A road trip to Ireland via England and Wales in our iconic 1974 Mini Authi
During our journey, we visited several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and several historic landmarks across England, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. We started our road trip in the Netherlands and drove through Belgium to Dunkirk in France, where we caught the ferry across the English Channel to Dover. In a single day, we drove from Dover to Wales, where we spent a week visiting Bodnant Garden and the castles of the English King Edward I. After this week, we crossed the Irish Sea by ferry from Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey to Dublin. Our road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland started and ended in Dublin. Although we had visited these countries several times before, exploring them in a Classic Mini was a completely new experience.
Some of the highlights of our road trip through Ireland included driving the Slea Head Drive around the Dingle Peninsula, exploring the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, and driving to Malin Head along the Wild Atlantic Way. In Northern Ireland, we visited the dramatic and imposing Bogside district of Derry, also known as Londonderry. We then drove along the Causeway Coastal Route to the Giant's Causeway, a fascinating landscape of basalt columns. Our last stop in Ireland was the ruins of Monasterboice, a monastic settlement in the Boyne Valley. We also attended the International Mini Meeting (IMM) in Westport. After our epic road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland, we took the ferry from Dublin back to Holyhead in Wales.
We spent a week in Wales and England, visiting several historic sites, including the former Dinorwig Slate Quarry – now the National Slate Museum – and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an imposing monument of the Industrial Revolution in Wales. In England, we visited Coventry, as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London, and the Chatham Historic Dockyard. The final stop on this unforgettable road trip was Canterbury, before taking the ferry back to Dunkirk and driving home. After more than three weeks and over 7,000 km on the road, we arrived back in the Netherlands safely.
Classic Car Road Trip from the Netherlands to Ireland: Our 1974 Mini Authi in the queue for the ferry, ready for boarding. Before we were allowed to drive into the terminal here, the Mini was inspected by armed British Border Force officers; even the small tailgate had to be opened. The port felt like a fortress you had to conquer before reaching the ferry. We crossed the Channel on the Dunkirk to Dover ferry. From Dover, we drove across England in a single day to spend a few days in North Wales, before crossing the Irish Sea to Dublin Port.
Classic Car Road Trip from the Netherlands to Ireland: Our 1974 Mini Authi in the queue for the ferry, ready for boarding. Before we were allowed to drive into the terminal here, the Mini was inspected by armed British Border Force officers; even the small tailgate had to be opened. The port felt like a fortress you had to conquer before reaching the ferry. We crossed the Channel on the Dunkirk to Dover ferry. From Dover, we drove across England in a single day to spend a few days in North Wales, before crossing the Irish Sea to Dublin Port.
A road trip to Ireland via England and Wales in a Classic Mini: In North Wales, we visited Conwy Castle, one of the castles of King Edward I of England, who once ruled here. This impressive castle was built between 1283 and 1289. The town walls of Conwy join the castle walls; they are still completely intact and offered a great opportunity to stretch our legs during this road trip. On the left is a view of the historic Conwy Suspension Bridge, one of the first road suspension bridges in the world, designed by Thomas Telford in 1826. The bridge is now a monument accessible only for pedestrians.
Classic Car Road Trip from the Netherlands to Ireland: Bodnant Garden is among the finest gardens in Britain; it was founded in 1874 and developed by five generations of one family. The garden is situated at Tal-y-Cafn near Colwyn Bay in Wales, overlooking the Conwy Valley. The garden is famous for its Laburnum Arch, a curved walk measuring about 55 metres long. From late May to early June, the yellow flowers are in full bloom. Because we were in the garden so early, we walked alone beneath the blossoming laburnum tunnel. It was a truly magical and unforgettable moment, especially because of the delightful scent of the flowers.
A road trip to Ireland via England and Wales in a Classic Mini: From our campsite on Anglesey, we drove in our Mini Authi to the impressive ruins of Harlech Castle. This stronghold was built between 1283 and 1289 on top of a rock overlooking the Irish Sea. The main gatehouse is one of the most imposing parts of this robust castle. Harlech was part of the Iron Ring of Castles, a chain of castles and fortifications in Wales constructed on the orders of King Edward I of England to subdue the native Welsh people. It was the most extensive and costly medieval building project undertaken in Europe at the time.
Ireland bound, heading for Holyhead in our Mini Authi: On our way to the ferry, with the Menai Suspension Bridge in the background. The bridge over the Menai Strait connects the island of Anglesey with mainland Wales. This historic bridge was designed by the renowned Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford, a pioneer in bridge design. Upon its completion in 1826, the bridge reduced the journey time from London to Holyhead by nine hours.
Classic Car Road Trip from the Netherlands to Ireland: Together with our unique Classic Mini Authi, we crossed the Irish Sea aboard the ferry from Holyhead in Anglesey to Dublin Port in Ireland. Numerous other Classic Minis from all over Europe and their proud owners were also on board, on their way to the IMM on the grounds of the historic Westport House in County Mayo. In Dublin, our epic road trip started through the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Classic Car Road Trip from the Netherlands to Ireland: From the Stena Plus Lounge on the 'Adventurer', we had a clear view of the bow and the thick banks of fog it had to navigate. The ship's horn sounded continuously. Eventually, we arrived safely at Dublin Port. Our experience in the lounge with this operator wasn't particularly special. The crossing in the DFDS Premium Lounge – on the route from Dunkirk to Dover – was far more pleasant and luxurious. There, we were greeted upon arrival by a waiter with a welcom glass of champagne, the seating was more upscale, and the space was much more intimate.
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: After the ferry crossing, we decided to make a brief stop at the Loughcrew Cairns on our journey west. This fascinating complex of megalithic tombs instantly rekindled that special Irish feeling for us. These passage tombs date back over 5,200 years and are renowned for their solstice alignments, where the sun shines through an opening in the mound, illuminating a long passageway and striking the innermost stone with precision. Amidst the quiet of Loughcrew, you can still experience the magical atmosphere of centuries gone by – an experience often lost at more famous burial mounds like Newgrange or Knowth, which tend to be too crowded.
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: Late in the evening, we arrived in our Classic Mini at the campsite in Knock. The barrier was down, and no one answered the bell. An Irish camper walking across the grounds refused to open the barrier for us, saying: 'You could be here to steal anything'. So, my husband climbed over the barrier and walked to the TV room, where all the men were gathered to watch the Ajax vs Manchester United match. A Dutch guest immediately handed over his access card so we could open the barrier after all. This was one of those moments again: we had stayed at this campsite a few years earlier, and just like Ajax now, the Netherlands lost the World Cup final to Spain back then.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: Our Mini Authi in front of Knock Shrine. On our way from Dublin to the west coast of Ireland, we spent the night in Knock. This small village became world-famous in 1879 when fifteen people of various ages witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist on the gable wall of the parish church. As a result, Knock became Ireland's largest Catholic pilgrimage site. There are now five churches on the shrine grounds to accommodate the enormous influx of pilgrims and tourists.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: After a long journey, we finally arrived in Westport, where an enormous banner spanning the road welcomed the International Mini Meeting (IMM). Around 3,000 Mini enthusiasts from across Europe drove their iconic Minis to Westport House for the event. This long weekend gathering takes place annually in a different European country. It started in Germany in 1978 as a small camping weekend for a handful of Mini enthusiasts, but has since grown into a massive event where old friends reunite.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: After pitching our tent at the temporary IMM campsite at Westport House, we immediately set off to explore the surrounding area. It was late in the evening when we drove back up the driveway to the manor house, accompanied by a few other Classic Minis. Westport House is located on Ireland's west coast in County Mayo, along the Wild Atlantic Way. This spectacular coastal route offered us a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique character of our iconic Mini.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: We toured in our unique Mini Authi along the Wild Atlantic Way, specifically the scenic stretch past Achill Island and Clew Bay. During a severe storm in 1588, the Spanish Armada was wrecked off Ireland's rugged west coast, with several ships sinking at the mouth of this bay. The Spanish Armada Viewing Point offers a magnificent view of Clew Bay. Legend has it that the bay contains 365 islands – one for every day of the year – though in reality, there are around 115.
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: Our Mini Authi, with Croagh Patrick in the background. Standing 764 metres tall, it overlooks Westport and Clew Bay with its many islands. Croagh Patrick – which we climbed back in 2010 – is a major pilgrimage site in Ireland. The tradition of making the pilgrimage to the summit dates back to AD 441. It is said that Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, spent forty days fasting and praying there that year. On Reek Sunday, the National Irish Pilgrimage Day, thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain's steep slopes covered in loose stones, often barefoot.
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: The ruin of the 15th-century Murrisk Abbey is situated at the foot of Croagh Patrick. The abbey was built on the site of a previous church founded by Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The building marked the official starting point of the pilgrimage to the summit of Croagh Patrick. The grounds around the abbey are still used as a graveyard by the residents of Murrisk. The village is situated on the southern shore of Clew Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Way.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: From the IMM, we toured in our Mini Authi over Achill Island. Here, the roads are lined by imposing wild rhododendrons, a common shrub on the island. In late spring, these evergreen shrubs are in full bloom. The rugged island features one of the most remote and scenic areas in the west of Ireland. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge over Achill Sound. As the island is located close to Westport, where the IMM 2017 was held, this breathtaking landscape was visited by hundreds of Mini enthusiasts at the time.
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: A shepherd with a herd of sheep walking in front of the Mini Authi on the road near Westport, a picturesque town in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. It is situated at the southeast corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. Westport was built in the 1780s for the employees of the nearby Westport House. The shepherd wanted to know where we were from. When we said we were from the Netherlands, he gave a thumbs-up and and shouted enthusiastically: 'Dennis Bergkamp!'
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: From the IMM, we drove to the Burren in County Clare. The most iconic landmark on this vast limestone plateau is the Poulnabrone Dolmen. This megalithic structure is one of Ireland's most famous archaeological sites, and – second only to the Cliffs of Moher – the most visited attraction in the Burren. The dolmen is a portal tomb that was in use between 3800 BC and 3200 BC. The upright stones weigh no less than 1.5 tonnes each. It was once covered by a mound of sand, soil, and stones.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: In our iconic Mini Authi, we drove to the ruins of Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey. The abbey was built in the early 13th century in the stunning limestone landscape of the Burren. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII of England in 1539, the abbey began to decline. The ruins are situated near Hazel Mountain Chocolate, an artisanal chocolate factory with its own café in Oughtmama – an absolute must-visit for us, as true lovers of unique products.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: Before leaving the International Mini Meeting (IMM) in Westport, we took the opportunity to place our Mini Authi inside a life-sized Corgi Toys box in front of Westport House for a unique photo. This IMM was organised by the Irish MINI Owners Club. From all over Europe, more than 1,200 Classic Minis and New Minis and their owners had gathered on the grounds of Westport House, an 18th-century historic estate on the west coast of Ireland.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: From Westport, we drove to the Cliffs of Moher near Hag's Head Tower. We discovered a small parking area near a farm, from where we took a beautiful walk to the ruins of this historic tower, also known as the Moher Tower. The ruins are located far from the busy area around the visitor centre. The cliffs lie on the southwestern edge of the Burren, on Ireland's west coast, and stretch for 14 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is at Knockardakin, 214 metres above sea level. The largest colony of puffins on the Irish mainland inhabits these impressive cliffs.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: From the Cliffs of Moher, we drove south along the Wild Atlantic Way. We crossed the River Shannon by ferry from Killimer to Tarbert; the crossing took about twenty minutes. Afterwardd, we followed a section the coastal road to Tralee. We arrived late at a campsite there, from which we took a scenic drive around the Dingle Peninsula the following day.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: Beneath dark, cloudy skies, we drove past the ruins of the 16th-century Min Aird Castle (also known as Minard Castle). The ruins of this tower house are situated on the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula, on the shores of Kilmurry Bay – a breathtaking pebble beach. We had made several trips through Ireland before, but this was our first in a classic car – our own 1974 Mini Authi.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: Dingle is a small charming harbour town, situated on the Dingle Peninsula. It is one of the largest Irish-speaking towns in the country. The Irish language is also known as Irish Gaelic. The breathtaking Conor Pass runs from the town towards Brandon Bay on the north side of the peninsula and is the highest mountain pass in Ireland; this pass leads along Peddler's Lake and the Conor Pass waterfall. The waterfall is located right next to the road; the small lake lies slightly higher up.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: Driving along the Slea Head Drive in our 1974 Mini Authi, we passed the iconic white cross on Slea Head. The monument features a huge sculpture group depicting the crucifixion. The Slea Head Drive is an epic circular route around the Dingle Peninsula, beginning and ending in the fishing village of Dingle on the south coast. As part of the Wild Atlantic Way, it is considered one of the most scenic routes in Ireland.
Classic Car Road Trip through Ireland in a Mini Authi: The Slea Head Viewing Point on the Dingle Peninsula offers amazing views of the Blasket Islands, Coumeenoole Beach and the spectacular westernmost point of Dunmore Head on mainland Ireland. The peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking wild coastline, rugged cliffs, majestic mountains and picturesque towns and small villages. This friendly Irish man wanted to have his photo taken with our Classic Mini.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini Authi, cruising Slea Head Drive: One of the most renowned monuments on the Dingle Peninsula is the Gallarus Oratory. This iconic structure is made entirely from local stone, without the use of mortar. It was probably built in the 7th or 8th century, although some scholars date it to the 11th century. This sacred place is the best-preserved early Christian church in Ireland. According to legend, your soul is purified if you climb out through the small window at the back. This is likely symbolic, as the window measures only 12 by 19 centimetres.
A road trip through Ireland: We drove our Mini Authi from Tralee to Adare in County Limerick. This village is known for its traditional thatched cottages. Situated near the entrance to the Neo-Gothic Adare Manor, these cottages were built between 1835 and 1870 specifically for the workers constructing the mansion at the time. Today, a thatched cottage is considered one of the most iconic symbols of Ireland. Adare is therefore widelily regarded as the country's most prettiest and picturesque village.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: From Adare, we covered a long distance to Carndonagh – passing Knock once again – with a brief stop at Donegal Castle. The High Cross at Carndonagh, also known as the Donagh Cross or High Cross of Saint Patrick, is situated in the town of Carndonagh on the way to Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula. This monument is one of the earliest High Crosses in Ireland, probably dating back to the 7th century. Carndonagh was an early Christian church centre in Donegal, the most northerly county of Ireland. According to tradition, Saint Patrick founded a monastery at this location in 412.
Classic Car Road Trip Ireland: Malin Head is the northernmost point of mainland Ireland, locally also known as Banba's Crown, named after the Celtic mythological goddess Banba. The signal tower on this impressive promontory was built in 1805 by the British during the Napoleonic Wars. This historic landmark was also used during the First and Second World Wars. Malin Head is situated on Inishowen Peninsula and is the official starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way. We drove several sections of this scenic route in our Mini Authi.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: After an overnight stay near Malin Head, we crossed the border into Northern Ireland. In our Mini Authi, we passed the iconic Free Derry Corner in the Bogside district of Derry (Londonderry). The twelve intense murals on the gable ends of houses in Rossville Street were created by the Bogside Artists. Known as the 'People's Gallery', these artworks commemorate profound events during The Troubles, a violent conflict in Northern Ireland from 1968 to 1998, such as the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: At the visitor centre, we were given permission to photograph our Mini Authi at the Giant's Causeway. Unfortunately, it was pouring with rain. This fascinating and unique landscape rises majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean on the north coast of Northern Ireland near the village of Bushmills. The impressive natural wonder consists of about 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns of varying heights, the result of a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago. As the lava cooled rapidly, it contracted and cracked to form this spectacular formation of mainly hexagonal columns.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: After a stay in Bushmills, Northern Ireland, to visit the Giant's Causeway, we drove south to explore the ruins of the early Christian settlement of Monasterboice in Ireland. This fifth-century monastery was conquered by the Vikings in 968. Despite looting and a fire, several stone structures have survived. The 28-metre-high tower was used by the monks as a lookout and a place of refuge. This historic site is widely known for its magnificent Irish high crosses, or Celtic crosses, among which the 5.5-metre-high tenth-century Muiredach's Cross is world-famous.
A road trip through Ireland in a Classic Mini: Our Mini Authi and several other classic Minis were waiting in line at the ferry terminal in the Port of Dublin, ready to board the ship. After our epic road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland, we crossed the Irish Sea by ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. Due to a delay, the crossing took more than three hours.
Classic Car Road Trip: On our way home from Ireland to the Netherlands, we spent a week in Wales and England. We visited Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. This Welsh village has the longest place name in Europe; the inhabitants prefer to call their town Llanfairpwll. The tiny village is located on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, not far from the Menai Suspension Bridge. The most popular attraction of this Welsh village is the nameplate with the full name of the village, where we had briefly parked our Mini Authi for a photo.
Classic Car Road Trip: Several narrowboats moored in the Trevor Basin on the Llangollen Canal near the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. We parked our own classic Mini in a car park close to this basin for a walk along the towpath of the canal to the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It is also possible to follow the tight towpath and the canal across the span of this imposing aqueduct, with the traditional and iconic narrowboats floating right next to you. This widely known aqueduct was designed by Thomas Telford, a Scottish civil engineer.
A road trip via England and Wales to Ireland: We drove along a country lane in our Mini Authi to the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales. The aqueduct was designed by the Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford. The aqueduct towers 38 metres above the Dee Valley and carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. It took ten years to build the aqueduct; it was completed in 1805. With a length of 307 metres, this is the longest and highest cast-iron aqueduct in Great Britain.
Classic Car Road Trip: After arriving in Chatham from North Wales in our Mini Authi, we visited Chatham Dockyard. During our visit, scenes for 'Call the Midwife' were being filmed on location. This episode of the series was set during the brutal and cold winter of 1962–1963, and artificial snow was piled high against the historic buildings. Since it was a warm summer's day, the actors were sweating in their winter clothes.
A road trip in a Classic Mini: During our visit to Chatham Dockyard, we spotted this beautifully restored 1957 MG Magnette ZB among the dockyard's historic buildings. This iconic car was used during the filming of a Christmas special for the British TV series 'Call the Midwife'. In the series, it is the car driven by Dr. Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann). Since filming took place in the summer, the car was coated with frost-spray to give it a wintry look.
Classic Car Road Trip: Our Classic Mini in front of Fort Amherst in Chatham, on the Medway in Kent. The fort was built to defend Chatham Dockyard after the Raid on the Medway in 1667, the successful attack by the undaunted Dutch Fleet under the command of the renowned Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. The Dutch Fleet sailed up the River Medway, destroyed several of the English battleships at Chatham Dockyard, captured and towed away the Royal Charles, flagship of the English fleet. The stern piece of the Royal Charles is now on display in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Classic Car Road Trip: After visiting Chatham Dockyard, we drove our Mini Authi to Canterbury, the final stop on our road trip. In this historic city in south-eastern England, we visited the world-famous cathedral, home to the tomb of the Black Prince. The next day, we drove to Dover and crossed the Channel by ferry to Dunkirk, France. After a fantastic road trip covering over 7,000 km, we returned safely to the Netherlands.
