Horseback Riding in Ireland
BEACHES, DUNES AND TRAILS |
Setting out together
The exquisite palette of the emerald isle
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An unguided ride for experienced and resourceful horse people who are prepared to take all responsibility for themselves and their mounts for a week.
One stays in a different local farmhouse or bed and breakfast each night, where the horses overnight as well. Maps are provided and the routes are marked, but it can still take skill to find the right trail.
The route takes in a variety of the beautiful country around Donegal. There are woods and hills, beaches and dunes, farmland and peat bogs as well as quaint villages with their pubs and shops.
This is a wonderful opportunity to discover Ireland on your own.
"... we met some wonderful Irish people and saw some amazing country...one stretch in particular was almost surreal. We were galloping through very dense woods on a mossy single track. The sun was out and glittering on a lake just 20 feet off the trail. Out in the lake was a small rocky island with a castle on it. All that was missing was a long flowing dress instead of the riding britches! The horses were great and very streetwise."
- Marli Lintner
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Sligo around 10 AM. Introduction to the horses and a trial ride along the country lanes, beach and seashore near the farm. After riding you receive the saddlebags, maps, tidal chart, horse-care gear and list of overnight stops. Overnight at a nearby guesthouse. Enjoy your evening meal at one of the local pubs or restaurants. |
| Day 2: | Country Mansion
After breakfast, receive instructions on tacking up and guidelines for the next 6 days. You and your horse will then be transported to Belleek to begin your first day's trail. This takes you along the shores of Assaroe Lake and then through the forests of the Knader Wood to Cavangarden House, a beautiful country mansion set in its own 1,000 acres. Riding time 4-5 hours. You will be by-passing Ballyshannon - the oldest town in Ireland, created in 1613. Why not pay a visit in the evening and have a drink at Dorrian's Thatched Pub. You will need a taxi this evening for dinner as the guesthouse is outside of town.
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| Day 3: | Rossnowlagh
From Cavangarden House you will ride through the farm to a quiet country road, which brings you to the famous surfing beach of Rossnowlagh where miles of beach and dunes stretch ahead of you. Rossnowlagh is the home of a beautiful Franciscan Friary which has a small museum housing stone age flints and old lrish musical instruments. Take a break at the Smugglers Creek. Leaving at Murvagh, follow a small country road to a modern guesthouse. Approx. 4 hours riding. You can arrange dinner at a nearby restaurant. The next morning asked for a lunch packet from the B&B.
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| Day 4: | Peace,Tranquility and Relaxation
Return to Murvagh - you will have the Golf Club in sight as weIl as a magnificent view to Slieve League and the Bluestack Mountains. Across the bay you can see many islands, lnishpat and Rooney's Island are directly in front of you. Keep to the shoreline, and leave the sea at St. Ernan's Island. Follow a small country lane riding all the time in the direction of Oughternid. Enjoy the magnificent views with Barnesmore on your left and spreads of blanket bog formed up to 7,000 years ago on your right. After approx. 5-6 hours arrive at Moorlands Guesthouse. Rosie and Walter also have a Health Centre –
a massage from Rosie could do wonders for those aching muscles – book ahead.
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| Day 5: | The Pilgrims Way
Departing the Moorlands, follow forest tracks to the shores of Lough Derg, Ireland's most famous Pilgrimage site; St. Patrick's Purgatory on Saint's Island - thousands of people travel here every summer for three days of prayer, penance and fasting. Overnight at a farmhouse near Pettigo. Approx. 4-5 hours riding. Ask the B&B for a lunch packet.
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| Day 6: | A day of Leisure
A rest day can be arranged should you wish to visit the historical Donegal Town with its castle dating back to the 15th century and the ruins of Donegal Abby built in 1474 or visit Enniskillen on Lough Erne. There is a local mini-bus that can be organized for the drive. There are also great shopping opportunities. For some of you wishing to ride you can take a leisurely ride on nearby forest trails.
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| Day 7: | Ardmourne Guesthouse and Stables
Leaving Pettigo follow a small track which brings you back to the shores of Lough Derg, this time on the northeast shore. On leaving Lough Derg you follow a series of small forest tracks, riding along the Mullafa Mountain and Meenbog Hill. Arrive to a warm welcome from Helena and Joe at Ardmourne Guesthouse.
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| Day 8: | After breakfast, riders and horses are collected (at 9 AM) and returned to the farm to arrive between 10 and 11 AM. For those wishing to depart earlier you can make your own arrangements at your own expense. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Sligo |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Irish Hunter, Connemara |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | Any Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 26 - Oct 22 |
| 2012 Price | Low season: Was $1,335, now reduced to $1,230
High season (July 7 - Aug 25): Was $1,450, now reduced to $1,335
Price does not include lunches or dinners. |
| Transfers | Transfers from and to Sligo included in the price of the ride. |
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