Tour de Fred: Northern Ireland

Episode 1: Mourne Mountains

Following a short crossing aboard Irish Ferries, Fred heads north from Dublin for his first cycling challenge. Location: the mighty Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland’s highest range of peaks. After hiring a bike from Bed and Bike Northern Ireland, Fred’s ready to start. The route takes our host from Spelga Dam to the coastal village of Killowen by the shores of Carlingford Lough. En route, Fred gives fabric weaving, seaweed foraging and whiskey distilling a go!

The Mournes is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so grab your walking boots and venture outdoors. There are mountain vistas to take in, woodland trails to explore in Kilbroney, and legendary landmarks such as the Cloughmore Stone to behold. Top tip for cyclists – don’t miss the scenic viewpoint nicknamed “Kodak Corner” on the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails.

To make a splash à la Fred, try the seaweed tour at the family-run Crawford’s Rock. You’ll harvest seaweed on the shore and cook right on the beach with local fish for the FRESHEST seafood imaginable. A good dish needs a tipple to match, and that’s where Killowen Distillery comes in. This small batch distillery is as authentic as can be, mixing ancient distilling styles with local ingredients to produce truly unique whiskey, poitín (Irish moonshine) and more. Pick up a quality souvenir at Mourne Textiles, where three generations of master-weavers have been producing handwoven items like scarves and rugs since the 1950s.

Episode 2: Strangford

Time trial number two sees Fred saddle up for a journey around Strangford Lough, from the Game of Thrones® filming location Castle Ward to Portaferry. As the largest sea lough in Ireland and the UK, Strangford is one of the most bio-diverse regions in Europe; a nature lover’s dream teeming with marine life. Fred meets some seafaring creatures, tests his Irish dancing skills, paints with a top local artist, and savours foodie treats, all while paying homage to Ireland’s world-famous St Patrick.

For your own aqua adventure, follow Fred to Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary, where sharks, penguins and jellyfish and are all on show. Raise the tempo with an Irish dancing experience courtesy of Celtic Storm, a professional Irish dance troupe, some of whom have shared the stage with the Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley!

Stop into The Cuan boutique hotel to refuel. The seafood chowder comes highly recommended, just ask Fred. And is it time for a pint of “the black stuff” yet? Guinness really does taste better in Ireland. Budding bakers should make a beeline for Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Irish bread-making experience in the cosy confines of a converted 18th-century stable. Round off your stay in County Down with a visit to St Patrick’s grave at Down Cathedral, one of the most revered sites on the island.

Episode 3: Belfast

Next, Fred leaves the tranquil countryside behind for a city sprint through the bright lights of Belfast – starting at Titanic Belfast and finishing at the Grand Central Hotel via Belfast City Hall. Belfast is a must on a visit to the region. Northern Ireland’s biggest city is historic, charming and culturally cool all at once. Fred embraces this heady mix at food markets, lively pubs and more. Plus he uncovers the origin story of “the Ship of Dreams”.

Fancy ticking off the same bucket list items as Fred? Start with the biggie: Titanic Belfast. Not only is the shimmering exterior designed to look like the ill-fated vessel, it’s located at the very docks where the Titanic was built. Inside, ten interactive galleries bring the ship’s infamous tale to life. Afterwards, change things up at a lesser-known city institution: Conway Mill. This renovated 19th-century mill is now a vital community hub, housing everything from pottery classes at Sturdy Ceramics to boxing lessons at St John Bosco Amateur Boxing Club.

Belfast’s food and drink scene is top-notch. Head to the Victorian-era St George’s Market for a dizzying array of local food stalls. A famous (and huge!) Belfast bap is a great option for breakfast or lunch. Cheese lovers, go to Mike’s Fancy Cheese. Eating your way around Belfast is thirsty work, so try Madden’s traditional Irish music bar for a wee refreshment and a live session. This is a UNESCO City of Music, after all. Rest in the luxurious surroundings of the four-star Europa Hotel.

Episode 4: Causeway Coast

Fred’s fourth time trial might be the most scenic of the lot, as he goes for a spin around the picturesque north coast village of Glenarm. Our host takes in the majesty of Glenarm Castle and Garden, which overlooks the village, before striking out further north to the Causeway Coastal Route for a spot of hurling, golf and sustainable shopping.

The Causeway Coast is one of the most sublime stretches of coastline in the world, dotted with star attractions like the Giant’s Causeway. But Fred’s hidden gems are bucket list worthy, too. Catch a hurling match at Ruairí Óg GAA Club in the pretty seaside village of Cushendall. Hurling is one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, and it’s often called the FASTEST field game in the world. The undulating fairways of Royal Portrush Golf Club (which hosts The Open Championship again this year) offer a more relaxed sporting experience. Dunluce Lodge beside the course is calmer still. The five-star resort is a lavish place for a spa treatment or stay.

For something different, head to Broughgammon Farm, where an idyllic farm experience awaits. From foraging walks and fermenting workshops to farm-to-fork supper clubs, a range of artisan events showcase the farm’s approach to ethical and sustainable produce. Another forward-thinking business nearby is local Hope Macaulay’s slow fashion knitwear brand to the stars. Treat yourself to a gorgeous piece as a holiday gift.

Episode 5: Derry~Londonderry & Donegal

Fred’s fifth and final time trial challenge takes him from the historic walled city of Derry~Londonderry to the quaint coastal village of Muff in County Donegal. The trail glides by the glistening waters of the River Foyle, before finishing up with views of the remote Inishowen Peninsula. Our First Dates matchmaker loved it here, visiting an 18th-century estate, touring Derry~Londonderry’s famous city walls, celebrating Derry Halloween, and even meeting local music hero Mickey Bradley – of The Undertones fame – to discuss the city’s thriving music scene. “When we went to Derry, we got the most incredible welcome – it was so warm, so uplifting and so genuine,” says Fred.

Like what you hear? Embark on your own walking tour of the 400-year-old city walls and let your expert local guide cover the city’s complex history while pointing out top sights like the Derry Girls mural and the towering Guildhall. Escape the city at Brook Hall Estate and Gardens, an enchanting demesne on the outskirts of town. If you love to party, spooky season is the perfect time to visit, as Europe’s BIGGEST Halloween festival rolls into town in the form of Derry Halloween.

An unexpected foodie delight can be found at Lo and Slo BBQ, where you’ll master the art of wild cooking. They’ve certainly mastered the art of distilling at The Muff Liquor Company in Donegal. Book in for a tour and tasting, cocktail masterclass or an Irish coffee experience to toast your trip in style.

Make a date with Ireland

Fred might have reached the finish line on his travels, but your adventure is only beginning. From iconic cities and eco-travel gems to breathtaking cycling routes through the Mournes, Belfast and beyond, it’s time to plan your own tour of Ireland! Want some help creating an itinerary? Here are more top things to see and do around the island...