That’s because the location for this year’s event is the Emerald Isle itself.
Previous rallies have had themes such as James Bond, the best of British, and cheese and wine, but for 2023 it’s all about Ireland, as dealers look to raise as much money as possible for the automotive industry charity while having some fun into the bargain.
The madcap rally is taking place from Saturday, October 7 to Tuesday, October 10 and some 1,500 miles will be covered over the four days.
It’ll take in gorgeous Irish landscapes, including the Wicklow Mountains, Sally Gap, Waterford Copper Coast, the Ring of Kerry, plus the Wild Atlantic Way.
Organiser Automotion Events is aiming to raise £50,000, and CEO Andy Entwistle told Car Dealer: ‘We’ve been asked to do this one for years. It could be the friendliest Bangers4Ben ever with the famous Irish hospitality!
‘We’re always looking to mix things up rather than just head back to the old favourites, and we think that this could be one of the most amazing drives we’ve ever undertaken.’
The itinerary is as follows:
Meet in Holyhead and board the ferry to cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. Then hit the winding roads of the Wicklow Mountains to the town of Wicklow and join the coastal road to an overnight stop in Waterford – the home of the famous crystal glassware.
After a hearty breakfast, rejoin the coastal road and head towards Kinsale and the famous Ring of Kerry. This drive has it all – the Atlantic Ocean views, islands in the distance, mountain villages plus fabulous, quirky places to stop at for a bite to eat and drink. Today’s overnight stay is in the town of Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane.
This is the longest day on the road. From Killarney, head up to Limerick and on to Doolin to join the Wild Atlantic Way up to Galway. It’s then on to Dublin for the final overnight stop – and perhaps a Guinness or two!
A morning to explore the city of Dublin – named the friendliest European city on TripAdvisor – or have a lie-in after the long drive the day before. Board the ferry back to Blighty at lunchtime. All the cars will be auctioned later at BCA Blackbushe to raise even more money for Ben.
There’ll be prizes for the best-themed car, best fancy dress, highest fundraiser, best tweet and most profit at auction.
The rally rules are simple:
Pay the entry fee of £1,050 plus VAT per car with driver and co-driver
Buy a car for less than £750
Theme, paint or decal your car however you like up to the cost of £750
Raise as much as you can for Ben
Choose your fancy dress
Having completed the rally, donate your car to sell at auction to raise more money for Ben
The non-refundable entry fee covers twin accommodation, breakfast, evening meal and AA roadside assistance.