Horseback Riding in Ireland
ATLANTIC COAST TRAIL
(Formerly MARKREE CASTLE TRAIL) |
Riding in front of a centuries-old estate
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This ride takes place in the part of Ireland immortalized by the poet, W.B. Yeats. It is a fine opportunity to fulfill your dreams by riding in mountains, valleys, pine forests and on the beaches of this romantic island. Visits to historical sites and places of interest are also included. You stay in a modern hotel in the heart of the lively old town of Sligo. An upgrade to one night at Markree Castle is available.
"This was a wonderful way to see Ireland. The terrain was extremely varied; mountain, forest, seashore, bog, roads and meadows. Markree Castle was exceptionally beautiful and peaceful. I highly recommend this tour. The horses were healthy and happy, willing and well trained. Declan and Eugene and all the people I was in contact with were very professional but also approachable and fun. A wonderful ride and holiday."
- Patricia Clark
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Riders are collected in Sligo and are driven to their accommodations. |
| Day 2: | After taking a leisurely Irish breakfast, riders are taken to the riding center and are introduced to the horses in the large indoor arena. There is a short "get acquainted" ride through the surrounding pastures. After a light lunch, continue with a two-hour ride through Rathcarrick woods and onto Gibraltar Strand to enjoy the first canter along the Atlantic shores. Return to accommodations for dinner.
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| Day 3: | From Carrowmore ride to the top of Knocknarea Mountain to the grave of the legendary queen Meave of the Connaught Region. On a clear day there are breathtaking views of counties Sligo and Donegal. Then follow the mountain path to Strandhill beach, one of Ireland's best surfing beaches.
After lunch in Strandhill, a seaside surfing village, enjoy an exhilarating beach ride to Coney Island, a small island in Sligo Bay. Return to Carrowmore to stable the horses. After dinner enjoy a Guinness in one of the oldest traditional pubs in Sligo.
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| Day 4: | Before riding this morning take an escorted tour through Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetary, ca 4000 B.C.
Have a large breakfast this morning as we won’t stop for lunch today. Ride from Carrowmore through Union forest, a large pine forest and along forest paths into Markree estate. Explore the castle grounds on horseback and ride to the stables where the horses will spend the night. Riders return to their accommodations for dinner.
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| Day 5: | The morning ride takes you around the grounds of Markree Castle where you can see remains of the old houses where the Irish peasants lived in the times when the English ruled this island. Have a short lunch at the castle stables and then ride back to Carrowmore through Ballygawley forest where you might see some wild deer grazing. |
| Day 6: | Today is a chance to relax and to visit all the places of interest and historical significance of this ancient corner of Ireland, including a visit to Parkes castle, a 14th century castle restored by the Irish government as well as a crystal factory. There is also time to see the beautiful town of Sligo and do some shopping. For those who wish, a trip to the famous Celtic seaweed baths in Strandhill can be arranged. After dinner, visit a local Irish pub if you have energy left.
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| Day 7: | The final day’s riding is spent mostly on beaches. Ride around the Knocknarea Peninsula from Kelly’s town to Culleenamore beach, cantering along the beaches of Cartys Strand and Strandhill and across the sand dunes at Strandhill. Enjoy dinner at one of the popular Sligo restaurant and meet afterwards for a last Guiness and a chance to reflect on your week's adventure. |
| Day 8: | After breakfast the riders are driven back to Sligo for the return flight home. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Cantering on the beach
The Markree Castle
The moors above the coastline
Covering green ground
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Sligo |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Irish Hunters, Connemaras |
| Weight Limit | 220 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | Sunday to Sunday, weekly April 29 - Sept 30, no trails on July 8, 15 and 22
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| 2012 Price | Was $1,575, now reduced to $1,450
1 night upgrade to Markree: $170
does not include dinners and all but 2 lunches
Non-rider price: Was $900, now $830
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
| Single Supplement | $ 125 |
| Transfers | includes transfers from the Sligo airport, bus or train station |
| Additional Information | Special offer: For the trails April/ May and end of August through September a free transfer from and to the Dublin airport is included (12 PM pickup on first day) and the single supplement is waived for those weeks. |
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