Celts TourCycle from Edinburgh to Killarney

May 19, 2027 - June 19, 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 Killarney

May 19, 2027 - May 19, 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 Killarney.

Duration 32 days
31 nights
Total Distance 2,013 km
1,251 mi
Elevation 17,138 m
56,229 ft
Grading 3.0
ScotlandBritainIreland
Hover/tap to view country names

Stage 1 Scotland - Edinburgh to Stranraer

May 19, 2027 - June 3, 2027

A ride across the width of Scotland

Duration 16 days
15 nights
Total Distance 953 km
592 mi
Elevation 8,504 m
27,902 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 Killarney

June 3, 2027 - June 19, 2027

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

Duration 17 days
16 nights
Total Distance 1,060 km
659 mi
Elevation 8,634 m
28,327 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: Ruggered Atlantic coast to Kerry’s southern heart
A white lighthouse stands on rocky cliffs against crashing waves and dramatic skies

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

Janice W, Strzelecki Tour

"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

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 9

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.
Rest up in Donegal with options to take in dramatic coastal views, explore the harbour town, or unwind with a pint in a traditional pub.
Enjoy a gentler ride south to Sligo, the town forever linked with poet W.B. Yeats and rich in Irish myth and charm.

Stage 2- Ireland - Rural Roads & Rhythm - Days 10 to 12

Ride from Sligo to Westport along Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge, with quiet backroads, coastal views, and a warm welcome into this lively heritage town.
Continue from Westport to Galway through the rugged beauty of Connemara, with sweeping boglands, quiet lakes, and mountain views on the way to Ireland’s vibrant cultural capital.
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

Ride to Lahinch, passing dramatic stretches of coastline and the iconic Cliffs of Moher nearby.
Follow quiet coastal roads towards Ballybunion, with windswept beaches and Atlantic views at every turn.
Cross into County Kerry, where rolling roads and coastal scenery lead you deeper into Ireland’s wild southwest.
Discover the Dingle Peninsula, with its narrow roads, coastal cliffs, and rich Irish-speaking heritage
Ride through some of Ireland’s most scenic landscapes on the approach to Killarney, with mountains and lakes unfolding around you.
Finish in Killarney and celebrate an incredible journey, marking the end of your Epic ride with a well-earned evening in this lively town.

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

Stage 1 (Stage Name) - (Start) to (Finish)

TOUR START

Day date month – year – eg Friday 12 February – 2027

WHERE

Hotel name, location (town) and potentially country (link hotel name to the Hotel website) eg Mantra Albury – Albury, NSW

MEETING TIME

18:00 (Default – amend if required)

GETTING THERE

Enter basic info like name of the airport or a little more detailed: Eg Both the Sydney domestic and international airports are located approximately 16km drive south-west of our hotel. A taxi or Uber will take you between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. Bus, train and bus shuttle options also exist.

NOTE

The tour will begin with a brief tour presentation followed by a welcome dinner. (Leave this text – default for all tours – add any additional info here relevent to the first tour day here – delete instruction) 

Tour Finish - Stage 1

Day date Month Year – after breakfast Eg Tuesday 23rd February 2025 – after breakfast

WHERE

Hotel name, location (town) and potentially country (link hotel name to the Hotel website) 

GETTING AWAY

Departure airport/train station or more detailed info eg A small regional airport is located 4.5km drive, approximately 10 minutes in a taxi from our central hotel.

Another option is departing by train. The Albury train station is a mere 700 metres from the hotel with trains departing daily to Sydney and require an additional small pre-booked fee to transport your bike. Click here for more info. If travelling to Melbourne, there are numerous daily departures for the 4-hour journey. Click here for more info.

NOTE

Additional information, for example, a shuttle and its timings, the inclusion of a guided walking tour on the last day, transport of bikes to the airport

Stage 2 (Stage Name) - (Start) to (Finish)

TOUR START

Day date month – year – eg Friday 12 February – 2027

WHERE

Hotel name, location (town) and potentially country (link hotel name to the Hotel website) eg Mantra Albury – Albury, NSW

MEETING TIME

12:00 (Default – amend if required)

GETTING THERE

Enter basic info like name of the airport or a little more detailed

NOTE

The tour will begin with an introduction to the tour over a welcome lunch with one of the guides, followed by a warm-up ride (Leave this text – generally default for all mid-stage tours – add any additional info here relevant to the first tour day – delete instruction) 

Tour Finish - Stage 2

Day date Month Year – after breakfast Eg Tuesday 23rd February 2025 – after breakfast

WHERE

Hotel name, location (town) and potentially country (link hotel name to the Hotel website) 

GETTING AWAY

Departure airport/train station or more detailed info

NOTE

Additional information, for example, a shuttle and its timings, the inclusion of a guided walking tour on the last day, and transport of bikes to the airport etc

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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