We recently explored Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in a VW Grand California, hired from Cookies Campers. Here’s our review of both the trip and the campervan.
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s most famous road trips, and we chose to explore it in style with a campervan from Cookies Campers.
This family-run business allowed us to travel as we wished, soaking up the stunning scenery, charming villages, and hidden gems along Ireland’s west coast.
With a rented van, we were free to take this breathtaking route at our own pace. From beautiful landscapes to secret spots, our short adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, all thanks to the freedom of a campervan.
Cookies Campers – a family-run company for a for a Wild Atlantic Way Adventure
It’s been on my bucket list to explore the Wild Atlantic Way in a campervan, and Cookies Campers delivered everything we hoped for.
With various fully-equipped campervans, this Irish campervan rental company from Dublin offers a mix of quality, affordability, and excellent customer service. After reading glowing reviews about Cookies online, we knew we were set for a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Cookies Campers is run by Sarah and Paul Cooke, who started their business after returning to Ireland in 2013 after living abroad. They focus exclusively on renting out iconic Volkswagen models, which capture the spirit of the classic VW campervan but come with all the modern comforts and conveniences you’d expect from modern campervans.
The personal touch is what truly sets this company apart. When we got the van, Paul took the time to show us how to use everything in the van and was always just a WhatsApp message or call away throughout our trip.
As this was our first time renting a campervan in Ireland, this made us feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Our VW Camper Van – compact, comfortable, and fully equipped
Our rented Volkswagen Grand California was perfect for navigating the winding roads of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way while still providing all the comforts of home. The hired campervan was spacious and well-equipped, offering everything you need for a big road trip.
Here are some of the main features of the campervan we rented in Ireland:
- A cosy double bed in the back and an extra bed in the front
- A small kitchen area with a gas hob, sink, and fridge
- A full bathroom with a shower, sink, mirror, and toilet
- A modern heating system to keep warm during colder nights
- Modern amenities like a reversing camera, phone connectivity for navigation, Bluetooth, and USB charging ports
Overall, we thought the van was easy to drive, well-equipped for long drives, and balanced practicality and comfort.
Our Wild Atlantic Way Journey – our stops and highlights of our weekend road trip
Our Wild Atlantic Way adventure began after picking up our campervan from Dublin (Cookies Campers are a Dublin-based campervan hire company). Then, we headed for Bundoran, where we enjoyed coffee (from Foam) and homemade sandwiches with a beach view.
From there, we headed towards Downpatrick Head, passing through the picturesque county of Sligo and stopping in Ballina for food. Our first day ended at the Downpatrick head car park, where we had dinner and set up for the night. It was extremely relaxing to camp here as we fell asleep to the sounds of the ocean.
On our second day, we set off to head toward Achill Island. On the way we stopped at Nevin’s Newfield Inn for an incredible full Irish breakfast. The staff here were so accommodating, letting us fill our campervan water tank for free since we bought food there. With great food, friendly staff, and proper Irish hospitality, it’s worth visiting if you are on your way to Achill Island in a camper.
On Achill Island, we explored Keem Bay and visited charming pubs like Ted’s Bar and Lynott’s Pub, known as the smallest pub on Achill. That night we camped overnight on Keel Beach in the car park with other campervans (for free), which has a designated camping area and offers a fantastic view to wake up to.
On our final day, we went to Galway, took a dip in the sea at Salthill, enjoyed lunch, and then headed home.
Though our trip lasted only two nights, we wished we had more time. We will definitely book a longer trip with Cookies Campers next time. For those planning a longer journey, check out a full Wild Atlantic Way itinerary.
Book Your Campervan Rental – here’s how to get a van with Cookies Campers
Booking your campervan adventure with Cookies Campers is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
- Head over to cookiescampers.ie to explore their range of campervan rentals.
- If you have any questions or need assistance planning your trip, their team is always ready to help.
- Click on the ‘Book Now’ button on their website to see what’s available for your desired dates.
- Select the campervan that best suits your needs, budget, and group size.
- Confirm your booking online and start getting excited for an unforgettable Irish road trip!
If you’re ready to experience the Wild Atlantic Way in comfort and style, Cookies Campers is the perfect rental company for a proper Irish road trip. It gets Ireland Before You Die’s stamp of approval!
