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Galway Riding Holidays in Ireland County Clare, Ireland
General Info
Experience Irish castles, pubs and history from a 300-year-old farmhouse or trail ride to the Cliffs of Moher.
Your Irish hosts have carefully restored the 300-year-old farmhouse in County Clare, to accommodate travelers who want to try horse riding holidays in Ireland. Nestled among the rolling Irish countryside, there's 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 the Galway Clare Burren Trail Ride, you’ll discover Ireland’s beautiful nature and colourful history on horseback. From County Galway horse riding Ireland westwards, trek 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 the 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.
Awards & Accolades
Featured on the Emmy award-winning Equitrekking TV show on Public Television in the Equitrekking Irish Countryside episode.
Packing
Packing Tips for horse riding holidays in Ireland
Please see Equitrekking Travel's General Packing List for suggestions.
Suggested Packing List for this trip:
• Helmet- riders can borrow riding helmets for free on this trip.
• 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
Laundry: On the Residential Ride, guests can use the washer and dryer. When they stay in Lisdoonvarna on the Galway Clare Burern trail (Thur + Fri nights) the hotel offers a laundry service at cost.
About the Horses
You’ll find 42 horses, who are all the traditional Irish breeds: Connemara, Irish cob, Irish Hunter and Gypsy Vanner for these horse riding holidays in Ireland. 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 farmhouse, 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
This Ireland horse vacation 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
8 days/ 7 nights (6 riding days)
weekly Saturday to Saturday
2013
June/ July/ Aug $1507 USD* (1204 Euros) double occupancy
Rest of season $1,403 USD* (EUR 1121) double occupancy
Single room supplement per week $155 USD* (EUR 124)
Non-rider trail or residential $700 USD* (EUR 560) 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 $55 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way. We can also arrange 4 day / 5 night trail rides on request.
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 the riding centre to start your Ireland equestrian vacation. The transfer from Shannon to Whitegate is approx. two hours.
You will be staying at a lovingly restored 300-year-old farmhouse 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
Introduction to your horse and start riding along the peaceful slopes of the wooded Slieve Aughty Mountains and across widespread bog lands.
Day 3 - Monday
Enjoying the fascinating views over the majestic Lough Derg. Ride by traditional turf cutting areas, listening to the myths of Neolithic dolmen, ancient burial tombs, and learn about the well-preserved ruins on Holy Island.
Day 4 - Tuesday
Heading for the top of the hills. we will overlook endless woods and miles of storytelling. There are rough old stonewalls sheltering the juicy green pastures. The sandy shores of the Lough Graney invite us to a canter along the beach and on goes the trail ride right across the gentle lapping lake.
Day 5 - Wednesday
Lovely wood tracks guide you to the bogy uplands where County Clare unfolds all around you up to rising hills of the Burren National Park and the first glimpse of Galway Bay. Overnight in Corofin.
Day 6 - Thursday
You will experience the very special and totally different moon like landscape of the Burren, with its rare and colourful flora and fauna and the stunning variety of pre-historic settlements. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna.
Day 7 - Friday
Riding further westwards until you reach the edge of the shredded coastline, you will be delighted by the breathtaking views of the endless Atlantic Sea, the famous Aran Islands, the rugged Connemara Mountains and the fascinating Cliffs of Moher. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna.
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
6 days/ 5 nights (4 riding days)
Rates 2013
Riders $1,148 USD* (EUR 918)
Non-Riders $863 USD* (EUR 690)
Single Supplement $98 USD* (EUR 78)
2013 Dates
May 25-30, June 15-20, July 6-11, Aug 24-29, Sept 21-26, Oct 12-17
and other dates 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 $55 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.
On this 4 day ride you will visit the impressive Portumna Castle which was the seat of the Earl of Clanricarde and Pallas castle - one of the best preserved tower houses and castle grounds of the 14th century. You will also take a boat ride to Holy Island on the river Shannon to explore the ruins of one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements, and you will ride the horses for lunch to Williamstad House – a beautiful landlord residence of the 18th century.
Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin ride itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday - Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer (if booked) to the riding centre. Transfer from Shannon to Whitegate approx. two hours. You will be staying here in this lovely 300-year-old farmhouse for 5 nights. On the arrival day you can just 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. You will have dinner in the tastefully restored farmhouse by candlelight and open turf fire.
Day 2 - Sunday – After breakfast we will go out to the horses and every rider can then get used to his own horse for the next days by brushing and tacking it itself - don’t worry there are always lots of helping hands around you! Our first ride (2 and 1⁄2 hours) brings us up into the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with fascinating views over the majestic River Shannon. After lunch you will be driven to nearby Mountshannon harbour, 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. Back to the riding centre for a delicious dinner.
Day 3 – Monday – Today is a full day ride. The 2 hour morning ride brings us through typical rural farmland to the former landlord’s residence of Williamstad house. You will have lunch here and time to visit the lovingly restored 18th century property with its beautiful garden. The 2 hour afternoon ride brings us back into the Slieve Aughty Mountains. After dinner you can join us to enjoy the locals on a visit to an Irish village pub.
Day 4 – Tuesday - This morning’s ride (2 and 1⁄2 hours) will take you on forest tracks and small country lanes across beautiful Irish countryside. In the afternoon you will get to visit the impressive Portumna Castle of the 17th century. You will also have time for shopping in the town. Relax by the peat fire and a traditional home cooked dinner.
Day 5 - Wednesday - On your last ride (2 and 1⁄2 hours) you will enjoy the beauty of the magical landscape of bog and heather. 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. Final dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.
Day 6 – Thursday - After breakfast it is time to say good-bye and to get ready for the transfer (if booked) back to Shannon.
* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Residential Ride
8 days/ 7 nights (6 riding days)
All year mid January to mid December (Saturday to Saturday) Shorter stays are possible on request.
2013 Rates
Year-round $1,128 USD* (EUR 902) double occupancy
$154 USD* (EUR 123) single supplement
Non-Riders $863 USD* (EUR 690)
* 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 $55 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way. Price includes your holiday horse for 6 days, (15 hrs riding or lessons) and 7 nights en suite accommodation in the farmhouse with full Irish breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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 the Riding Centre and farmhouse in the rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, where miles and miles of riding trails abound. The 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.
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.
Realize the dream of your own horse for the week at this equestrian centre situated on a lovely remote site surrounded by woods and bog land with endless riding tracks.
* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Ballinasloe horse fair ride 2013
The Ballinasloe Horse Fair is one of Europe's oldest and largest Horse Fairs, dating back to the 18th century. Combine horse riding in thebeautiful Irish countryside with a trip to this horse fair!
Dates & Rates for 2013
Oct 5-10, 2013
$1,109 USD* (815 Euros) per person sharing.
Single Supplement $98 USD* (EUR 78)
Non-Riders $713 USD* (EUR 570)
* 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 $55 USD (EUR 44) per person, per way.
Ballinasloe horse fair ride 2013 Itinerary
Saturday, Oct 5th, 2013
- transfer (if booked) from Shannon airport to the riding centre, a well restored 300 year old farmhouse in County Clare
- lunch snack in the riding centre
- boat ride to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Ireland's most important monastic settlements
- traditional home cooked dinner by the open peat fire
Sunday, Oct 6th, 2013
- full Irish breakfast
- 2 hour ride through the beautiful Irish countryside
- back to the riding centre for tasty lunch
- 1 hour ride on ancient Celtic trails
- candle light dinner
- come along and enjoy the locals on a visit to a village pub
Monday, Oct 7th, 2013
- after breakfast drive to the famous horse fair in Ballinasloe - spend all day between hundreds of horses – just looking... - drive back to An Sibin in the late afternoon for dinner
Tuesday, Oct 8th, 2013
- full Irish breakfast
- 2 hour ride through rural farmland
- lunch snack in Williamstad house, visit the landlords house
and beautiful garden
- 2 hour ride on quiet country lanes
- dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre
Wednesday, Oct 9th, 2013
- full Irish breakfast
- 2 hour ride across the magical landscape of peat and heather - after the lunch snack in the riding centre visit to the impressive Portumna Castle the seat of the Earl of Clanricarde in the 17th century
- time for shopping in Portumna town - drive back to the farmhouse for dinner
Thursday, Oct 10th, 2013
- full Irish breakfast
- time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts
- transfer (if booked) back to Shannon airport / rent a car
* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and subject to changes and revisions based on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Related Travel Articles
Ireland- Galway & Clare Riding Adventures
Julie and I arrived for the Galway County Clare Riding Adventure at An Sibin in time to get in a brisk walk. This is my second visit to An Sibin and I was excited to see that the neighbors still have their collection of gnomes and other decorative artifacts just down the… Read more »Ireland- The Burren and Cliffs of Moher
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 »Best of Irish Countryside Video
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 »Ireland- County Clare Peat and Dolmens
We arrived at An Sibin in time to sit by a warm turf fire before dinner was served. There were a variety of other guests from France, the U.S. and Canada staying and riding at An Sibin’s 300 year-old farmhouse near the River Shannon. I sat by the fire, casually… Read more »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
Joanne Filkins recently returned from an equestrian vacation in Ireland, which she won in the EquitrekkingTravel.com Ireland riding vacation contest. Here's her review of her ride.
We got back from our trip on Saturday night and it was great! Thank you so much to you and everybody at Equitrekking for giving me such a wonderful prize! We would recommend the Galway ride to anybody who is interested in riding in Ireland.
Although Sharon and Janice are both very experienced riders who own their own horses and I only started riding a few years ago as an adult, we all enjoyed the riding and felt that our horses were well matched to us. We chose this time of year to accommodate our schedules and it turned out to be ideal — not too cool or warm and ahead of the main tourist season so none of the places that we visited were too crowded.
All of us were very happy with our horses and the people, food and accommodations were all great! Nicola and Bertie have done such a terrific job of renovating the house and including so many fascinating little details such as horse related pictures, decorative antiques, and a lovely garden. We were also pleased to see how well they take care of their horses and other animals. The donkeys, dogs, and unusually colorful chickens were all very entertaining!
The residential ride was perfect for us because it allowed us to do some sightseeing in the area. We visited several castles, some restored and furnished with antiques and other in ruins.
A couple of them had beautiful walled gardens too, and at Bunratty Castle we saw the folk park, which is a village of furnished examples of 19th century houses, and shops plus some farm animals, and attended a medieval banquet which included singers, a harpist, and a bagpiper, all in period costumes.
Closer to An Sibin, we enjoyed a boat trip to Holy Island with a wonderful local guide and saw several other ruined churches and abbeys too. We were glad that we arrived a day early before the ride began because that allowed us to see the Cliff of Moher, the Burren, a Birds of Prey demonstration, and a great concert of Irish music and dance performed by kids aged 10-19 as part of a music festival in Ennis.
All in all it was a wonderful trip and I was so pleased and surprised to have won it!
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 Amazon.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. 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 DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.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 with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS.
Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.
Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.
Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

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.
at glance
Group Size
3 to 14
Riding Ability
Galway- Clare- Burren Trail Ride / Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride Intermediate (strong novice) to Advanced. Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter.
Residential Ride: Beginner to Advanced
Dates & Rates
Galway- Clare- Burren Trail Ride
Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride
Residential Ride
Ballinasloe horse fair ride 2013
See "Itineraries" tabs above for rates and dates for various Ireland vacation packages.
Group Discounts
in a group of 5 riders each rider gets $66 USD* (50 Euros) off the price
in a group of 6 riders each rider gets $79 USD* (60 Euros) off the price
in a group of 7 riders each rider gets $93 USD* (70 Euros) off the price
in a group of 8 riders each rider gets $106 USD* (80 Euros) off the price
We ride in a group of max 8 guests.
If non riders want to join they will get 1/2 the amount off:
in a group of 5 riders each additional non rider gets $33 USD* (25 Euros) off the price
in a group of 6 riders each additional non rider gets $40 USD* (30 Euros) off the price
in a group of 7 riders each additional non rider gets $46 USD* (35 Euros) off the price
in a group of 8 riders each additional non rider gets $53 USD* (40 Euros) off the price
*US price is subject to changes from Euro currency conversions.
Tack
English all-round saddles with comfortable, deep seats and good knee rolls. Only a few western saddles are available – they have to be requested in advanced.
Weight limit
190 lbs
Minimum Age to Ride
8 years.
Time in the Saddle
Galway Clare Burren trail ride: between for 4 and 6 hours per day
Residential Ride: 2.5 hours per day
Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin Ride 2.5 hours per day
Airport
Shannon airport (1hr and 20min drive. Transfers available.) A rental car is not needed for the Galway Clare Buren trail ride or the Irish Castle & Monastic Ruin ride, but is recommended for the Residential Ride.
Best Months to Visit
May through October, though rides are offered year-round.
