County Down / COUnty Antrim
Ireland
July 2026
[ OVERVIEW ]

Experience Details

Trip Duration

8 days 7 nights

Pricing

$3,300

01 July - 09 July

Next Dates

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[ HIGHLIGHTS ]

Ride Features

Across eight days, riders will cover roughly 300 miles through County Down and the Mourne Mountains a mix of rolling countryside, coastal routes, and a few rewarding climbs.

Daily distances range from 40 to 70 miles, with most days featuring steady rolling hills and occasional short, steep sections.
The route includes one major ascent, the Spelga Pass in the Mourne Mountains offering a sustained climb followed by a fast, sweeping descent.

Food & Drink

Throughout the week, you’ll taste the best of Ireland’s local flavors, from fresh coastal seafood to hearty countryside fare.

Each morning starts with a Full Irish breakfast at The Ivanhoe Hotel, eggs, soda bread, sausages, and coffee to fuel the day’s ride. Along the routes, we’ll stop in small-town cafés, pubs, and local markets, where you can grab homemade soups, fresh-baked scones, or fish and chips straight from the source.

You’ll eat in places like Downpatrick, known for its cozy pubs and classic Irish stews, and Newcastle, where seaside restaurants serve the day’s catch. Ardglass is famous for its harbor seafood, and Portaferry and Strangford offer great spots for a post-ferry pint and a plate of mussels or chowder.

There’s a complimentary welcome dinner on your first night. A midweek meal at the historic Sunflower located in Belfast. As well as a farewell dinner on the final evening to toast the week’s miles, memories, and new friendships.

Sightseeing & Culture

Over eight days, you’ll cycle through some of Ireland’s most stunning and storied landscapes, where every mile brings you closer to the heart of Irish life. You’ll roll past castle ruins and quiet stone villages, along country lanes lined with hedgerows, and over mountain passes with views that stretch for miles. The route winds through Killyleagh and Downpatrick, two towns steeped in Saint Patrick’s history, and up into the Mourne Mountains, a landscape so striking it inspired C.S. Lewis’ Narnia.

Along the coast, the rhythm shifts, waves crash against the cliffs at St. John’s Point, fishing boats sway in Ardglass Harbour, and the Strangford Peninsula offers a perfect mix of wild shoreline and small seaside towns. Crossing the Strangford Ferry is a highlight in itself. Bikes, sea air, and that classic Irish charm in one short crossing.

Lodging Enhancements

We will be staying at the Ivanhoe Hotel, located in Carryduff just outside Belfast. With Belfast city centre only about fifteen minutes away by Uber or taxi.

Rooms are shared, with two people per room across six rooms in total, your ticket includes this shared accommodation. If you prefer additional privacy or upgraded comfort, room upgrades are available for an additional cost.

Your stay includes a full Irish breakfast, so you can start each morning with a hearty meal before hitting the cycling route. The hotel also has a modern bistro that serves great seasonal dishes, plus a cozy bar where you can relax in the evenings. It’s a cozy, welcoming setup that gives you everything you need right on site.

Tour Itinerary

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Day One: Arrival Day

Touch down in Dublin and head to check-in at The Ivanhoe Hotel. Settle in, while we assist you in putting your bike together, and take a short spin along the coast to shake out the legs. We’ll gather later for a relaxed welcome dinner and a pint or two while we chat about the week ahead.

Day Two: Countryside & Crossing

We ease into the adventure with a loop through Killyleagh, Downpatrick, Crossgar, and Saintfield. A mix of open fields, old stone walls, and castle views. Lunch along the way, then dinner back at base. It’s the perfect start to the ride.

Day Three: Into the Mournes

Challenge yourself on a stunning mountain ride from Newcastle to Spelga Pass. Expect sweeping views, quiet roads, and the thrill of conquering the climbs that make County Down legendary. Evening dinner and stories shared back at base.

Day Four: Coastal Escape

We will be going out toward the famous Antrim Coast Road. All belongings will be transported for you, so you can enjoy the ride without any extra weight. This day shifts the pace a bit as we leave the city outskirts behind and head into one of the most scenic stretches of the entire trip. The Antrim coast offers sweeping sea views, dramatic cliffs, and long, open roads—an unforgettable backdrop for the day’s cycling. That evening, we’ll settle into a hotel along the coast, giving everyone a chance to relax and take in the atmosphere after a beautiful ride.

Day Five: Heart of County Down

A true highlight, cycle through Comber, Newtownards, Portavogie, and Portaferry, then cross the Strangford Ferry with your bike and the wind in your face. A 70-mile blend of coastline, countryside, and pure Irish beauty. Evening dinner at a surprise local venue.

Day Six: Belfast and Beyond

A change of pace — we’ll trade pedals for a day of exploration.
Visit Belfast and the stunning Antrim Coast, with dinner included. Discover history, art, and coastal scenery before returning to The Ivanhoe Hotel for a relaxed evening.

Our last full day begins with a relaxed 40-mile local loop, a scenic ride through the nearby countryside that gives everyone one more chance to enjoy the winding roads and coastal views. We’ll roll into Daft Eddie’s around 1:00pm for a laid-back lunch by the water — the perfect mid-ride break. After returning to Quarterlands Bay, riders will have bike disassembled and packed for them. We’ll finish the evening with a final group dinner, sharing stories from the week and celebrating the miles we’ve covered together.

Day Seven: Final Spin

Day Eight: Farewell Departure

We’ll start the final morning with a relaxed breakfast at The Ivanhoe Hotel between 8:30 and 9:30am, giving everyone time to enjoy the view, pack up, and say their goodbyes. After breakfast, the group will board the coach for a smooth transfer back to Dublin Airport, wrapping up the trip and getting everyone on their way home comfortably and on schedule.

Day Nine: Arrival Back in Boston

The journey officially comes to a close as everyone arrives back in Boston. After the overnight flight, riders collect their luggage and bike boxes, say final goodbyes, and make their way home. It’s the end of the trip — and the start of settling back in with fresh legs, new friends, and a week’s worth of unforgettable miles and memories.

[ the journey ]

Inclusions

  • Airfare and round-trip coach transfers from the arrival airport in Dublin to your lodge and back at the end of the trip

  • Accommodation for the full stay at the designated Inn

  • Bike transport to the region and assembly once you arrive

  • Daily guided rides with route support and mechanical assistance

  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary (e.g., welcoming dinner, daily Irish breakfast lunch at historic pub in Belfast and farewell dinner)

  • Access to group briefing, guided cycling insights, and a support vehicle for emergencies

  • Travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, gear loss/damage) for your cycling adventure.

  • Meals and drinks that fall outside the schedule (for example, lunches or dinners, or beverages/alcohol)

  • Optional excursions, sightseeing, or personal activities not part of the standard ride plan.

  • Additionally, personal costs such as souvenirs, optional excursions, and single-room supplements (if you prefer a private room) are not part of the package.

Exclusions

[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • Your trip price covers everything you need for a seamless and memorable cycling adventure. It includes round-trip coach transfers from Dublin Airport to our base in County Down and back again at the end of the tour. You’ll stay seven nights at our coastal Inn, with breakfast served each morning.

    We take care of bike transport and support — helping with assembly, storage, and any mechanical needs during the week. Each day features guided rides led by experienced local guides, accompanied by a support vehicle that carries your luggage, snacks, and supplies.

    A welcoming dinner, a famous lunch at the historic Sunflower in Belfast, and a farewell dinner. The package also covers ferry crossings, all scheduled ground transport, and access to route maps, daily briefings, and local insights from your guides.

    Everything is planned so you can simply ride, relax, and take in the beauty of Northern Ireland without worrying about the details.

  • You don’t need to be a racer, but you should be comfortable cycling 40–70 miles a day over rolling terrain with some steady climbs. The pace is will average to 15-16mph.

  • Booking your tour is simple. You can reserve your spot directly through our website. A deposit will hold your place on the trip, with the remaining balance due closer to the departure date.

    After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details including travel tips, what to pack, and how to prepare. We’ll stay in touch leading up to the tour to help with any questions about flights, bike transport, or special requests.

    If you prefer to speak with someone before booking, you can contact us directly through our inquiry form or by email, and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

  • We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, simply contact us as soon as possible so we can assist you. Cancellations made well in advance of the tour are eligible for a partial refund, depending on how close to departure the cancellation occurs. Deposits are typically non-refundable, but they may be transferable to a future trip in certain cases.

    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, delays, or unexpected circumstances it’s the best way to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind.

  • Yes, your luggage travels in the support vehicle. You’ll only need to carry essentials (water, snacks, layers) on the bike each day.

  • Bring your cycling essentials: your bike, helmet, cycling shoes, gloves, and padded shorts. Pack layered clothing for varied Irish weather. A lightweight waterproof jacket, arm and leg warmers, and breathable jerseys for both cool mornings and sunny afternoons.

    Off the bike, you’ll want comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing, plus a light sweater or jacket for coastal breezes. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle, as well as any personal gear like snacks, chamois cream, or small repair tools you like to have on hand.

    Since you’re bringing your own bike, include any specific tools, spare tubes, or pedals you prefer. Our team provides mechanical support each day.

  • We recommend building up your endurance with regular rides of 40–60 miles, including some hills, in the months before the trip. Aim for a 2-3 rides a week, with one longer weekend ride to simulate tour days. If you can comfortably cycle for 4-5 hours at a steady pace of between 14-16mph before the tour, you’ll be ready.

  • Several experienced guides ride with the group each day, with tools and first aid. Rides will be available to download on your Garmin. If you have a mechanical issue, we’ve got you covered.

  • We keep it personal, usually around twelve riders. You should have experience riding within a group.

  • Mostly quiet country lanes, coastal roads, and scenic backroads with light traffic.

  • Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, trip cancellation, and bike loss/damage.