General Info

Experience Ireland’s rural west, castles and history from a 300-year-old farmhouse near the River Shannon or take a progressive trail ride to the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Coast. Hosts Bertie and Nicola have carefully restored An Sibin’s 300-year-old farmhouse in County Clare. Nestled among the rolling Irish countryside, An Sibin has a fairytale like setting among the Slieve Aughty Mountains. The farmhouse is decorated with antiques and rural charm, but includes with modern amenities. Forty-five Irish horses await riders for a variety of vacations in this peaceful part of Ireland.

On An Sibin’s Galway Clare Burren Trail Ride, you’ll discover Ireland’s beautiful nature and colourful history on horseback. From County Galway in the Midwest of Ireland, you’ll trek westwards through the rural areas of County Clare into the unique Burren region and on to the rough Atlantic coast overlooking the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Riders must be fit and at the intermediate or advanced riding level, as you’ll cover approximately 140 miles over six days, spending four to six hours in the saddle each day.

On the Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride, you’ll spend each morning riding in the rural West’s Irish bogs and rolling farmland and afternoons exploring ancient Irish castles and monastic ruins. Riders must be able to walk, trot and enjoy easy canters.

On An Sibin’s residential ride, experienced riders can go for daily-guided rides, discovering new areas on small tracks, forest lanes and quiet roads. Less experienced riders will be introduced to new skills and can take part in the basic riding tuition in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course every novice rider will also get to enjoy their new equine friend on rides through the lovely countryside.

Riding Options
Galway- Clare- Burren Trail Ride- 8 days/ 7 nights Intermediate to Advanced
Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride- 6 days/ 5 nights Intermediate to Advanced
An Sibin Residential Ride- 8 days/ 7 nights Beginner to Advanced
Matchmaking Festival: Sept 11-18 - 8 days/ 7 nights Intermediate to Advanced
Ballinasloe Horse Fair: Oct 2-7- 6 days/ 5 nights Beginner to Advanced

Awards & Accolades
Featured on the Emmy award-winning Equitrekking TV show on Public Television in the Equitrekking Irish Countryside episode. Meet An Sibin’s owner Nicola in this episode.
 

Packing

Please see Equitrekking Travel's General Packing List for suggestions.

An Sibin’s Suggested Packing List for this trip:
•    Helmet
•    Paddock boots and half chaps or rubber boots
•    A waterproof coat or jacket (no ponchos please)
•    Light sweaters for summer, warm sweaters for spring or fall
•    Two or three pairs of pants for riding
•    A fanny pack for holding sunglasses, money or camera
•    Your medicines and personal supplies
•    Seat saver can be useful for many hours in the saddle
 

About the Horses

At An Sibin, you’ll find 42 horses, who are all the traditional Irish breeds: Connemara, Irish cob, Irish Hunter and Gypsy Vanner. The Irish Horses are known for their stamina and kind, easygoing nature. Your hosts will make sure that you are matched with a mount that suites your riding ability and personality.

Activities/Events

Area Activities
There are many historic sights in the area, including Irish castles, Monastic settlements, Celtic sites, Burren national park and the Cliffs of Moher.

For non-riders: golfing, hiking, cycling, fishing, bird watching and shopping is also available.

Special Events
Special ride for Matchmaking festival Lisdoonvarna (mid-September)
Special ride for Ballinasloe horse fair (traditional horse market at the end of September)

Accommodations/Food

Accommodations
Residential Ride and Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride- you’ll stay in a 300-year old traditional Irish stone farmhouse, which has been lovingly restored. The farmhouse is in the beautiful Irish countryside. All rooms include a private shower / toilet.

Galway Clare Burren trail ride: 4 nights in the comfortable lodge at An Sibin, 1 night in Bed & Breakfast in the village of Corofin and 2 nights in 2 star country hotel in the village of Lisdoonvarna.

Food
Three meals included each day. You’ll start with dinner on Saturday (arrival day), then daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and finish with breakfast on departure day. (Saturday) In the comfortable dining room, guests enjoy the hearty Irish Breakfast and traditional farmhouse cooking, sitting by the open turf fire. 

Drinks
Wine, beer etc. is available at an extra cost.
 

The Ideal Traveler

An Sibin is ideal for travelers interested in history and Irish culture. It’s comfortable, intimate setting accommodates many solo travelers looking to ride in Ireland.

Galway- Clare- Burren Trail

Dates & Rates 2010
8 days/ 7 nights (6 riding days)
April 3 – Oct 2, 2010 (weekly Saturday to Saturday) Weeks of July 17 and 24 sold out!

Jun/Jul/Aug $1,347.34  USD (EUR 1100) double occupancy $1,493.09 USD (EUR 1219) single occupancy
Apr/May/Sep $1,249.61 USD (EUR 1020) double occupancy $1,395.40 USD (EUR 1139) single occupancy
Non-rider trail or residential $661.56 USD (EUR 540) double occupancy $807.34 USD (EUR 659) single occupancy

* Prices may fluctuate based on currency conversions. Please note, the above prices do not include the transfer charge from / to Shannon airport. The charge is $53.92 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way.

Riding Ability: Intermediate (strong novice) to Advanced. Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter.
 
Day 1 - Saturday - Arrival and Exploration
Arrive to Shannon Airport and transfer to An Sibin’s Riding Centre. The transfer from Shannon to Whitegate is approx. two hours. You will be staying at An Sibin for the first four nights. On the arrival day feel free to relax and recover from your journey, or take a stroll on the well mapped nearby East Clare Walking Trail. There is also the possibility to take a guided boat tour to the historical Holy Island with its monastic settlement dating back to the 9th century. In the evening, meet the other riders for the week. Dinner is served in the tastefully restored 300-year-old farmhouse by candlelight and open turf fire.
 
Day 2 - Sunday – Farms, bogs and the historic Sarsfield Ride
After breakfast you will be brought to the start of the trail, where your guide will match you with a horse that fits your experience level. Riders can get to know their horse for the week, brushing and tacking it up. Don’t worry there are always lots of helping hands around you! You’ll then leave for an easy ride into the surrounding peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. For lunch, you will be back at the An Sibin Riding Centre, where you and your horse can eat and relax. In the afternoon, ride the area’s rural farm land and the large area of heather and bogs  using the old tracks of the historic Sarsfield Ride, the daring route that General Patrick Sarsfield, commander of the Irish cavalry at Limerick, took during the Jacobite War in Ireland. You’ll leave your horses on a field where they stay overnight and drive back to the An Sibin for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 - Monday – Irish History and Burial Tombs
Today’s ride brings you up over the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with beautiful views over the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon. Along the ride, you’ll pass old farm ruins and miles of stone walls. Guides will explain Ireland’s Great Famine, a dark period of Irish history when millions of people left Ireland. After lunch, you’ll head across bogs, passing local farmers cutting and drying the turf in the traditional way. A Neolithic dolmen, a burial tomb with the legendary name Oisin`s and Grainne`s Grave, rests beside the trail. Also nearby is the 9th century ruins of a monastic settlement on Holy Island on the River Shannon. You may spot it by the well-kept typical round tower.     

Day 4 - Tuesday – Lake Shore Beaches
Leaving the sheltered morning pasture, ride to the top of the hills overlooking endless woods and grazing land to the north, west and south. Long before you arrive, take in views of the sandy shores of Lough Graney, your destination. At the beach, canter along the water and on the trails that go right across the refreshing lake! The ride in the late afternoon takes you through the typical farmland of rural Ireland with its lush green fields and the endless old stone walls surrounding the peacefully grazing sheep and cattle.

Day 5 - Wednesday – The Best of County Clare
Today’s lovely wood tracks take you further west overlooking Glandaria, the valley of the Kings, the wide fertile valley of the River Shannon, where Ireland’s kings lived hundreds of years ago.  After a lunch break near a typical mountain river, cross the boggy uplands. County Clare unfolds all around you with the rising hills of the famous Burren National Park in the distance. On a clear day you may even get a glimpse of Galway Bay. This afternoon your horses will be transferred by lorry across the busy valley to tomorrow’s start at the Mullaghmore Mountain in the Burren. You will be staying tonight in the charming village of Corofin with its countless pubs.

Day 6 - Thursday – The Burren
For the next two days, you’ll ride through the rocky, lunar landscapes of the Burren, an unusual area of limestone and colorful flora and fauna. A large number of rare animal species reside here, along with arctic, alpine and Mediterranean plant species and a variety of prehistoric settlements. Dolmens and Wedge Tombs line up next to Norman stone fort ruins and Celtic ring forts. Close to a fulacht fiadh, an ancient cooking site, you’ll enjoy lunch. The next two nights you will be staying in the Lisdoonvarna area, which is famous for the traditional music in the pubs. 

Day 7 - Friday – The Cliffs of Moher
Today you’ll ride west through the Burren, learning about the impressive Poulnabrone Dolmen, and the extensive and dangerous cave systems in this special area. Rest for lunch overlooking the unusual rocky landscapes. After the break, lead your horses up the last hill for breathtaking views over the Atlantic Sea, the famous Aran Islands and the rugged Connemara Mountains. The rugged shore of County Clare stretches out under you for the last gallop. In the glittering afternoon sunlight the impressive silhouette of the Cliffs of Moher rise in front. The ride ends near the ruins of the spooky looking Ballinalaken Castle.

Day 8 - Saturday - Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport for your journey home.

* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
 

Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin

Dates & Rates 2010
6 days/ 5 nights (4 riding days)
Riders    $1,084.16 USD (EUR  885)
Non-Riders   $814.65 USD (EUR  665)
Single Supplement    $145.78 USD (EUR 119)

June 19-24,  July 17-22, August 14-19, Sept 18-23, and on request for groups.

* Prices may fluctuate based on currency conversions. These prices are per person and include 5 nights accommodation at An Sibin with all meals and 4 days guided horse riding and all sight seeing trips and entry fees. Please note, the above prices do not include the transfer charge from / to Shannon airport. The charge is $53.92 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way.

Riding Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This riding vacation is great for those who want to combine horseback riding with area historic sightseeing. Mornings are spent riding and each afternoon, you tour a historic site, including area castles and monasteries.

Day 1 - Saturday - Arrive
Arrive to Shannon Airport and transfer to An Sibin Riding Centre. The transfer from Shannon to Whitegate is approximately two hours. You will be staying at An Sibin for 5 nights. On the arrival day you may relax and recover from your journey, or take a stroll on the well mapped nearby East Clare Walking Trail. In the evening, you will get to know all your fellow riders for this week. Dinner is served in the tastefully restored 300-year-old farmhouse in the An Sibin Riding Centre by candlelight and open turf fire.

Day 2 - Sunday – Foothills and Holy Islands
After breakfast, your guide will match you with a horse that fits your experience level. Riders can get to know their horse for the week, brushing and tacking up. Don’t worry there are always lots of helping hands around you! The first ride (2.5 hours) brings you up into the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with beautiful views over the majestic River Shannon. After lunch you will be driven to nearby Mountshannon harbor, from where you will visit Holy Island by boat. Pilgrims travelled to this island until the mid-19th century. You will see the ruins of five churches, early monastic cells, a pre-12th century cemetery and an 80 foot round tower. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at An Sibin’s farmhouse.

Day 3 - Monday – The Manor House Ride
Today is a full day ride. The two-hour morning ride brings you through typical rural farmland to the historic Williamstad house, the former landlord’s residence. You will have lunch in the area and time to visit the lovingly restored 18th century manor home with its beautiful garden. The two-hour afternoon ride brings you back into the Slieve Aughty Mountains. After dinner, you may join your hosts on a visit to a local Irish village pub.

Day 4 - Tuesday – Portumna Castle
This morning's 2.5 hour ride will take you on forest tracks and small country lanes across beautiful Irish countryside. In the afternoon you’ll visit elegant Portumna Castle, originally built during the rein of James the First. This 17th century semi-fortified house was the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years. You’ll have time for shopping in the town after your visit. Relax by a peat fire and a traditional home cooked meal for dinner.

Day 5 - Wednesday – Pallas Castle
On your last ride (2.5 hours) enjoy the beauty of bog and heather covered landscapes. This afternoon's visit will bring you to Pallas castle, one of the best-preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the 14th century. You will also have time for shopping in the town. Your final dinner is in the warm atmosphere of the riding centre.

Day 6 - Thursday - Depart
After breakfast, guests get ready for the transfer back to Shannon Airport.

* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
 

An Sibin Residential

Dates & Rates 2010
8 days/ 7 nights (6 riding days)
all year except from December 15, 2010 to Jan. 15, 2011 (Saturday to Saturday)

Year-round $1,066.36 USD (EUR 870) double occupancy $1,212.22 USD (EUR 989) single occupancy
Non-rider $661.69 (EUR 540) double occupancy $807.51USD ( EUR 659) single occupancy

* Prices may fluctuate based on currency conversions. Please note, the above prices do not include the transfer charge from / to Shannon airport. The charge is $53.92 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way.

Riding Level: Beginner to Advanced

This is a great riding vacation for beginner and experienced riders alike in the heart of the Irish nature in rural West Ireland! 

You’ll start your vacation at An Sibin Riding Centre and farmhouse in the rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, where miles and miles of riding trails abound. An Sibin's 300 year-old lovingly restored farmhouse is just a few miles from the small village of Mountshannon with its unique monastic settlement on the Holy Island in Lough Derg. The surrounding area is comprised of heather covered bogland, woodland and lush green fields dotted with old stonewalls. Many people in the area own horses. The picturesque river Shannon can be viewed on many area rides. There are lots of beautiful and ancient places to discover on horseback day after day. From the remnants of the poteen makers cottage to stately manor houses with their fine walled gardens; the Killeens (ancient cemeteries) and the perfect example of an Oratory in Clonrush graveyard. Even the dolmans, Celtic burial sites, can be visited on horseback. A picnic by the gently lapping shores of the Lough Derg is an enjoyable break for rider and horse alike.  

The experienced rider can go for daily-guided rides, discovering new areas on small tracks, forest lanes and quiet roads. Less experienced riders will be introduced to new skills and can take part in the basic riding tuition in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course every novice rider will also get to enjoy his or her new equine friend on rides through the lovely Irish countryside.

The central feature of An Sibin is the 300-year old farmhouse. Guests stay in individually decorated ensuite rooms and may relax in the cozy ambiance of the sitting room. A hearty Irish breakfast, lunches and the traditional home cooked dinners are enjoyed in front of the open turf fire in the dining areas. The downstairs dining room is a nice gathering place. The farmhouse is decorated with antiques and artifacts collected by the owners, Bertie and Nicola, you hosts!

* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
 

Matchmaking Festival: Sept 11-18

Dates & Rates 2010

September 11-18

$1,219.49 USD (995 Euros) per person double occupancy*

$145.81 USD (119 Euros) Single Supplement*

Includes 7 nights accommodation, all meals (except Friday lunch), luggage transport, visit to the Cliffs of Moher and 5 days guided trail riding.

Non-riders are welcome: $704.54 USD (575 Euros) per person double occpuancy*

* Prices may fluctuate based on currency conversions. Please note, the above prices do not include the transfer charge from / to Shannon airport. The charge is $53.92 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way.

Discover Ireland’s beautiful nature and colourful history on horseback and experience the annual Matchmaking Festival. Your horse will be carrying you approximtely 120 miles from County Galway, which is located in the mid-West of Ireland westwards through the rural areas of County Clare into the fascinating Burren region. You'll spend nights in An Sibin's well restored 300-year-old farmhouse and in traditional Irish villages. On the sixth day, you'll take part in the famous “Matchmaking Festival” in the colorful village of Lisdoonvarna and visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.

Day 1 - Saturday- Farmhouse Arrival
Arrive to Shannon Airport and transfer to An Sibin's well restored 300-year-old farmhouse and riding center. The transfer from Shannon Airport to the farmhouse in Whitegate takes approximately two hours. You will be staying at the farmhouse for the first four nights. Upon arrival, relax and recover from your journey, or take a stroll on the well mapped nearby East Clare Walking Trail. More adventurous travelers, weather permitting, may take a guided boat tour to the nearby historic Holy Island with its monastic settlement dating back to the 9th century.

In the evening, get to know all your fellow riders for the week. Enjoy dinner in the tastefully restored farmhouse dining room by candlelight and open turf fire.

Day 2 - Sunday- Forests, Heather and Boglands Ride
After breakfast, you'll be taken to the start of the trail, where your guide will match you with your horse, according to your experience level. Every rider can then get used to your horse for the week by brushing and tacking him up. Don't worry. There are always lots of helping hands around you! The group will then depart for an easy ride in the surrounding peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. You'll enjoy lunch back at the An Sibin Riding Center, where you'll have some time to relax. In the afternoon, ride through the rural farm land and the huge area of heather and bogland using the old tracks of the historical Sarsfield Ride. You'll leave your horses in a field, where they stay overnight and be driven back to An Sibin for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 - Monday- Slieve Aughty Mountains 
Today’s ride brings you up over the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with fascinating views over the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon.

Along the trails, pass old farm ruins and miles of stone walls. Your guide will tell you more about one of Ireland's most significant incidents in history that affected many people in this area, the Potato Famine. About 150 years ago, many farms and villages were abandoned because of the Famine. This was the time of severe potato disease, which destroyed a sole source of food supply for the rural and poor Irish peasants and their stock. In addition to the Famine, a Typhus and Cholera epidemic ensued. Millions of people emigrated to other countries or starved.

At midday, lunch will be waiting for you, before you head across the extensive areas of bogland in the afternoon. There, ride past local farmers cutting and drying turf in the traditional way. You'll ride to a Neolithic dolmen - with the legendary name Oisin`s and Grainne`s Grave - beside the trail.  A dolmen is an ancient burial tomb. Much younger (about the 9th century) are the ruins of a monastic settlement on Holy Island, which you can easily spot by the well kept typical round tower.

Day 4 - Tuesday  - Rural Irish Farms and Lakes
Leaving the sheltered pasture, head for the top of the hills overlooking endless woods and grazing land to the north, west and south. Long before you get there, you can spot the sandy shores of Lough Graney, your destination-- right across the beautiful lake! The trail later in the afternoon takes you through the typical farmland of rural Ireland with its lush green fields and mile long old stone walls surrounding peaceful sheep and cattle.

Day 5 - Wednesday- Valley of the Kings and Corofin Village
Today’s lovely wood tracks take you further westwards overlooking Glandaria (the valley of the Kings), the wide fertile valley of the River Shannon, where hundreds of years ago Ireland's kings preferred to settle. After lunch near a typical mountain river, cross the boggy uplands. County Clare unfolds all around you with the rising hills of the famous Burren National Park in the distance. On a clear day, you will even get the first glimpse of Galway Bay. This afternoon, your horses will be transferred by lorry (trailer) across the busy valley to tomorrow’s start at the Mullaghmore Mountain in the Burren. You will be staying the night in the charming village of Corofin with its numerous pubs.

Day 6 - Thursday- Norman Ruins, Celtic Ring Forts and The Burren
The totally different and unique scenery of the world renowned Burren will surround you today. The moon like landscape of this limestone area bears not only an immensely colourful flora and fauna with a large number of very rare species, but also reveals a stunning variety of prehistoric settlements. Dolmens and Wedge Tombs line up next to Norman stone fort ruins and Celtic ring forts. It is amazing how many eye-catching sites abound in this vast landscape.

This is your last day of riding. The next two nights you will be staying in Lisdoonvarna, which is famous for the traditional music in the pubs and town square during the Matchmaking Festival.

The Matchmaking Festival is a once a year event attracting people from all over the world for Irish music, dancing and revelry. It originally started after the September harvests when young farmers from throughout Ireland would converge on Lisdoonvarna to find themselves a potential wife using the help of the ‘basadoiri' or matchmakers. Today, it's a grand party where pub hopping is popular, as is time in the spa. Lisdoonvarna's spa has been attracting travelers to its therapeutic mineral waters since the 18th century.

Day 7 - Friday - Matchmaking Festival and Cliffs of Moher
Today you will enjoy the lively atmosphere of the country-wide renowned Matchmaking Festival with its traditional music and dancing everywhere in the town of Lisdoonvarna. You'll have time to shop and get to visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, overlooking the Atlantic and the Aran Islands.
(lunch not included today)

Day 8 - Saturday - Journey Home
After breakfast you may be transferred back to the airport your journey home.

* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances. 

Ballinasloe Horse Fair: Oct 2-7

Dates & Rates 2010

October 2-7 (Saturday to Thursday)

$839.62 USD (685 Euros) per person double occupancy* 

$91.93 USD (75 Euros) Single supplement* 

Includes 5 nights at An Sibin, all mentioned meals, transports, entry fees and guided horse riding. Please keep in mind there is no lunch included on Monday.

Non-riders are welcome: $600.61USD (490 Euros) per person double occupancy*

* Prices may fluctuate based on currency conversions. Please note, the above prices do not include the transfer charge from / to Shannon airport. The charge is $53.92 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way.

The Ballinasloe Horse Fair is one of the largest horse fairs in Europe. Enjoy seeing many different breeds of Irish horses at this busy festival, where many horses are brought, traded and shown.

Day 1- October 2- Saturday - Arrive

Tansfer (if booked) from Shannon airport to the An Sibin Riding Centre in County Clare. Enjoy a lunch snack in the riding centre, boat ride to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Ireland's most important monastic settlements and a traditional home cooked dinner by the open peat fire.

Day 2- October 3- Sunday- Countryside and Celtic Trails

After a full Irish breakfast, enjoy a 2 hour ride through the beautiful Irish countryside. You'll head back to the riding centre for tasty lunch, before a 1 hour ride on ancient Celtic trails. 

Tonight, enjoy a candle light dinner and come along and enjoy the local's scene on a visit to a village pub.

Day 3- October 4- Monday- Ballinasloe Horse Fair
After breakfast, drive to the famous Horse Fair in Ballinasloe. You'll have to day to spend amid hundreds of horses.

Known in the early 1800's as the "Great Cattle Fair," the Ballinasloe Fair was a large market for the sale of cattle and sheep by the farmers of the West to their counterparts in the East of Ireland. In the early 20th century, the fair became the domain of the horse with horse shows, competitions, live music and fun, making it one of the largest horse fairs in Europe. Enjoy seeing many different breeds of Irish horses at this busy festival, where many horses are brought and traded.

You'll be driven back to An Sibin in the late afternoon for dinner.

Day 4- October 5- Tuesday-  Williamstad House
After a full Irish breakfast, enjoy a 2 hour ride through rural farmland. You'll have lunch in the historic Williamstad house and visit the landlord's house and beautiful garden of this lovingly restored 18th century manor home. Next, take a 2 hour ride on quiet country lanes.

Dinner will be served in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.

Day 5- October 6- Wednesday- Portuma Castle
After a full Irish breakfast, saddle up for a 2 hour ride across the magical landscapes of peat and heather. You'll enjoy lunch in the riding centre, before visiting the impressive Portumna Castle, the seat of the Earl of Clanricarde in the 17th century. There will be time for shopping in Portumna town, before the drive back to An Sibin for dinner.

Day 6- October 7- Thursday- Depart
After your full Irish breakfast, it's time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts. You'll be transfered (if booked) back to Shannon Airport.

* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances. 

Related Blog Posts

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  Bertie and Nicola, our hosts in County Clare for the Galway & Clare Riding Adventures, took us to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular natural wonder on Ireland’s coast. If you ride on the progressive or post to post Galway Clare Riding Adventure, you can take on a six… Read more »

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Happy St. Patrick's Day! In this Best of the Irish Countryside Equitrekking video compilation, explore a neolithic tomb from a 300-year-old farmhouse An Sibin, ride the grounds of one of Ireland's oldest sporting estates at Mount Juliet, and take an insider's tour of the Irish National Stud. Travel Ireland with… Read more »

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Traveler Reviews

Through your extensive knowledge of both horse and trail we were able to confidently navigate, at all gaits, the often challenging rides through bogs, across lakes, through mountain forests and over the hauntingly beautiful terrain of the Burren. We not only witnessed the beauty of the Western Irish landscape, we were truly part of it.

- Amy, Colorado

- Thank you so much for an absolutely extraordinary Ireland riding vacation trip. As horse owners and enthusiasts we were especially pleased to see how well your horses are cared for and the priority given to their health and well being.

- Steve and Jeanne, Colorado

I took a great risk taking my whole family (4 children and husband) with me on the Burren trail, but the trip was so wonderful, Nicola and Bertie very nice and the horses just gorgeous and adapted to the experience of any of us that I cried when the trip was finished... Thank you again for this wonderful experience.

- Avenne

Thank you for a tremendous and terrific week of riding! We are telling all our friends to put this on their must do list for vacations!

- Karen & Sarah, Connecticut

Thank you so much for the wonderful riding experience and vacation. I loved your facility - the accommodations were great, the horses super + everyone was so friendly and gracious. The whole week was very well organized and it exceeded all my expectations. Your staff was wonderful! I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Ireland - thanks to you!

- Pamela

I'm still thinking of my trip to Ireland and the incredibly wonderful adventure you took me on! Has to be one of the best vacations ever! This was one of my dreams and you did a fabulous job to make it very special!

- Leslie

I want to thank you for a wonderful trip through County Clare on horseback. Your horses were wonderful, your saddles were very comfortable or I would not have lasted six days on the trail! The guides who helped us with the horses were a fantastic group. Of all the trips I have taken (one a year since 1981) yours was the most organized. It was a pleasure the entire time we were with you. I will recommend you to all my friends.

- Judy

I wanted to thank you both for making my trip a good experience and one that although challenging was rewarding. I applaud your choice of Nina for my mount, as she really was perfect for me. In the 6 days of riding, she never put a foot out of place and helped me boost my confidence.

- Patsy

I saw your country in the way of the people, not the touristy things that we all do and think we have seen something of the country. Your graciousness, professionalism, and genuine love of the horses will long be remembered. I have never had a more caring host, and have to say how well run I think your organization is. My compliments to your cook - she is a gem. Again, thank you for a wonderful holiday. 

- Patricia

Is there no place in the world I can get some peace and quiet?" YES!! From the enchanted, beauty of the countryside to the energetic and fun loving guides, to the great food and comfortable living quarters, I can not pick one thing I loved best about my stay! Put this trip on your 'bucket list' if you have any spirit of renaissance and love for planet earth!

- Laura

You have a beautiful home in a gorgeous area. Our horses were wonderful as were the guides and the food. We just couldn’t have asked for more.

- Tiff, Montana

Thank you again. Our vacation was one I will never forget. It is all because each and every one of you put so much thought and caring into every aspect. The smallest detail was the most precious.

- Christine, North Carolina

Thank you very much for the wonderful stay, beautiful rides and not to forget – the very, very good meals.

- Kathrin & Christina, Germany

Thank you for the wonderful trip and experience I had with you, your horses and your country. The land, the people, and the music of your country truly fills my heart and soul.

- Lorie, California

Reading List

General Guidebooks & Novels

Fodor's Ireland 2010 (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)
Updated annually, Fodor’s Ireland provides the most accurate and up-to-date information available in a guidebook.

Ireland: Eyewitness Travel Guide (Paperback) by Tim Perry
Amazon.com Review-- You'd be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive, engrossing and just plain fun-to-read guidebook than the Eyewitness Travel Guide: Ireland. Spilling over with all sorts of useful information for the traveler, you'll find three-dimensional drawings, floor plans, detailed neighborhood maps with a street-finder index, and even historical timelines.

The Star of the Sea, a novel by Joseph O’Connor
Publisher’s Weekly-- First published in the U.K. and shortlisted for Irish Novel of the Year, this brooding new historical fiction by novelist, playwright and critic O'Connor (Cowboys and Indians) chronicles the mayhem aboard Star of the Sea, a leaky old sailing ship crossing from Ireland to New York during the bitter winter of 1847, its steerage crammed to the bulkheads with diseased and starving refugees from the Irish potato famine.                                                 

History Enthusiasts

How the Irish Saved Civilization (Hinges of History) (Paperback) by Thomas Cahill
Amazon.com Review-- In this delightful and illuminating look into a crucial but little-known "hinge" of history, Thomas Cahill takes us to the "island of saints and scholars," the Ireland of St. Patrick and the Book of Kells.

Short History of Ireland (Paperback) by Richard Killeen
Since its first publication in 1994 Richard Killeen's Short History of Ireland has been widely accepted as the most accessible introduction to Irish history. It presents the history of Ireland in attractive double paged spreads, which can be quickly read to give an easy overview of the key events of Irish history. It is superbly illustrated with over 150 full color photographs, paintings and drawings.

A History of Ireland (Paperback) by Mike Cronin
Publisher’s Weekly-- A research fellow in history at De Montfort University Leicester (U.K.), Cronin offers synopsis with little insight in this overview of Irish history. 

Modern Ireland: 1600-1972 (Penguin history) (Paperback) by R.F. Foster
Publisher’s Weekly-- In what PW described as an "engaging revisionist chronicle," the author traces Irish history from 1600, when the country had a subsistence economy and was home to a welter of peoples, each of whom defined their "Irishness" differently, to the 1970s, when Ireland--despite three centuries of conquest and fissure--was a country with a powerful identity.

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at ShopDarley.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe, including Iceland. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.   

Equitrekking: Season Two DVD featuring Emmy winning PBS episode two Ireland episodes! Available at ShopDarley.com

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman on the second season of Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on Public Television. This seven episode two disc set includes half hour episodes from Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.