Tour de Fred Ireland: Part Deux

Episode 1: County Wexford

After getting some tips from Irish cycling enthusiast Cillian Kelly, Fred is ready to go. He sets off down the coast from Dublin to County Wexford, which, as one of the sunniest spots on the island, is known for its delicious strawberries. Sample some like Fred at The Village at Wheelocks, a family-run pick-your-own fruit farm. A sweet start to the trip, in more ways than one.

Fueled up, Fred takes on his first cycling challenge around the historic John F Kennedy Arboretum, a huge park on the slopes of Slieve Coillte dedicated to the former US president, whose ancestral Kennedy Homestead is nearby. Uncover more local history aboard The Dunbrody Famine Ship, where the powerful story of Irish emigrants who sailed to America during The Great Famine is dramatically told.

History runs deep in Ireland’s Ancient East, and no more so than at Fred’s next stop – Hook Lighthouse. Built 800 years ago by a Knight, the black-and-white striped beauty is the OLDEST operational lighthouse in the world! Climbing the 115 spiral steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the Irish Sea is a must. From sea views to seafood, Fred pedals on to a tasty stop at a Wexford oyster farm.

Then it’s on to another ancient marvel, the neo-gothic grandeur of Johnstown Castle. Fred helps out in the Walled Garden and learns the craft of beekeeping, but you can also step inside the stunning castle on a guided tour. Fred’s last stop in Wexford is the Irish National Heritage Park, where he uncovers 9,000 years of Irish history, from Stone Age settlements to Viking weaponry. Book these unmissable attractions to get your visit off to a flyer like Fred.

Episode 2: County Waterford

Fred cycles further south along the coast into County Waterford, where the Waterford Greenway awaits, a 46km walking and cycling route along an old railway line between Waterford city and the seaside town of Dungarvan. If historic viaducts, atmospheric tunnels and rugged coastal views are your thing, don’t miss it. Fred then meets his fellow countryman and top chef, JB Dubois, at Mount Congreve Gardens, one of Ireland’s prettiest estates. They forage and hand-pick veg, showcasing Ireland’s amazingly fresh produce.

No trip to Waterford is complete without a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal in Waterford city. The Vikings may have founded this spot, but they never forged pieces of crystal as dazzling as this. At the House of Waterford, Fred goes on a behind-the-scenes factory tour, meeting Master Cutters and Engravers, and you can, too.

Leaving Ireland’s oldest city behind, Fred escapes into nature at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, a haven of beauty in the blissful seaside town of Tramore. Our host then swaps a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for an altogether more Irish pursuit – wooden spoon carving.

Fred’s next cycling challenge sees him race into the Comeragh Mountains, where highlights include the postcard-perfect Coumshingaun Lough and Mahon Falls, an 80-metre waterfall that plunges over sandstone cliffs. Sounds idyllic, right? Fred thought so, too, as he chose this spot for a little forest yoga and a swim. From forest bathing to wild swimming, Ireland’s great outdoors are unmatched by any, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes.

Episode 3: County Waterford & County Cork

Continuing south along Waterford’s gorgeous Copper Coast – home to a UNESCO Global Geopark, such is the area’s beauty and geological significance – Fred finishes off the Waterford Greenway in style, with a traditional singing session in Mooney’s Tigh Tábhairne. This buzzing live music bar is in the heart of Ring, an Irish-speaking Gaeltacht area. Raise a pint of Guinness and toast “Sláinte” (pronounced slawn-cha), which means “health”. What’s Irish for “split the g”? You’ll have to ask a local to find out! Tapping along to live trad music with a pint of “the black stuff” in hand – consider it an Ireland bucket list essential, ticked.

Fred crosses over into County Cork and swaps beer for Irish whiskey at the Midleton Distillery Experience, the home in Cork of world-renowned Jameson. Ireland is the birthplace of whiskey, so Fred has much heritage to unpack on the guided tour, before finishing off with a delicious whiskey tasting.

After catching a game of Irish road bowling (a traditional rural sport popular in Cork) down some narrow country lanes, Fred gets the VIP treatment at Fota Wildlife Park with the head keeper. This 100-acre park is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, such as European bison and red pandas. Next, Fred's off to jail! Or, Spike Island in Cork Harbour to be more precise, an infamous location that’s been dubbed “Ireland's Alcatraz”. The island has been a monastic settlement, a military fortress and a notorious prison over the last 1,000 years. All of which is revealed when you hop on a ferry from the mainland.

Episode 4: Cork city

Next up for Fred is buzzing Cork city, where foodie gems abound. At family-run Shandon Sweets, a traditional sweet factory and shop, Fred tries his hand at sweet-making using local methods and original machinery that dates back to the early 1900s. We’ll have a jar of clove rock, please, Fred. Moving from sweet to savoury, Fred uncovers Cork’s past as the butter capital of the world at The Butter Museum. This quirky attraction details Ireland’s rich (pun intended) history with butter, from the internationally renowned Cork Butter Exchange of the 1700s to the global success of modern-day brands such as Kerrygold. We’re not salivating, you are.

Fred then works off all the treats with an evening of traditional céilí dancing with locals. A céilí is an Irish dance party that’s designed to be easy enough for all levels, so make sure to join in if you’ve got some moves.

Fred continues his food tour of Cork city on day two at Murphy’s Brewery, home of Cork's much-loved Irish stout. Cork natives will tell you it’s nicer than Guinness, but you’ll have to try one in a cosy local pub to find out. Suitably refreshed, Fred’s next cycling challenge sees him tackle St Patrick’s Hill, a steep climb that offers sweeping views of this iconic city as your reward.

Our host is pumped up now, so a training session with the local ladies’ Gaelic football team, Na Piarsaigh, goes down a treat. To see the silky skills that Fred learns in action on your trip, make sure to catch a live match of one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games – football, hurling or camogie. They’re some of the fastest and most ferocious field games in the world. Fred’s last stop is a biggie – Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. Climbing to the top of this medieval fortress to kiss the world-famous stone to gain the gift of eloquence is an experience you’ll (rather aptly) never stop talking about.

Episode 5: West Cork

Fred’s final cycle sees him leave the storied region of Ireland’s Ancient East behind, for the breathtaking vistas of West Cork. And he’s got a cycling buddy by his side, his daughter Andrea, making this an extra-special send-off. They fuel up at Clonakilty Blackpudding, where the famous Irish delicacy was born in the late 1800s. The visitor centre here tells the tale of one of Ireland’s favourite food brands with love. Don’t miss the yummy samples in the café at the end.

Then it’s a cycling challenge for the father and daughter duo around picturesque Inchydoney Island, before swapping the saddle for the surf at Inchydoney Surf School. Ireland’s wild west coast catches some of Europe’s best waves, so make a splash. As an Olympic medal-winning diver, it’s easy work for Andrea!

Their West Cork sojourn continues at Seaside Alpacas, which is as fun as it sounds. From coastal walks with adorable alpacas to workshops on the craft of alpaca wool, it’s an unforgettable experience. In the charming seaside village of Baltimore, Fred and Andrea uncover the area’s lasting legacy of pirates. The Baltimore Beacon nearby is a must-visit. This conical, whitewashed stone tower atop the cliffs has warned ships of the craggy rocks around the harbour since the mid-1800s.

West Cork is home to various artists and creative communities, so our duo tap into their artistic sides with a self-portrait sculpting session in clay at Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre. Then it’s some coastal plant foraging before learning about the fairy tree’s importance in Irish folklore. Fred might not have spotted any fairies on this trip, but it’s been an epic journey full of magical moments.

Follow Fred to Ireland

Fred’s earned himself a rest after all of those cycling challenges, but your own adventure here is yet to begin. To help you go beyond Dublin and explore the lush landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East, we’ve rounded up a collection of bucket list essentials, trip ideas and top things to see and do in the region below. From coastal hotspots and foodie favourites to tranquil greenways, plan and book your own unforgettable tour of Ireland today! On your bike...

Follow Fred’s journey on ITV and ITVX this month. The series kicks off with a double episode this Saturday and Sunday (January 10 and 11), then runs weekly on Sundays at 11:30 am until February 1.