Volkswagen California review: Can this roomy camper van weather a rainy trip along the Wild Atlantic Way?

In hindsight, choosing Donegal as our first destination probably heightened the odds, but hey, it was the middle of June, so there was hope.

Thankfully, our transport/home for the midweek break was the Volkswagen ­California – a factory-fitted gaff on wheels complete with two bedrooms, chest fridge, two-ring gas cooker, kitchen sink and plenty of storage.

For the more outdoorsy types, there’s even a makeshift shower at the rear – ideal if you want to wash off your wetsuit after catching that killer wave off Lahinch.

More importantly, it comes with its own central-heating system which is operated independently and is controlled from a digital panel in the roof.

It proved a godsend after the weather took a turn for the worst in Teelin, a stunning little hamlet just a few kilometres from the fishing town of Killybegs.

We arrived around teatime and the sun was beating down.

I got the chef’s hat on and rustled up a couple of rib-eye steaks. The two ravenous travellers dined al fresco on the cleverly stowed-away table and chairs in the tailgate.

A visit to the Rusty Mackerel – chosen by the Lonely Planet as one of the top 20 pubs in Ireland – is highly recommended and the Guinness is to die for.

Leaving after dark, the heavens opened, the wind swept in from the coast and it came down in sheets. No bother to the Cali, as my son Cameron and I were snug as bugs. The red canvas roof withstood the battering with gusto, even if it was a bit noisy.

Being typical tourists, we decided the inclement conditions wouldn’t dampen our spirits, so the awning was unfurled and the pair of us enjoyed a decent breakfast the following morning.

Packing up, which takes minutes thanks to the electric roof, we decided to head south for sunnier climes and the ­legendary Cliffs of Moher.

Hitting the N17, my co-pilot reminded me that the 316km trek would take over four hours and possibly a bit more with couple of pitstops before we hit Doolin.

Luckily the California is built on the same platform as the Transporter van, and is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine which generates 190bhp.

Twin that with its sublime seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and super-comfy armchair-like seats with twin armrests, and no journey seems too daunting.

There is plenty of low-down torque, which we needed to drag it and all our gear up steep hills along the Wild Atlantic Way, and some quite narrow boreens. There’s also the option of all-wheel drive for those who fancy going completely off grid.

On major roads and carriageways, the Cali cruised effortlessly and proved really efficient, returning an average of 4.7 litres/100km, or 50mpg.

On more challenging B roads, the only complaint is the background noise of your plates and cutlery bashing about inside the cupboards.

On a brief stopover in Cong to pay homage to John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara (and a photo with The Quiet Man statue), the clouds lifted and with it so did our spirits.

Fresh as daisies, we hit the Banner County at around 6pm – just in time for fish and chips at Gus O’Connor’s and a couple of Irish tunes.

It lashed again that night and the following day, but sure there’s always next year.

In the meantime, I’ll be California dreaming.

Prices for the VW California start at €66,800.