The Challenge


When Skoda handed me the keys to the new Skoda Elroq RS for 48 hours, I set myself a simple challenge: Could I leave Dublin, explore some of Ireland's most underrated landscapes, stay somewhere unique, and return back while relying entirely on an electric vehicle? Over the next two days, I would discover hidden forest trails, hike beneath one of Ireland's most spectacular mountain lakes, unwind in a beachside sauna, enjoy fish and chips overlooking the sea and cover hundreds of kilometres across Ireland's Ancient East. Here's how it went.

The Route


Day 1


  • Dublin Airport
  • Ballysaggartmore Towers
  • Mahon Falls
  • Comeragh Pods


Day 2


  • Crow Café
  • Coumshingaun Lake
  • Beach Sauna
  • Killmurrin Beach
  • East Pier, Dunmore East
  • Fast Charge
  • Return Journey


Meet The Adventure Vehicle: The Skoda Elroq RS


For this challenge, I was driving the Skoda Elroq RS. Finished in the unmistakable Mamba Green, the Elroq RS immediately felt more playful than most electric SUVs I've driven. With over 300 horsepower on tap, it had more than enough power for Ireland's winding back roads while remaining comfortable enough for long stretches behind the wheel. As a photographer travelling with camera bodies, lenses, drones and enough batteries to power a small expedition, the generous boot space was another welcome bonus. Most importantly though, this trip would be a test of how practical EV travel has become in Ireland.

Spoiler alert: range anxiety never really showed up.

Stop 1 : Ballysaggartmore Towers & Mahon Falls


After collecting the Elroq RS at Dublin Airport, I pointed the car south and headed towards one of my favourite hidden gems in Ireland.

Tucked away near Lismore, Ballysaggartmore Towers feels like something straight out of a fairytale. A winding forest trail leads visitors through towering trees, across a beautiful stone bridge and towards two gothic gate lodges that seem completely out of place in the middle of the woods.

What made the experience even more memorable was the weather.

Within the space of twenty minutes, I experienced sunshine, rain and blue skies again. In other words: a perfectly normal day in Ireland.

The constantly changing conditions created incredible atmosphere for photography and reminded me why I enjoy exploring Ireland so much. You never quite know what you'll get.

From there, I continued into the Comeragh Mountains towards Mahon Falls, one of the most accessible waterfalls in Ireland.

The drive itself is worth the trip, with winding mountain roads, sweeping views across the surrounding landscape and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos along the way. Upon arrival, a wide gravel path leads visitors towards the waterfall, making it an easy walk suitable for almost everyone.

Surrounded by grazing sheep and dramatic mountain scenery, Mahon Falls feels wonderfully remote despite being so easy to reach. It's the perfect stop for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Comeragh Mountains without committing to a strenuous hike.

After spending some time exploring the area, I made my way to Comeragh Pods for the night, ready for the next day's adventure.

Overnight At Comeragh Pods


Rather than spending the night in a hotel, I decided to stay at Comeragh Pods.

Located at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains, these cosy glamping pods provide the perfect base for exploring the region.

As the evening light filtered through the trees and the countryside began to quieten down, it felt like the perfect opportunity to slow down and recharge before the next day's adventure.

One of my favourite things about road trips is discovering places I haven't discovered before and this one was a true gem! Comeragh Pods was exactly that kind of place.

Stop 2: Coumshingaun Lake


The following morning began with breakfast at Crow Café before heading towards what many consider Ireland's most spectacular hike.

Coumshingaun Lake sits within a dramatic glacial corrie surrounded by steep mountain walls that rise almost vertically above the water.

It's one of those places that photographs can never quite do justice.

Standing above the lake and looking out across the surrounding mountains, it's easy to understand why so many people consider it one of Ireland's most impressive landscapes.

Despite visiting Ireland countless times over the years, this was another reminder that there are still so many incredible places waiting to be discovered.

Stop 3: Sauna, Sea & The Coastline

After the hike, it was time to swap mountains for coastline.

One of my favourite stops during the trip was the beach sauna overlooking the ocean near Killmurrin Beach.

There is something incredibly satisfying about combining a hot sauna session with a cold dip in the Atlantic.

Even on a summer day, the water certainly wakes you up.

From there, I spent the afternoon exploring the coastline, photographing hidden beaches and enjoying some of the quieter corners of Ireland's Ancient East.

The roads themselves became part of the adventure.

Every bend seemed to reveal another viewpoint worth stopping for.

Fish & Chips In Dunmore East

No Irish road trip is complete without fish and chips.

My final stop before heading home was East Pier in Dunmore East, where I grabbed lunch overlooking the harbour.

Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable.

After two days of forests, mountains, beaches and winding roads, sitting beside the sea with fresh fish and chips felt like the perfect way to wrap up the challenge.

How Easy Was EV Travel?

One of the biggest surprises from the trip was how straightforward charging turned out to be.

Over the past few years, Ireland's charging infrastructure has improved significantly, making EV road trips much easier than many people might expect.

For quicker top-ups, many of the larger service stations now offer fast chargers that can add a substantial amount of range while you grab a coffee or something to eat. During this trip, I used a fast charger while stopping for lunch and was back on the road in no time.

What many visitors don't realise, however, is that Ireland also has a large network of ESB chargers located throughout the country. These are ideal if you're staying overnight and have a little more time available. A full charge can take several hours depending on the charger and vehicle, but the cost is typically much lower than using a fast charger.

One thing I particularly liked was how simple the process was. For many ESB chargers, you don't even need to create an account beforehand. You can simply pay as a guest, plug in and start charging.

For this particular road trip, I never found myself worrying about range. Between the fast-charging network and the widespread availability of ESB chargers, exploring Ireland's Ancient East in an EV felt surprisingly effortless.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer road trip around Ireland, charging is no longer something that should hold you back.

Other Places I'd Consider Exploring Around Ancient East


One of the things I love most about Ireland's Ancient East is how flexible an itinerary can be.

The route above worked perfectly for my 48-hour adventure, but depending on your interests, there are plenty of opportunities to swap in different stops or extend the journey for another day or two.

Here are a few places I'd personally consider adding:


Lismore Castle Gardens

One of Ireland's most beautiful historic estates, featuring elegant gardens, woodland walks and centuries of history.


Ardmore Cliff Walk

A spectacular coastal walk combining dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves and panoramic ocean views.


Hook Head Lighthouse

One of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world and one of Ireland's most impressive coastal landmarks.


Ballycotton Cliff Walk

A beautiful stretch of coastline in East Cork offering fantastic sea views and the chance to see the iconic Ballycotton Lighthouse offshore.


Stradbally Cove

A small and often overlooked beach near the Copper Coast. It's a fantastic place for a quiet walk, coastal photography and escaping some of the busier spots in the region.

Final Thoughts

The biggest surprise wasn't how much I managed to see in 48 hours. It was how easy it was. From hidden forest trails and mountain lakes to beach saunas and coastal villages, Ireland's Ancient East proved that you don't need weeks of travel to have a memorable adventure. Sometimes all it takes is a full battery, a rough plan and the willingness to follow a road you've never driven before. And with the Skoda Elroq RS, there was certainly no shortage of adventure along the way.