See all Motoring AdviceDriving an electric vehicle requires more planning before starting a long trip than driving a combustion-engined car. Specifically, finding charging stations en route to top up your car's battery. Nowadays, it is pretty easy as the ESB operates and maintains over 1,350 public charge points across the island of Ireland. However, most of these are in boring car parks surrounded by a sea of tarmac and not much else, or they are in petrol stations which, though convenient, do little to spark joy into your road trip.
But what if you want to charge up and grab a bite? Something that isn't pre-packaged and overpriced? We've got you covered. We've scoured the country looking for the best places to charge your car while chowing down. Where you can top up battery whilst topping up your belly... Oh, you get the idea.
Dublin - Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Howth - See Map
Do yourself a favour and avoid driving into Dublin city centre to charge up. You'll just be sitting in traffic. If you can plan it, stop in the pretty fishing village of Howth, where you can park and partake in the Dublin tradition of eating fish and chips overlooking the harbour whilst battling the SAS-trained seagulls. No, it's great fun, honestly.
Galway - Merchants Road8 - See Map
If you are hungry in Galway City but don't know what you want to eat, park at the Merchants Road EV charger, as there is a massive selection of excellent places to grab a bite within ten minutes walk. Some of our top recommendations are Dough Bros for pizza, Grind Coffee, Scoop for ice cream and Bakebox for fresh sweet and savoury baked goodies.
Wexford - Kelly's Resort Hotel & Spa - See Map
ESB and Tesla ‘destination chargers’ are available at this excellent Rosslare hotel, so it is handy for those looking to top up before getting on the ferry. But the food here is so tasty that regardless of whether you need to top up, you should still stop here to eat. The hotel kitchen has a farm-to-fork ethos, and the dishes use as many local ingredients as possible.
Wicklow - BrookLodge & Macreddin Village - See Map
Though tucked away, BrookLodge is an excellent place to charge up for those on a road trip around Wicklow. You'll find ESB and Tesla destination chargers on the stunning grounds, surrounded by nature. Leave your car to do its thing while you eat in the various Food Village venues serving free range, organic and wild food options.
Limerick - Milk Market - See Map
You'll find an on-street EV charge point on Ellen Street, just a two-minute walk from the marvellous Milk Market in Limerick - an all-weather, all-weekend food market. In this haven for gourmands and epicureans, you can taste the flavours of Limerick and discover the very best of fresh local produce and food and drink.
Belfast - Franklin Energy Charging Station, Great Victoria Street - See Map
Are you heading off on a tour of the Causeway Coast or Game of Thrones filming locations? We recommend using this city centre charger because it is just a five-minute walk from St George's Market. This gorgeous Victorian market is a great place to enjoy local delicacies and shop for snacks and treats for a road trip picnic.
Donegal - The Mill Park Hotel - See Map
Delight your tastebuds in Donegal by charging up at the Mill Park Hotel and heading inside for a banging breakfast and a warm traditional welcome. The Full Irish will set you up for a day on the road or enjoy a leisurely lunch of succulent locally-caught seafood or something hearty from the grill.
Kildare - Kildare Village Outlet Shopping - See Map
If you are hungry as a horse in Thoroughbred Country, head to Kildare Village. Whether it's breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch or dinner you crave, culinary delights await at every turn. Tickle your tastebuds with the fantastic flavours of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine or the sweet indulgence of Irish chocolate paired with strong coffee.
Cork - The River Lee Hotel - See Map
Directly in front of the River Lee Hotel in Cork City, you'll find an EasyGo charge point. The hotel has two stunning dining venues that serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner; however, being the culinary capital of Ireland (shush! Don't tell the Dubs), there are plenty of places nearby where you can tuck into some terrific tucker.