Fred Sirieix
TV personality and renowned hospitality expert Fred Sirieix is set to take viewers on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and warm communities of Northern Ireland in his upcoming ITV series, Tour de Fred: Northern Ireland.
Known for his charm on First Dates, Fred swaps the restaurant for the open road, cycling through the Emerald Isle to uncover its hidden gems, rich culture, and unparalleled hospitality.
The inspiration for the series came from Fred’s curiosity about a part of the UK he had yet to explore deeply.
“I’ve been in the UK for 32 years and I’ve never really explored Ireland or Northern Ireland properly before,” he explains. “So it was a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am grateful that I was able to see the country for what it really is.”
What he discovered exceeded all expectations, particularly the legendary Irish hospitality.
“People always talk about the Irish people being so hospitable and welcoming, and you think it’s a myth,” he says. “But you’ve never experienced real hospitality if you haven’t been to Ireland before. The people are just so friendly.”
Fred’s journey kicks off with a memorable welcome in Derry, a city that quickly became a highlight of the trip. “When we went to Derry, we got the most incredible welcome—it was so warm, so uplifting, and so genuine,” he recalls. “People would see me in the street and just shout, ‘Hey Fred, welcome to our wee town’, and that was just incredible. I can’t wait to go back to Derry—it was truly magical.”
The city’s complex history, tied to the Troubles, only deepened his appreciation for its resilient, joyful spirit. “The people there just want to get on with life. They want to have a good time and make people around them happy,” he adds.
A lifelong cyclist, Fred’s love for two wheels made this adventure a natural fit. “I love sports and I love cycling,” he says. “To travel around a country either cycling or walking is just the best because you’re going slowly, which means you can actually take the time to see what’s in front of you and look at the scenery and meet the people.”
From his childhood in the French countryside to commuting across London in his restaurant days, cycling has always been second nature. “I’ve been on two wheels since I was three years old,” he shares. “Sometimes I don’t even realise I’m cycling—it doesn’t even feel like fitness.”
The series isn’t without its challenges, though. Fred faced the elements head-on in the rugged Mourne Mountains in County Down.
“It’s quite hilly and steep,” he says. “As we were going up, it was raining and there was wind and it was so cold, so it was tough. But this is what happens when you cycle and face the elements—it’s nature, it’s life, and I love being in the middle of the world. I’m a bit of a naturalist like that.”
Beyond the physical journey, Tour de Fred shines a spotlight on Northern Ireland’s lesser-known treasures. Fred delights in learning traditional skills, like making potato bread—“It’s such a traditional way to cook, and it’s something that people don’t really do anymore”—and braves a bracing November swim in the Irish Sea. “It’s cold, but you just get in and do it,” he laughs. “The sea is beautiful, and when you’re in the sea in November, it’s a mad thing to do, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it.”
One unexpected highlight was his initiation into the world of Guinness. In a Newcastle pub, Fred met a local named Felix who introduced him to his first pint.
“I had never had a pint of Guinness before going to Ireland, believe it or not,” he admits. “I absolutely loved it, and now I’m an expert. I know when the Guinness is good and how to check the froth on top—whether it’s the right quality, the right texture, the right consistency.”
For Fred, Northern Ireland is a revelation.
“It’s just stunning,” he says. “The breadth and diversity of the sceneries that you see are fantastic, as well as the warmth and welcome of the people. The food is delicious—they’re all about the produce—and I had some incredible seafood, beef, and lamb. It really is a place worth visiting.”
His open-minded approach allowed him to connect deeply with the locals and their stories. “I went on the trip with very open eyes and an open mind,” he reflects. “I just let people tell me their stories, and I listened. I’ve travelled quite a bit, but I’ve never experienced anything like I experienced in Ireland.”
Looking ahead, Fred is already dreaming of more cycling adventures. “I’d love to go back to Northern Ireland, that’s for sure,” he says. “But I’d like to go to the Republic of Ireland too—I’d like to go around the whole island because there’s so much more to discover.” Beyond Ireland, Jamaica is next on his list.
Fred hopes Tour de Fred: Northern Ireland inspires viewers outside of the province to pack their bags—or their bikes—and visit for themselves.
“I just hope people will enjoy it and it will compel them to go and experience it,” he says.
From weaving like it’s the 18th century to meeting passionate locals, the series promises a rich tapestry of moments.
His advice to aspiring cycling travellers?
“Do your research—look at where you’re going, where you’re going to stay, where you’re going to eat,” he suggests. “But be prepared to make things up as you go along. Have your itinerary, but be flexible enough to stop along the way and make the most of it—that’s where you’ll be most surprised.”
Tour de Fred: Northern Ireland airs from Monday (March 3) on ITV, offering a heartfelt, pedal-powered love letter to a land that left an indelible mark on Fred Sirieix—and promises to do the same for viewers.
Tour De Fred: Northern Ireland starts at 2pm on Monday 3rd March, and airs daily until Friday 7th March on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player