Charlotte's road trips to remember

CHARLOTTE'S ROAD TRIPS TO REMEMBER

From Donegal’s wild Atlantic edges to winding mountain passes and the snow-dusted Alps, Creative Director Charlotte's road trips have always been about adventure, comfort and layers made for the journey. Think warming coats pulled tight against sea air, soft knitwear for alpine mornings, and a picnic blanket (woven in Donegal) always within reach. These are layers made for roads well travelled.

Best romantic road trip?

I am not necessarily one for romantic road trips but if I was, I think the road towards the small pier at Port from Ardara through the dramatic Glengesh Pass in County Donegal is worth noting. In just a short distance, the essence of Donegal is captured. You drive through craggy hills, along narrow bog roads, past peaty-coloured rivers leading into glassy lakes and finally arrive at a small pier surrounded by a dramatic coastline at the edge of the Atlantic. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, sunsets and even a little dolphin watching.

Best childhood road-trip/Donegal?

My most memorable road trip as a child was a winter journey to the French Alps. We crossed from Dublin to Cherbourg by ferry and then spent three or four days driving through France, staying in little hotels, eating traditional French food and a lot of pâtisserie. It was the days before Google Maps. We had a paper map and a Michelin Guide — not one wrong turn or mishap…!

Road-trip you are dreaming of?

This summer we will take the children from the French Alps through to Italy — stopping in Turin (one of our favourite museums is there, the Armeria Reale), then driving down to the coast. The coastline there is stunning — pastel houses perched on cliffs leading down to a sparkling sea. And, more importantly for my children, the road is a parade of fast cars: Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini to name a few. We will finish in Lerici, spend a couple of days there, and then drive on to Florence.