Horseback Riding in Ireland
DONEGAL FROM THE SADDLE |
This ride is based at Dunfanaghy, a picturesque coastal village in the remote northwest of Ireland, which has some fabulous unpopulated beaches for glorious gallops on willing Irish hunters and Connemaras. The congenial hotel, with its Irish pub and excellent cuisine, provides an ideal base for rides in the wild surrounding area. There are many chances for contacts with local people and riders follow some of the roads built during the time of the Great Famine, which is still much alive in memories here.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrival in Dunfanaghy in the afternoon. Meet other riders and hosts in the evening for dinner. |
| Day 2: | After a hearty Irish breakfast meet the horses and guides at the stable, conveniently located on the hotel grounds. The morning is spent assessing riders and horses with a ride around Horn Head Forest and high up on the track for a panoramic view of Sheephaven Bay. Return to Arnold's Hotel for lunch. The afternoon is free. (Additional riding can be arranged for a small fee.)
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| Day 3: | Leave the coast for the day, with a packed lunch, and head towards the impressive Muckish Mountain. Traverse old tracks built 150 years ago during the great famine; only horses can use the tracks as they were originally built for them. Ride along the dismantled Falcarragh-Burtonport railway, whose surface is ideal for long canters. After lunch cross three rivers by means of ancient fords, and enter a forest for a canter in the direction of Errarooey. The horses are left for the evening and riders return to Arnold's Hotel for dinner and overnight.
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| Day 4: | After breakfast riders are taken back to the horses in Errarooey. Tidal and weather conditions' permitting, the day starts with a long canter on the beach. Traverse rough pastures, rugged coastline, empty beaches and mountain ranges before returning to Arnold's Hotel.
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| Day 5: | A free day to relax and unwind. Take advantage of the many sights within walking distance of the hotel. The Workhouse first opened in 1845 on the eve of the Great Famine; it is now a museum exhibiting the tragic life and times of the famine victims. Next door is an art gallery and craft shop, which includes exhibits of many famous artists including Frank Eggington. In the center of the village there are quaint shops selling a variety of quality Irish goods. The walking enthusiast can enjoy many local walks with a guidebook available at the hotel. The hotel can make arrangements for anglers to have a fishing boat and permit for the day on one of many local lakes. There is a golf club and the hotel offers reduced green fees. A thirty-minute drive from the hotel is Glenveagh National Park, the Glebe Gallery, and the Dunlewy Interpretive Centre. For those who wish to ride additional riding can be arranged for a small fee.
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| Day 6: | This day uses a combination of the bog and mountain tracks, quiet lanes and stretches of old railway. The scenery on today's ride will surpass all others. Tie the horses in the shadow of the mighty mountains to enjoy a picnic lunch. Before finishing the day take the opportunity for a gallop on Killahoey Beach. Enjoy a pint of Guinness before dinner at the hotel.
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| Day 7: | The final day of riding today will take a route over the hills, a wild and windswept affair impressing all who make the journey. Spend the evening at a special farewell dinner.
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| Day 8: | Depart after breakfast. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Dunfanaghy |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-1 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Irish Hunters and Connemaras |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | May 10-17, May 24-31, June 7-14, June 14-21, July 5-12, Aug 30- Sept 6, Sept 20-27 |
| 2008 Price | May 10-17, May 24-31: $2,215
June 7-14, June 14-21, Sept 20-27: $2,385
July 5-12, Aug 30 - Sept 6: $2,495
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| Single Supplement | $ 285 |
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