Celts TourCycle from Edinburgh to Dublin

August 6, 2027 - September 5, 2027

6 Reasons to Ride this Tour

Explore landscapes shaped by time; lochs, glens, cliffs, and coastlines carved by nature and history.

Visit castles, cairns and crumbling abbeys, where every stone tells a story.

Learn about Celtic legends, from warrior queens and their ancient myths

Taste the spirit of the land, from Highland whisky to peated Irish poitín.

Soak in Gaelic culture — with live music, warm pubs, and vibrant local traditions.

Follow coastal roads to the edge of the world, dramatic views and windswept beauty at every turn.

Tour and Stages

The Epic: Cycle from Edinburgh to Dublin

August 6, 2027 - August 6, 2027

Join us on a legendary ride through the heart of Celtic history, from the castles of Edinburgh to the green hills and coastal charm of Dublin.

Duration 31 days
30 nights
Total Distance 2,047 km
1,272 mi
Elevation 16,778 m
55,048 ft
Grading 3.0
ScotlandBritainIreland
Hover/tap to view country names

Stage 1 Scotland - Edinburgh to Stranraer

August 6, 2027 - August 21, 2027

A ride across the width of Scotland

Duration 16 days
15 nights
Total Distance 953 km
592 mi
Elevation 8,510 m
27,923 ft
Grading 3.0

Highlights

Edinburgh to Stirling: Castles, canals and the Wallace Monument
Into the Highlands: Lochs, standing stones and hidden villages
Cairngorms Ride: Wild landscapes and Highland trails
Culloden to Inverness: Battlefields and ancient cairns
Loch Ness and Glencoe: Iconic lochs and soaring mountains
Whisky and Coastlines: Scenic roads and Celtic spirit
Medieval castle ruins perched on a cliff above the river, with a rainbow arching across the sky and a low ridge of hills in the background.

Stage 2 Ireland - Belfast to Dublin

August 21, 2027 - September 5, 2027

Beginning in the port of Belfast this ride follows the entire northern Irish coast before crossing the country to Dublin

Duration 16 days
15 nights
Total Distance 1,095 km
1,272 mi
Elevation 8,267 m
27,125 ft
Grading 3.0

Highlights

Belfast to Ballymena: Castles, coastline and Celtic charm
Ballymena to Portstewart: Giants Causeway and rugged cliffs
Portstewart to Letterkenny: Crossing into Ireland and ancient forts
Donegal to Sligo: Wild landscapes and poetic coastlines
Castlebar to Galway: Connemara beauty and vibrant streets
Navan to Dublin: Brú na Bóinne and the road to the capital.
A white lighthouse stands on rocky cliffs against crashing waves and dramatic skies

"The planning and execution of Ride and Seek made this possible for me and I will forever be grateful! Thank you!"

Jerry P, Hannibal Tour

"The scenery in Tasmania is wonderful and this tour provides a diverse experience of the state."

Janice W, Strzelecki Tour

Tour Itinerary

Stage 1- Scotland - Castle to Cairn - Days 1 to 4

Explore Edinburgh, a city of castles, cobbled lanes, and dramatic history
Ride traffic-free paths out of the capital along the Union Canal, passing aqueducts, stone villages, and leafy riverbanks.
Visit Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and marvel at The Kelpies, towering equine sculptures rooted in folklore.
Climb to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, where Scotland’s fight for independence comes vividly to life.
Cycle the rolling backroads of Perthshire past Loch Leven and Celtic standing stones, ancient echoes in a green and gentle landscape.

Stage 1- Scotland - Into the Highlands - Days 5 to 8

Begin the journey north into the Scottish Highlands, with visits to the ancient Croft Moraig Stone Circle and Loch Tay’s Crannog Centre.
Ride through Aberfeldy and the wooded hills of Highland Perthshire before reaching the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry.
Follow the scenic National Cycle Route 7 past mountains and moors, stopping in Newtonmore to visit the Wildcat Centre or Folklore Museum.
Visit Clava Cairns and the Culloden Battlefield, where ancient mysticism and more recent history come face to face.
Optional rest-day in Aviemore, nestled in the Cairngorms, with options to walk, canoe, or simply relax by Loch Morlich’s white-sand shores and forested trails.

Stage 1- Scotland - Into the Highlands - Days 9 to 12

Ride the quieter, scenic side of Loch Ness, with sweeping views and glimpses of Urquhart Castle, before arriving in Fort William beneath Ben Nevis.
Rest up in Fort William, gateway to the Highlands, with options for hiking, whisky tasting, or exploring the local pubs and historic sites.
Traverse the haunting beauty of Glencoe, a valley steeped in legend and Highland drama, framed by towering peaks.
Ride past Bridge of Orchy, Loch Awe, and the still waters of Loch Fyne, through one of Scotland’s most remote and breathtaking regions.
Spot filming locations from Skyfall from the Bond movie or simply take in the cinematic landscapes all around.

Stage 1- Scotland - To the Irish Sea - Days 13 to 16

Climb the famous Rest and Be Thankful pass before descending past Gare Loch toward the Firth of Clyde and Helensburgh.
Ride into Robert Burns country, finishing in the seaside town of Ayr, birthplace of Scotland’s national bard.
Enjoy sweeping coastal views on the final riding day to Stranraer, with glimpses of the sea route to Ireland.
Reflect on your Scottish journey over a final dinner — castles, cairns, whisky, wild glens and unforgettable rides behind you.

Stage 2- Ireland - Castles & Coastlines - Days 1 to 4

Arrive in Belfast, a city rich in industrial heritage, political history, and the spirit of modern Northern Ireland.
Stretch your legs on a shakeout ride exploring Belfast’s leafy greenways, shipyards, and historic quarters.
Ride the scenic coastal road to Larne, passing the imposing Carrickfergus Castle on your way to Ballymena.
Cycle through quiet countryside to the Antrim Coast, finishing at the dramatic basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway.
Enjoy sweeping coastal views and ancient Irish legends — the perfect start to your journey through the Emerald Isle.

Stage 2- Ireland - Wild Atlantic North - Days 5 to 8

Cross into the Republic of Ireland with a visit to Derry/Londonderry, a city shaped by centuries of history and resilience.
Stop at the ancient hilltop fort of Grianán of Aileach, with sweeping views over Donegal, Lough Foyle and beyond.
Ride deep into County Donegal, known for its wild beauty, open landscapes, and rugged Atlantic coastline.
Enjoy a gentler ride south to Sligo, the town forever linked with poet W.B. Yeats and rich in Irish myth and charm.
Rest up in Sligo with options to explore coastal walks, historic ruins, or simply enjoy a quiet pint by the river.

Stage 2- Ireland - Rural Roads & Rhythm - Days 9 to 12

Ride into Castlebar, where you can visit the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life, offering a glimpse into rural Irish heritage.
Journey through the rugged beauty of Connemara, with sweeping boglands, quiet lakes, and mountain views on the way to Clifden.
Continue east to Galway, a vibrant harbour city known for its music, markets, and lively medieval streets.
Celebrate reaching the Wild Atlantic hub of the west, where Galway Bay meets Irish spirit in full swing.
Rest day in Galway, explore its colourful Latin Quarter, grab a street-side session, or simply soak up the city’s bohemian charm.

Stage 2- Ireland - Green Heartland - Days 13 to 16

Leave the Atlantic behind as you cross Ireland’s lush interior toward Athlone, a town straddling the mighty River Shannon.
Pedal peaceful sections of the Old Rail Trail, a scenic greenway through gentle farmlands and small villages.
Visit the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO site, home to the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, older than the pyramids.
Roll triumphantly into Dublin, completing a ride from coast to capital steeped in culture, countryside, and Celtic soul.
Depart with memories of lochs and loughs, mountains and music and the stories that link Scotland and Ireland by more than just the sea.

Ride Data: Daily Distances and Elevation

Additional Tour Details

Accommodation

Bed Time

From charming boutiques to well-deserved comfort, our accommodations are carefully selected to reflect the unique character of each region. We favour places with a true sense of place over big chain hotels, ensuring your stay is as memorable as the ride itself. Depending on the stage, you’ll experience everything from luxurious retreats to functional stays – always selected with care to suit the journey.

Dining

Tastes of the Celtic Lands

Dining in Scotland and Ireland is as much a part of the journey as the ride itself, a chance to connect with the land, the people, and the rich culinary heritage of both nations.

From cosy pubs to elegant restaurants, expect a blend of rustic tradition and refined modern fare. In the Highlands or along the Irish coast, you might begin the day with a hearty full breakfast, eggs, sausages, black pudding, roasted tomatoes, soda bread, and strong tea or coffee. Along the road, local bakeries and cafés offer fresh scones, smoked salmon, or a comforting bowl of cullen skink or seafood chowder.

Evenings are often spent in carefully selected hotels and historic inns, where the menus celebrate local ingredients, wild venison, line-caught cod, hand-dived scallops, lamb, and buttery potatoes, often paired with seasonal vegetables and rich sauces. Desserts lean toward stick-to-your-ribs comfort, think sticky toffee pudding, rhubarb crumble, or whiskey-laced cranachan.

You’ll have the chance to sample regional delicacies such as:

  • Haggis (served with neeps and tatties, of course)
  • Arbroath smokies in Scotland
  • Boxty, colcannon, and soda farls in Ireland
  • And perhaps a dram of single malt whisky or a sip of Irish poitín to end the day

The culinary experience on this tour is not only satisfying, it’s a reflection of place, season, and the hospitality of the Celtic people.

Inclusions, Bikes, and Gear

What’s Included?

  • Accommodation in our carefully selected hotels
  • Meals – hotel breakfasts, snacks en route and pre/post-ride nutrition, lunches including the famed Ride and Seek picnics, multi course group dinners with a focus on the local cuisine.*NB we include occasional independent lunches & dinners to break up the week
  • Ride and Seek jersey
  • Garmin 1030 use with all routes preloaded
  • Ride and Seek water bottle
  • Kit laundry service once a week
  • Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable guides always on hand to help

Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Bike hire
  • Pre & post tour accommodation

Travel Essentials

History

They Wrote in Legends, Not in Stone

The Celts were one of the most influential and far-reaching cultures of the ancient world. Emerging in Central Europe around 1200 BC, Celtic tribes spread across Britain, Ireland, France, and much of the Iberian Peninsula. They never formed a single empire, but shared a common language, artistic style, and a fierce spirit of independence that shaped the identity of Western Europe.

Their world was rich in oral tradition — songs, stories, and legends — rather than written history, leaving modern historians to piece together their lives through archaeology, Roman records, and mythology. What survives tells of a people who revered nature, fought bravely in battle, and placed great value on community, honour, and the mysteries of the spiritual world.

Though they clashed with expanding powers like Rome, the Celts were never truly conquered in Ireland and Scotland. Their traditions adapted and endured, woven into the medieval kingdoms that followed and still felt in language, music, and folklore today.

As we cycle through the lands they once called home, we follow a path through time — tracing the enduring spirit of a people whose influence is still alive in every stone circle, misty glen, and ancient hill fort we pass.

Pricing, Deposit, and Payment Terms

Paying for your tour

To reserve your tour we require a deposit of Euro 500 per person (or the equivalent in £, US$ or AU$ if you wish to pay in local currency in the UK, US or Australia).

The balance of your payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If reserving your trip within 90 days of departure, full payment is required. The final invoice will include any applicable single supplements and bike hire costs.

Payment can be made by bank transfer or by debit/credit card (card fees apply).

Cancellation Policy

We recommend that you have trip insurance in place before the 90-day cut off to cover for any unforeseen eventualities. If you must cancel your reservation and would like a refund, the fees for doing so are as follows:

Days Prior to Departure Cancellation Fee
90+ Admin fee – 150 euros
61-90 25% of trip price
31-60 50% of trip price
0-30 100% of trip price

Deposit Transfer (credit note)
Alternatively, you can choose to move your deposit to any other tour on the schedule (subject to availability) with no penalty up until 90 days before departure. Deposit credit notes will be valid for 24 months from the issue date.

Click here for our full terms and conditions.

Meet Your Trip Specialist

Private and Custom Tours

Interested in this tour but can’t quite make the itinerary work with your dates?
Ask us about tailoring this tour, or others, to create an itinerary to suit your requirements.

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