Pedaling Toward Peace: It’s Northern Ireland's First Cycling Vacation!

Go ahead and Google "Northern Ireland bike tours," and you may be surprised at the scarcity of options. That's what makes this VBT | Country Walkers Northern Ireland Bike Tour so special—because it's truly the first of its kind. "When I first started thinking about designing a Northern Ireland bike tour, I wasn't sure about the reception I would get from the locals," says VBT | Country Walkers Trip Designer Tracey Scott. "But when I went over there, I was really drawn in by the warmth of the people—because they are so welcoming, so friendly, and they just want to talk to you. They are very excited about our upcoming bike tour!" Nearly three decades after the end of Northern Ireland's Troubles, it's easy to see that the local people have a deep appreciation for peace. As you meet VBT's local friends, you'll explore a culture that has chosen togetherness over division—and that choice is easy to feel in every conversation.

Coast, Mountains, and Lakes: Northern Ireland Has It All

One of the most fascinating things about cycling in Northern Ireland is the diversity of its scenery. "On some rides, we'll see beautiful views of the lake country," Tracey explains. "We'll also pedal through sweeping moorlands with blooming heather, and of course the spectacular coast." You'll even pedal across the southern border into the Republic of Ireland—viewing the stunning expanse of Donegal and the Derryveagh mountain range. "When you cross the border, you can't really tell you're in a different country at first," says Tracey. "But there are subtle changes—for example, the road signs in the Republic of Ireland are in kilometers rather than miles in Northern Ireland—and if you buy something you'll pay in euros, rather than pounds. And the scenery of course is astounding!"

Along the way, you'll find gently undulating hills and quiet country lanes—perfect for low-traffic cycling. "The population of Northern Ireland is quite small, so there's not much traffic on the roads," says Tracey. "As we cycle along quiet country tracks, you'll see a few farm tractors and wagons which makes it interesting because you can see the local people at work." With the stunning scenery and low-traffic lanes, cyclists of all experience levels will enjoy the rides on this tour—and E-bikes are available for anyone who needs a little boost up the rolling hills. "E-bikes really open up the whole area to be explored by bike," says Tracey. "The hills aren't steep—but there are plenty of little rollers throughout the countryside. E-bikes make it easy to ride—while also giving our guests the chance to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views."

That stunning scenery is an area of deep pride for the locals, who love to stop and chat. "I was scouting a ride along the Dark Hedges—a dramatic avenue of beech trees made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones," explains Tracey. "It's such a famous spot now that it's been closed to car traffic (although we can still cycle through it). I walked through it one quiet day in January, and I met a farmer along the road. He stopped and chatted with me for half an hour. He told me all about the hedges, then went on to talk about local dairy farms, the superior quality of Northern Irish milk, and generally made me feel welcome. He was chatting with me as if we had known each other all our lives, and that's just characteristic of the people of Northern Ireland." As you pedal the quiet country lanes of Northern Ireland, it's almost impossible to avoid making new friends!

Boutique Hotels with a Side of Craic

When it comes to Northern Ireland, one of the great outstanding questions is the name of its second largest city. Is it "Derry," or "Londonderry"? All over the world, people have strong opinions about the cultural implications of either name—"Derry" comes from the original Gaelic doire and is associated with Irish nationalists, and "Londonderry" has traditionally been associated with unionists and the United Kingdom. "When I asked the locals whether they prefer Derry or Londonderry, I was surprised by the reaction," says Tracey. "They told me the people that actually live there really don't care! We've got past that, and we just want to live here together and just get along." It's a small moment, but it says a lot about a country choosing to move forward together.

Whether you choose to call it Derry or Londonderry, you will certainly enjoy your stay in this delightful city. "The city has a vibrant music scene, and our hotel is within easy walking distance of the local pubs," explains Tracey. "They’re filled with local people singing and playing music—and on our free evenings it's easy to find many places with great local music playing and you can just pop in and have a listen." Your boutique hotel is a stately building from the 1800s that once housed a private club—and you'll find many authentic touches throughout, including crystal chandeliers, roaring fires, and a lively bar and restaurant.

Moving on to Northern Ireland's scenic Causeway Coast, you'll find yourself in a delightful four-star family inn overlooking Portballintrae Bay—just a short ride from the Giant's Causeway and the Bushmills Distillery—often cited as the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. "This hotel has beautiful sea views, and each of our rooms looks directly out on the water," says Tracey. "But what I love most is that it's so authentic. This is where local couples come for a night out or a drink at the bar, so it really gives us a feel for life in the region." With local hotel staff who live in the village, this is the perfect way to experience authentic Northern Irish culture.

Your final nights bring a change of pace—on the charming shores of Lough Erne, where a five-star resort offers the perfect balance of stunning scenery and luxurious comfort. Set on 600 acres along the shores of its namesake lough in Enniskillen, the setting alone does the work of unwinding tired legs: rooms and suites bathed in natural light, a lakeside infinity pool, and a Thai-inspired spa built around ancient wellness traditions. Dinner brings its own reward, with Irish-inspired dishes built on relationships with local farmers and fishmongers, served across the resort's three distinct restaurants. It's the kind of place where a day of discovery on two wheels gives way to an evening of pure, well-earned indulgence and a peaceful night’s rest—followed by a fresh morning.