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 at the stables. Meet with the hostess and owner of the stable, and the guide, for a coffee and introductory chat about the ride and horses. 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. |
| Day 2: | Monday: Today you head towards the most westerly landfall in Europe. Leaving the stables, ford the river at Milltown and cross the hills, heading towards Smerwick Harbour which is the sight of much of the filming for Ryan’s daughter. 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 a break before returning to Dingle, stopping at the ancient monastery, Gallarus Ovatory, on the way. |
| Day 3: | Tuesday: Leave the stables following the coastline overlooking Dingle Harbour and the stony beach at Burnham. Veer inland along part of the Pilgrim’s route through the bohareen at Cathair bo Sine overlooking Lord Ventry’s Estate. From the harbour village of Ventry head for a gallop on the beach before stopping at Paidi O’Se’s Pub. Afterwards return along the strand for a canter before making your way home through the beautiful countryside of the West Kerry Gaeltacht. |
| Day 4: | Wednesday: Depart at 10 AM climbing across the Brandon Mountain Range via the infamous Conor Pass. Mt Brandon is the second highest peak in Ireland. 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 return to Dingle town. |
| Day 5: | Thursday: Today explore the beaches around Castlegregory, as they were made for riding. Canter along many miles of largely deserted wide sandy beaches, stopping for lunch en route at a local pub. In the afternoon, return to beach riding before you cross back over the southern side of the of the Peninsula from Camp to Inch, passing through Gleann Na Gealt (the Valley of the Mad). You will be covering many miles at a fast pace and both you and the horses deserve a well-earned rest. |
| Day 6: | Friday: Ride from Camp along the bog roads 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 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. This is the 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-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Irish hunters |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | Every other week starting Sunday, May 13 - Oct 14 |
| 2012 Price | Was $2,250, now reduced to $2,070
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| Single Supplement | $190 |
| Transfers | Transfers from and to the Shannon airport can be arranged through a local taxi company |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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