Elddis is part of Erwin Hymer Group – and, in turn, leisure vehicle giant THOR Industries.

We recently supported THOR ambassadors, The Lahr Family, go on the motorhome adventure of a lifetime in our Elddis Autoquest 196.

Mel, Luke, Koen, Josie and Rory are more used to super-size American RVs, so just what would they make of our UK-built, more compact motorhome?..

Embarking on a motorhome trip around Ireland and Scotland promised an unforgettable adventure for our family. The stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality made these destinations perfect for a road trip. Our journey was made even more remarkable with the Elddis Autoquest 196 motorhome. This article explores our itinerary, the joy of traveling in a motorhome, and how the Elddis Autoquest 196 enhanced our travel experience.

"Our adventure began in Preston, UK and we travelled over to the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. From there, we travelled to the lush countryside of County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland.” The rolling hills and serene lakes provided a perfect start to our journey. We then headed to the west coast, exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, where we visited Killarney National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, and the charming town of Dingle, among many other places. Crossing over to Northern Ireland, we visited the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique rock formations fascinated our children, making geology come alive.

“The next leg of our journey took us to Cairnryan via ferry from Belfast. We then travelled north through the Scottish Highlands, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and the Cairngorms National Park, ending in the historic city of Edinburgh.”

The Elddis Autoquest 196: Driving and Living Experience

"Driving the Elddis Autoquest 196 was a breeze for us. Weighing 3500kgs, it didn’t require a special license, which boosted our confidence on the narrow, winding roads of the UK and Ireland. The motorhome’s compact and nimble design made navigating through both rural and urban areas straightforward and stress-free.

“The Elddis Autoquest 196 is a 6-berth motorhome with six belted seats, ensuring safety for all family members. This feature is a standout, as not all manufacturers adhere to the belts-equal-berths policy. Inside, the motorhome offered ample living space, with a large front dinette and a roomy rear lounge. The electric drop-down double bed was a favourite among the children, who enjoyed the novelty and comfort it provided.”

Cooking, Eating, Relaxing, and Sleeping

"The fully-equipped kitchen in the Elddis Autoquest 196 allowed us to prepare home-cooked meals, adding to the comfort and convenience of our journey. We could enjoy family meals together, whether parked by a scenic beach or at a bustling campsite. The kitchen’s amenities, including plenty of cabinets, an oven, and a fridge, made it easy to store and cook fresh local produce and meat that we picked up along the way.

“Relaxing in the motorhome was a joy, with the spacious lounge area providing plenty of room for the family to unwind. Whether playing card games, reading, or simply enjoying the view through the large windows, the motorhome became a cosy home away from home. At night, the comfortable beds ensured everyone had a good night’s sleep, ready for the next day’s adventures.”

How the Elddis Autoquest 196 Enhances the Travel Experience

"The Elddis Autoquest 196 truly enhanced our travel experience, offering unparalleled flexibility and comfort. Unlike traditional hotel stays, the motorhome allowed us to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and stay close to nature. With a toilet and snacks ready when we needed it, we had more time for exploring these beautiful countries without the hassle of trying to find a place to dine. The ability to change plans on a whim, without the need to check in or out of accommodations, added to the sense of adventure.

“Traveling as a family in the motorhome created unbeatable experiences and lasting memories. The children loved the novelty of sleeping in the motorhome and waking up in new, exciting locations. From their perspective, the trip was a grand adventure, filled with new sights, sounds, and experiences every day.”

Reviews and Feedback from the Children

Our children, Koen (15), Josie (11), and Rory (7), shared their thoughts on the trip:

Koen: "I loved sleeping in the drop-down bed! It felt like I had my own private space. Seeing the Giant’s Causeway was amazing, and I learned so much about how the rocks were formed.”

Josie: “We got to be so close to nature. I loved building fairy houses in the woods, swimming at the beach, and playing in creeks. We camped in the most beautiful spots!”

Rory: "Driving in the motorhome was so cool. I liked that we could stop wherever we wanted. My favourite part was seeing Loch Ness and pretending to look for the monster. The motorhome felt like a big, cosy spaceship!”

Why The Elddis Brand?

"Our positive experience with the Elddis Autoquest 196 aligns with the brand’s commitment to family-focused travel. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Elddis has been inspiring travel since 1964. Known for its value-for-money, quality, and a strong network of retailers throughout the UK, Elddis remains a trusted name in the motorhome industry.

“Made in the UK and designed with UK customers in mind, the Elddis Autoquest 196 is an excellent choice for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Our journey through Ireland and Scotland showcases how this motorhome can provide a comfortable, flexible, and memorable travel experience.”

Our Elddis Experience

“Our motorhome trip around Ireland and Scotland in the Elddis Autoquest 196 was an adventure of a lifetime. The motorhome’s features, from its safety and comfort to its ease of use, made the journey enjoyable and stress-free. The ability to explore at our own pace, combined with the stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, created unforgettable memories for the whole family. For those considering a family motorhome trip, the Elddis Autoquest 196 offers an unbeatable travel experience, inspiring journeys for years to come.”

Campsites and Wild Camping

"The flexibility of traveling in a motorhome allowed us to experience a mix of campsites and wild camping, also known as boondocking. In Ireland, we enjoyed many beach and cliffside campsites that left us in complete awe. We also stayed at well-equipped campsites such as O’Briens Holiday Lodge and Camping Park with views of the Rock of Cashel and Killarney Flesk Caravan and Camping Park. These types of sites provided all the necessary amenities, including electricity, water, and waste disposal after a night of wild camping.

“In Scotland, we enjoyed responsible wild camping in some of the most scenic locations. We parked our motorhome along the coast and in the remote glens of the Highlands. Wild camping offered a sense of freedom and a closer connection to nature, allowing us to wake up to stunning vistas without the constraints of a traditional campsite. We often took breaks from wild camping to enjoy the amenities of campgrounds. Our favourite designated campground in Scotland was Witches Craig Caravan and Camping Park in Stirling.”

Itinerary and Sightseeing

Must-See Sights in Ireland by County:

County Dublin
• Explore Trinity College, the Long Room, and view the Book of Kells
• Grab a sandwich from Pig and Heifer
• Visit EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum
• Walk through Temple Bar
• Have dinner and listen to traditional music at Darkey Kelly’s

County Wicklow
• Visit Glendalough Monastic Site
• Explore Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens
• Walk through Wicklow Mountains National Park

County Kilkenny and Tipperary

• Walk the medieval streets of Kilkenny and tour the castle
• Experience the history of Rock of Cashel (excellent guided tour)

County Cork
• Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
• Visit the English Market in Cork City
• Explore the colorful, coastal village of Kinsale

County Kerry
• Drive the Ring of Kerry
• Visit the Kerry Cliffs
• Experience private falconry with Falconry Kerry
• Visit Killarney National Park and Muckross House
• Take a pony trap ride through the Gap of Dunloe
• Explore the port town of Dingle and eat seafood
• Hold a baby lamb and play on the beaches on Slea Head Drive

County Clare
• Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher
• Don’t miss the Kilkee Cliffs
• Drive through the Burren National Park
• Walk through Doolin Cave
• Listen to traditional music at Gus O’Conner’s Pub in Doolin

County Galway
• Visit the Aran Islands
• Walk the charming town of Clifden
• Drive Sky Road
• Walk to Clifden Castle Ruins
• Explore Connemara National Park
• See the Joyce Country Sheepdog Demonstration
• Walk through Galway City and its Latin Quarter
• Stop for lunch and a tour of Kylemore Abbey

County Mayo
• Camp on Achill Island
• Spend a day at Keem Beach
• View the White Cliffs of Ashleam
• Visit Downpatrick Head

County Donegal
• Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
• Visit Slieve League Cliffs
• Explore Glenveagh National Park and Castle

County Derry (Londonderry)
• Walk the historic Derry City Walls
• Visit the Museum of Free Derry

County Antrim
• Visit the Giant’s Causeway
• Explore Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Tour Dunluce Castle
• Stroll through The Dark Hedges

Belfast
• Visit Titanic Belfast
• Explore W5 Science Museum

Must-See Sights in Scotland:

Stirling
• Visit Stirling Castle and take a guided tour
• Explore the Wallace Monument
• Walk around the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
• Camp at Witches Craig Caravan and Camping Park

Highlands
• Visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Drive through Glencoe Valley
• Explore Fort William and Ben Nevis (take a hike)
• Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Bridge)
• Tour the Eilean Donan Castle

Isle of Skye
• Explore the Quiraing
• Visit the Fairy Pools
• Hike the Old Man of Storr
• Tour Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
• Visit Neist Point Lighthouse
• When you leave the island, take a Highland Cow tour at Croft Cafe (reserve ahead)

Inverness
• Visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
• Explore Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre

Cairngorms National Park
• Explore Aviemore and its outdoor activities
• Take a tour with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
• Drive A939 from Aviemore to Balmoral
• Visit Balmoral Castle and Gardens
• Have lunch at the Highlanders Bakehouse

East Coast
• Visit Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven
• Explore Aberdeen city and its Maritime Museum
• Visit St. Andrews, its university, and famous golf course
• Drive Fife Coastal Path
• Grab a coffee at the Giddy Gannet and take a walk through charming coastal village of St Monans

Edinburgh
• Tour Edinburgh Castle
• Walk the Royal Mile and listen to bagpipes
• Visit the Palace of Holyrood House
• Explore Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland
• Tour the Edinburgh Underground on the Mary King’s Close Tour

You can follow the Lahr Family’s adventures on Instagram, as well as on Facebook.

Their website also documents their years of worldwide RV travel!

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