Horseback Riding in Ireland
DINGLE PENINSULA TRAIL |
This ride is located in a picturesque corner of Ireland. The immaculate stable has well-mannered horses and a great variety of rides along the beaches and into the interior. The lovely little port town of Dingle is a favorite destination for sailboats whose owners are lured by the town's restaurants, nightclubs, boutiques and art galleries. It is a great choice for non-riding companions, because the town and surrounding area have much appeal for a broad range of activities.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Sunday: “Cead mile failte” (one hundred thousand welcomes). Arrive in Dingle mid-day and check into your accommodations. Then make your way up to the stable for an afternoon ride starting at 2:30 PM which will introduce you to the horses and guides. Today’s ride heads into the hills overlooking Dingle Bay. From the crest of the hills you will see the Dingle Peninsula stretching towards the western horizon, a sneak peek of the views to come. Ride through town and around the harbor where you will have a chance to see Fungie, the Dingle dolphin. Return to the stables via Main Street, passing numerous pubs and restaurants you may want to visit after the ride. The beach ride is tide dependant, if the tide is high an alternative route is taken |
| Day 2: | Monday: Leave the stables at 10 AM for a ride following the harbour coast overlooking Lord Ventry’s Estate, the setting for much of the film, Ryan’s Daughter, before turning inland to make your way to the village of Ventry. Head onto Ventry beach for an exhilarating beach gallop before a well deserved pub lunch. After lunch return to the beach for another exhilarating canter, afterwards enjoy the quiet surroundings on country lanes before returning to the stables. |
| Day 3: | Tuesday: Today you are headed towards the most westerly landfall in Europe. Cut across the Dingle Peninsula, making your way to Muireach, in the shadows of the Three Sisters where you enjoy your first gallop of the day. After another exhilarating beach gallop at Beal Ban head into the village of Ballyferriter for lunch at Tigh an t-Saorsaigh (lunch stop is subject to change). Return to Dingle, stopping at the ancient monastery Gallarus Ovatory on the way. |
| Day 4: | Wednesday: Depart at 10 AM and climb across the Brandon Mountain Range via the infamous Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass. Mt Brandon is the second highest peak in Ireland, and from the neighbouring summit you will see a spectacular 365-degree view of the Dingle Peninsula and Brandon Bay. Lunch awaits you in a local pub in the village of Cloghane. The horses are taken to a field where they will spend the night while you stay in a quaint B&B. Dinner included tonight. |
| Day 5: | Thursday: Head to the beautiful beach at Fermoyle for a morning of cantering and galloping along the ten mile sandy beach. Lunch will be served at Natterjacks pub (subject to change) in the beautiful surroundings of Castlegregory. After lunch, follow the beach along Tralee Bay before heading to the small, scenic village of Camp where you will stay at Finglass Guest House and dine in Ashes restaurant. Dinner included. |
| Day 6: | Friday: Leave Camp following the bog roads which lead you through the valley before arriving at the magnificent Inch beach. This is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world and attracts all types of water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, fishing, gliding, and of course horse riding. Enjoy a long canter or gallop across the four mile wide beach. Lunch is served at Sammy’s which is located right on the beach and offers great views of the peninsula. After lunch follow quiet country lanes to your final stop, the quaint village of Anascaul with its famous South Pole Inn Pub, home of Tom Cream – the explorer from Shackleton and Scotts’ expeditions to the South Pole. Return to Dingle for the last evening. |
| Day 7: | Saturday: Depart Dingle after breakfast. “Slan go foil” (good-bye for now). |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Dingle |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 5 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Irish hunters |
| Weight Limit | 220 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | Every Sunday, April 6 - Oct 19 |
| 2008 Price | Hotel: €1565
B&B: €1400
(4 dinners are not included, restaurant recommendations and reservations can be made upon request through the outfitter)
Due to rapidly changing market please call for the current US dollar rate.
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| Single Supplement | $505 for Hotel and B&B |
| Transfers | Transfers from and to the Shannon airport can be arranged through a local taxi company |
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