Throughout Ireland there are fantastic places to visit, with the west coast particularly famed for its wild beauty. Even staying in the vibrant capital city of Dublin to the east, you can be taking in the Atlantic views in around three hours of driving, and from there the adventures can begin.

Irish wanderer Kevin Penrose (@kevin_penrose_) took three trips over three days crossing through three scenic Irish counties travelling from Dublin to County Donegal, to highlight some of the best spots to visit in that section of coastline. And he did it all in the new all-electric Explorer ¹ without having to stop to charge on the way.

Trip One: Dublin to Westport (253km)

Around 250 kilometres west of Dublin is the heritage coastal town of Westport, County Mayo’s most popular destination for tourists. It is one of only a few planned towns in Ireland, notable for its tree-lined boulevard built alongside the Carrowbeg river. The river flows out to the Atlantic in the south-east corner of Clew Bay and is the perfect spot for some wild swimming, with views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick some 10 kilometres away as the town’s backdrop.

Today the vibrant town is full of cafes and restaurants, many specialising in local fish, while the historical buildings and stunning countryside remain an enduring reason to visit. If you want to see more of it and stretch your legs, you can take a 5.5 kilometres looped walk from town along the old railway line, past a lake and skateboard park and taking in Westport quay before heading back to the start point in town.

Trip Two: Westport to Sligo (103km)

Head north cross-country to Strandhill, which is one of the must-visit stops on the Wild Atlantic Way – the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. What makes the small town of Strandhill such a hidden jewel is the surf break there, often considered one of the best beach breaks in the country and producer of some of Ireland’s top surfers. It also has some cool cafes to warm up in.

Other great surf spots within a single charge from Strandhill: 1. Bundoran, Co. Donegal (43 kilometres north of Strandhill) 2. Portrush, Co. Antrim (200 kilometres from Strandhill, near the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland) 3. Lahinch, Co. Clare (207 kilometres south of Strandhill) 4. Ballybunion, Co. Kerry (302 kilometres from south of Strandhill)

From Strandhill, Sligo is a short drive away. A town with connections to the poet W.B.Yeats, there have been settlements here since prehistory. Much of its past has revolved around Garavogue River, including its rich reserves of shellfish which gave the town its name; Sligeach meaning ‘abounding in shells’. If you want to see the area from a different view point you can even go on a kayak tour from Sligo, taking in the coastline and tranquil inland lakes while paddling which gives you the chance to get close to some of the local wildlife.

Trip Three: Sligo to County Donegal (66km)

Surrounding Sligo there are plenty fascinating places to visit like Knocknaera which was the burial place of the warrior queen Maeve of Connaught according to Irish mythology. For spectacular scenery travel up the narrow roads to the Gleniff horseshoe where the mountainous beauty will leave you breathless, before heading along the Mullaghmore coastal roads.

Here the wild Atlantic crashes against steep cliffs which will have you feeling the full untamed beauty of the area. Stop at the Mullaghmore Head and at the right time of year you might be able to spot dolphins and whales too. Or go to the Slieve League cliffs that rise around 600 metres above the sea if you want the dramatic.

If you’re feeling up for a challenge there’s an out-and-back 8.4 kilometres trail near Gleann Cholm Cille, which will take you to the top of Slieve League with spectacular views of the Atlantic, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay as a pay off for the rocky three hour hike.

Finally, head to the Blue Flag Rossnowlagh Beach, with around three kilometres of sandy beach to enjoy. There’s a hotel with ‘surfers bar’ attached, a restaurant and bar and a few shops in the area, but for a special treat head for a classic Finnish barrel wood-fired sauna retreat on the sand.

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The dramatic beauty of west Ireland's wild scenery is an experience to remember; and with Ford Explorer as a travelling partner, journeys of discovery and adventure across the Emerald Isle are there for the taking.

¹ 602 km based on full charge of Explorer RWD extended range. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown are for comparability purposes and should only be compared with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual range varies due to factors such as temperature, driving behaviour, route profile, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and condition.