Classic Dublin & Northern Ireland - Biking
Country
Ireland
Region
Dublin & East Ireland, Belfast & Northern Ireland
Theme
Classic
9
Days
8
Nights
Accommodation
3* / 4*
Two capitals, one unforgettable ride.
A carefully paced cycling journey that links Dublin and Belfast through the Wicklow Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula, the Mournes and the legendary Causeway Coast. Designed as a longer, immersive programme but easily shortened, the route blends iconic climbs, quiet coastal roads and landscapes layered with myth, monastic history and modern Irish life. We ride through places that shaped Irish identity and finish each day in characterful hotels chosen for warmth, comfort and a strong sense of place. Transfers are used thoughtfully to maximise riding quality and trip flow.
Highlights
- Ride the Wicklow Gap and Sally Gap, two of Ireland’s most celebrated climbs
- Cycle through the monastic valley of Glendalough
- Quiet coastal roads along Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula
- Mountain riding in the Mournes with views to the Irish Sea
- Early morning ride to the Giant’s Causeway before the crowds
- Premium whiskey tasting at Old Bushmills Distillery
- Evenings that move effortlessly from fireside bars to city culture
Handpicked Accommodation
Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle
Overlooking the Irish Sea at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, the Slieve Donard is a grand Victorian hotel originally built as a railway hotel in the 1890s.
Why we chose it
Few hotels allow you to ride straight from the door into a mountain range – this one does!
Ghan House, Carlingford
Dating back to the early 1700s, Ghan House is one of Ireland’s oldest heritage houses. It sits inside the medieval walls of Carlingford, a town that changed hands repeatedly between Gaelic Irish and Norman rulers.
Why we chose it
After a day on the Cooley roads, this is a place to slow the pace, enjoy good food and wind down for the day.
Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry
A classic Irish country house at the edge of Powerscourt Estate, Summerhill House has been welcoming travellers for generations.
Why we chose it
Period features, open fires and elegant gardens give Summerhill an old world, timeless feel.
Tulfaris Hotel & Golf Resort, Blessington
Set above the Blessington Lakes, Tulfaris enjoys one of the most tranquil positions in County Wicklow.
Why we chose it
The hotel looks out across water and rolling hills, with interiors designed for comfort and easy evenings.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains
We meet in Dublin and transfer south into the Wicklow Mountains, where the city gives way quickly to open hills and lake country. Lunch and a relaxed briefing at the hotel set the tone before bike fitting and a gentle afternoon loop around the Blessington Lakes. Quiet roads, long views and a sense of anticipation for the weeks riding to come. Dinner is at the hotel, with time to settle in and get to know the group.
Day 2 – Wicklow Gap and Glendalough
We ride deep into the Wicklow Mountains today, following roads used during the 1998 Tour de France. The climb to the Wicklow Gap is steady and rewarding, opening onto wide mountain views before a long descent into Glendalough. The monastic site, set between two dark lakes, offers a natural pause for lunch and exploration. The afternoon continues through sweeping scenery to the Irish Sea at Wicklow, where a well timed Guinness marks the end of the ride before a short transfer back.
Day 3 – The Sally Gap to Enniskerry
Another iconic climb, and for many the most spectacular road on Ireland’s east coast. The Sally Gap winds through high moorland, past the Guinness Estate and the striking curve of Lough Tay. The landscape feels open and elemental, with space to ride at your own rhythm. We finish in Enniskerry, a village tucked beneath Powerscourt, and settle into our country house hotel for the night
Day 4 – The Cooley Peninsula
The Cooley Peninsula is steeped in myth. This loop ride takes us through the landscape of Ireland’s oldest epic tale, where heroes, cattle raids and shape shifting warriors once dominated the story. The leprechauns said to live in these hills even have an official protected habitat nearby
Day 5 – The Mourne Mountains
The Mournes inspired C.S. Lewis when imagining the land of Narnia. Riding up towards Spelga Dam, it’s easy to see why. Granite peaks rise sharply around still water before a flowing descent into Newcastle, a seaside town that grew popular with Victorian holidaymakers.
Day 6 – Strangford Lough and Belfast
Strangford Lough is the largest sea inlet in the British Isles and has one of the strongest tidal currents in Europe. We cross the ‘Narrows’ by ferry before riding the Ards Peninsula, where farmland meets the sea in constant rhythm. Following a transfer to Belfast, we reveal a city known as much for its creativity and humour as its history.
Day 7 – The Causeway Coast
This coastline has been voted among the most scenic in the world – and today’s itinerary shows why. We ride past Carrick a Rede, where salmon fishermen once crossed a rope bridge suspended nearly 30 metres above the sea. The Dark Hedges, planted in the 18th century, form one of the most photographed avenues in Ireland. We finish at Bushmills with a whiskey by the fire.
Day 8 – Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills
An early start brings us to the Giant’s Causeway before the crowds. The 40,000 basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago, though local legend insists they were built by a giant. We finish at Old Bushmills Distillery, licensed to distil since 1608, for a premium tasting and lunch. The afternoon is free, followed by a final dinner together.
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, we transfer to Belfast where the tour concludes.
Itinerary Designer
A strong opening, an unforgettable middle, and an ending that lingers long after the ride is over.
Harvey
Featured Experience
Old Bushmills Distillery Tasting
A guided visit and premium tasting, hosted by experts, at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.