head Drive; Skellig boat or Ring of Kerry | -| Aug 25 | drive only | — | 1h 30min / 55km | Dingle → Killarney | -| Aug 25–26 | **Killarney** | 2 | — | National Park; Ring of Kerry if not done from Dingle | -| Aug 27 | drive only | — | 1h 30min / 85km | Killarney → Cork | -| Aug 27 | **Cork** | 1 | — | English Market; evening in the city | -| Aug 28 | drive only | — | 3h / ~230km | Cork → Wicklow (via N81) | -| Aug 28–29 | **Wicklow** | 1 | — | Glendalough, upper lake walk | +| Aug 10 | **Belfast** | 2 | — (ferry from Larne, 35min drive) | Titanic; Causeway Coast + Black Cab Tour | +| Aug 12 | drive only | — | 2h 45min / 155km | Belfast → Donegal Town (via Derry) | +| Aug 12–13 | **Donegal Town** | 2 | — | Slieve League, Glenveagh day trips | +| Aug 14 | drive only | — | 1h 45min / 90km | Donegal → Sligo (stop: Drumcliff/Yeats grave) | +| Aug 14–15 | **Sligo** | 2 | — | Benbulben, Strandhill, Carrowmore | +| Aug 16 | drive only | — | 2h / 105km | Sligo → Westport (stop: Céide Fields optional) | +| Aug 16–18 | **Westport** | 3 | — | Achill Island, Croagh Patrick | +| Aug 19 | drive only | — | 1h 30min / 75km | Westport → Clifden (stop: Kylemore Abbey) | +| Aug 19–20 | **Clifden** | 2 | — | Sky Road, Connemara NP (Diamond Hill) | +| Aug 21 | drive only | — | 1h 20min / 70km | Clifden → Galway | +| Aug 21–23 | **Galway** | 3 | — | Aran Islands day trip (Aug 22); Clare day trip (Aug 23) | +| Aug 24 | drive only | — | 2h 40min / 140km | Galway → Dingle (via Killimer–Tarbert ferry) | +| Aug 24–25 | **Dingle** | 2 | — | Slea Head Drive; Skellig boat or Ring of Kerry | +| Aug 26 | drive only | — | 1h 30min / 55km | Dingle → Killarney | +| Aug 26–27 | **Killarney** | 2 | — | Ring of Kerry (counterclockwise); Torc Waterfall | +| Aug 28 | drive only | — | 1h 30min / 85km | Killarney → Cork | +| Aug 28 | **Cork** | 1 | — | English Market; Shandon; evening in the city | +| Aug 29 | drive only | — | 3h / ~230km | Cork → Wicklow (via M8/N81; stop: Rock of Cashel) | +| Aug 29 | **Wicklow** | 1 | — | Glendalough + upper lake walk | | Aug 30 | drive to Dublin | — | 1h 15min / 65km | Via Powerscourt if time allows | | **Aug 30** | **Aviva Stadium** | — | — | 🏈 College Football | diff --git a/locations/06a-donegal.md b/locations/06a-donegal.md index 7d2615c..b61e155 100644 --- a/locations/06a-donegal.md +++ b/locations/06a-donegal.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Donegal > **Type:** WAW Section 1 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 11–12 (2 nights) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 12–13 (2 nights) > **Recommended stay:** 2–3 nights > **Best for:** Dramatic cliffs, remote coast, Celtic heritage, wild landscapes diff --git a/locations/06b-sligo.md b/locations/06b-sligo.md index 2e1382f..07f1bf9 100644 --- a/locations/06b-sligo.md +++ b/locations/06b-sligo.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Sligo > **Type:** WAW Section 2 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 13–14 (2 nights) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 14–15 (2 nights) > **Recommended stay:** 2 days > **Best for:** Yeats country, surf beaches, megalithic sites, gentler cycling diff --git a/locations/06c-mayo.md b/locations/06c-mayo.md index 32af334..f9c3c9f 100644 --- a/locations/06c-mayo.md +++ b/locations/06c-mayo.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Mayo > **Type:** WAW Section 3 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 15–17 (3 nights) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 16–18 (3 nights) > **Recommended stay:** 3 days > **Best for:** Ireland's best small town (Westport), Achill Island, holy mountain, ancient bog diff --git a/locations/06d-connemara.md b/locations/06d-connemara.md index c0106bc..58bc739 100644 --- a/locations/06d-connemara.md +++ b/locations/06d-connemara.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Connemara > **Type:** WAW Section 4 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 18–19 (2 nights) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 19–20 (2 nights) > **Recommended stay:** 2–3 nights > **Best for:** The most haunting landscape in Ireland — bog, quartzite mountains, wild ponies, Atlantic inlets diff --git a/locations/06e-galway.md b/locations/06e-galway.md index dcfebc4..95b69dc 100644 --- a/locations/06e-galway.md +++ b/locations/06e-galway.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Galway > **Type:** WAW Section 5 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 20–22 (3 nights) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 21–23 (3 nights) > **Recommended stay:** 3 nights — includes Clare as a day trip > **Best for:** Best city on the WAW, Aran Islands, traditional music, workation base diff --git a/locations/06f-clare.md b/locations/06f-clare.md index cb69522..8963ab8 100644 --- a/locations/06f-clare.md +++ b/locations/06f-clare.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Clare > **Type:** WAW Section 6 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 22 (day trip from Galway) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 23 (day trip from Galway) > **Recommended stay:** Day trip — 75km / 1h 25min from Galway; no overnight needed > **Best for:** Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, traditional music in Doolin diff --git a/locations/06g-kerry.md b/locations/06g-kerry.md index 3762c0b..094a997 100644 --- a/locations/06g-kerry.md +++ b/locations/06g-kerry.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Kerry > **Type:** WAW Section 7 of 7 -> **Dates:** ~Aug 23–24 Dingle, Aug 25–26 Killarney (2 nights each) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 24–25 Dingle, Aug 26–27 Killarney (2 nights each) > **Recommended stay:** 2 nights Dingle + 2 nights Killarney > **Best for:** Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, the best seafood in Ireland diff --git a/locations/06h-cork.md b/locations/06h-cork.md index cd20825..af69c12 100644 --- a/locations/06h-cork.md +++ b/locations/06h-cork.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ # Cork > **Type:** City stop — between Kerry and Dublin -> **Dates:** ~Aug 27 (1 night) +> **Dates:** ~Aug 28 (1 night) > **Recommended stay:** 1–2 nights > **Recommended stay:** 2 days > **Best for:** Food scene, rebel history, day trips to Kinsale and Blarney