Featured in Equitrekking's Ireland TV show on PBS and Create TV and host Darley Newman's column in Practical Horseman magazine.

Experience Ireland’s rural west, castles and history from a 300-year-old farmhouse near the River Shannon or take a progressive trail ride to the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Coast horse riding Galway.

Your hosts have carefully restored their 300-year-old farmhouse in County Clare. Nestled among the rolling Irish countryside, enjoy a fairy tale like setting among the Slieve Aughty Mountains.

The Ireland horse vacation farmhouse is decorated with antiques and rural charm, but includes with modern amenities. Forty-five Irish horses await riders for a variety of vacations in this peaceful part of Ireland.

On the Galway Clare Burren Trail Ride, you’ll discover Ireland’s beautiful nature and colourful history on horseback. From County Galway in the Midwest of Ireland, you’ll trek westwards through the rural areas of County Clare into the unique Burren region and on to the rough Atlantic coast overlooking the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Riders must be fit and at the intermediate or advanced riding level, as you’ll cover approximately 140 miles over six days, spending four to six hours in the saddle each day.

On the Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride, you’ll spend each morning riding in the rural West’s Irish bogs and rolling farmland and afternoons exploring ancient Irish castles and monastic ruins. Riders must be able to walk, trot and enjoy easy canters.

On the residential ride, experienced riders can go for daily-guided rides, discovering new areas on small tracks, forest lanes and quiet roads. Less experienced riders will be introduced to new skills and can take part in the basic riding tuition in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course every novice rider will also get to enjoy his/hers new equine friend on rides through the lovely countryside.

Activities

Equestrian Vacations ireland, Inn-to-Inn Riding, Sightseeing, Golfing, Fishing, Hiking, Cycling, Birdwatching, Shopping.

Accommodations

Residential Ride and Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride- you’ll stay in a 300-year old traditional Irish stone farmhouse, which has been lovingly restored. The farmhouse is in the beautiful Irish countryside. All rooms are with private bathroom.

Galway Clare Burren trail ride: 4 nights in the comfortable lodge, 1 night in Bed & Breakfast in the village of Corofin and 2 nights in 2 star country hotel in the village of Lisdoonvarna.

Food

Three meals included each day. You’ll start with dinner on Saturday (arrival day), then daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and finish with breakfast on departure day.

Area Attractions

The beauty of the Irish countryside - particulary in the rural West of Ireland.

The unique rocky Burren landscape with the Cliffs of Moher.

The nearby well restored Portumna Castle and impressive Pallas Castle.

From the unique setting of a lovingly restored traditional Irish cottage, take an equestrian breaks and enjoy castles and countryside.

Location

The West of Ireland, in the rural rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains; about one hour from Galway city (in the North) and one hour from Limerick city (in the South). 

Airport

Shannon airport (1hr and 20min drive. Transfers available.) A rental car is not needed for the Galway Clare Buren trail ride or the Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin ride, but is recommended for the Residential Ride.

Riding Style/Ability

English all-round saddles with comfortable, deep seats and good knee rolls. Only a few western saddles are available – they have to be requested in advanced.

Beginner- Advanced

Season

April to October

Capacity

3 to 14

Rates

Visit www.irishhorseriding.com for current rates