The year of horse riding

adventure
The year of
horse riding
Admiring the beautiful animals and the excellent
horsemanship at the Discover Ireland Dublin
Horse Show will surely inspire
you to make horses part of
your holidays this year. Add
a spirit of excitement to a
weekend getaway!
Getting family or friends on horseback, or travelling the
by-roads in a horse-drawn caravan, is guaranteed to
bring a whole new perspective, not only to the scenery
around you but to your time spent together. Travelling at
an equine pace is the perfect way to enjoy our majestic
coastlines and stunning countryside.
And the great news is that an equestrian holiday has
never been more affordable – just have a look at the 20
excellent equestrian break offers we have put together for
you this year.
Remember, you don’t have to have had previous
experience with horses. Across the country, equestrian
centres, riding schools and race tracks offer great days out
for everyone, the absolute beginner and the experienced
horse rider are equally catered for. And you don’t even
have to get on one – you can just enjoy a day ‘at the
horses’ if that’s more up your street!
Saddle up
With over 50 high-quality equestrian tourism centres
dotted all over Ireland, it’s never been easier to get in the
saddle on your holidays.
www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian is the first step to
finding the right place for you.
Locations like Connemara, the Ring of Kerry, the Wicklow
Mountains, Westport and the Burren, with their gorgeous
scenery, will add an extra dimension to the exuberance of
riding on horseback. Even absolute beginners can soon
find themselves looking for new frontiers and, once you’re
comfortable on horseback, the more challenging post-topost trail riding can be the next step for many, crossing
ruggedly beautiful landscapes by day and resting in
friendly accommodation by night.
www.dublinhorseshow.com
Breaks
Great Equestrian
Ireland boasts some of the best riding breaks you could wish for. Whether you are an
accomplished rider or are more blessed with enthusiasm than technique, there are mounts and
break options to suit you. Choose from ‘learn-to’ holidays, beach rides, post-to-post treks or
cross country routes. Whichever you pick, you are certain to enjoy an exhilarating break!
Clare
Donegal
Donegal
GUIDED TRAIL RIDES
WEEKEND TRAIL RIDE
DONEGAL ON SADDLE
An Sibin Riding Centre & Guesthouse,
Whitegate, Co. Clare
Charming guesthouse, scenic treks.
Donegal Equestrian Centre & Killavil House B&B,
Bundoran, Co. Donegal
2 days riding in the beautiful North West.
Dunfanaghy Stables & Arnolds Hotel, 3*
Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal
Family hotel, beach & mountain trekking.
€275pps OFFER
€275pps OFFER
€299pps OFFER
Valid August 10 to October 29, ’11
Valid August 5 to October 28, ’11
Valid August 3 to October 31, ’11
To Book: 061 927 411 www.IrishHorseRiding.com
To Book: 071 984 1977 www.DonegalEquestrianCentre.com
To Book: 074 913 6208 www.ArnoldsHotel.com
Midweek: 3B&B+3D, 2 lunches &
2 two-hour guided trail rides – €275pps
3B&B & 2 days trail riding – €275pps
Arrive Friday, depart Monday
3B&B+1 Early Bird Meal & 2 half days horse riding
- €299pps
Galway
Galway
HORSE RIDING HOLIDAY
FAMILY WEEKENDS
TRAIL RIDING BREAK
Connemara Coast & Aille Cross Trails,
Aille Cross, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Scenic Connemara ride, cross country & jumping.
Slieve Aughty Centre & Cartron House B&B,
Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Country cottage, forest trekking, organic food.
Longs Horse Riding & Seaside Haven B&B,
Kilcolman, Ventry, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Horse riding on mountain & beach.
€220pps OFFER
€80pps OFFER
€1,315pps OFFER
6-day all-in Connemara trail - €1,525pps (hotel);
€1,385pps (B&B). 6-day all-in Aille Cross trail €1,420pps (hotel); €1,315pps (B&B)
Valid August 8 to December 12, ’11
To Book: 091 843 968 www.AilleCross.com
Kerry
Weekend: 2 nights full board & 4 hours horse/
pony riding – €220 p/adult, €160 p/child, u5’s free
Valid August 3 to December 31, ’11
Kerry
1 B&B & 2 hour mountain & beach ride - €80pps
Valid August 3 to November 1, ’11
To Book: 087 225 0286 www.LongsRiding.com
To Book: 090 974 5246 www.Riding-Centre.com
Kilkenny
Leitrim
MINI TRAIL RIDE
HORSE RIDING BREAK
EQUESTRIAN BREAKS
Killarney Riding Stables,
Ballydowney, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Killarney Reeks, Ring of Kerry mini trail.
Mount Juliet Estate, 4* Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
1500 acre estate with on-site stables.
Moorlands Equestrian Centre & Ramada Hotel &
Suites Lough Allen, 4* Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
Lessons for all abilities, scenic treks & rides.
€495pps OFFER
Midweek: 2B&B+1D & 2 hours horse riding –
€294pps in Clubhouse room or €314pps in
Mount Juliet House
€199pps OFFER
Valid August 3 to October 31, ’11
Valid August 3 to December 30, ’11
To Book: 056 777 3010 www.MountJuliet.ie
To Book: 071 964 0100 www.LoughAllenHotel.com
3B&B & 2 lunches & 2 days riding & 2 hour trail
ride into Killarney National Park - €495pps
Arrival Saturday (other dates upon request)
Valid August 6 to December 1, ’11
To Book: 064 663 1686 www.KerryTrailRide.com
www.dublinhorseshow.com
€294pps OFFER
2B&B+1D & use of leisure centre & 2 hours riding
per day – €199pps. Own horses welcome (extra fee)
Limerick
Mayo
Mayo
YOUTH CAMPS
BEACH RIDING BREAK
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE
Clonshire Equestrian Centre,
Clonshire, Adare, Co. Limerick
Full board residential camp for ages 8-18.
Calvey’s Equestrian & Pony Trekking Centre &
Achill Lodge B&B, Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
2 nights in Achill Lodge B&B & trekking.
Go! trekking! Equestrian Centre & Westport Woods
Hotel, 3* Westport, Co. Mayo
Two nights with trekking & treatment.
€500pp OFFER
€300pps OFFER
€399pps OFFER
Valid August 6 to December 30, ’11
Valid August 19 to September 18, ’11
Valid August 3, ‘11 to June 1, ’12
To Book: 061 396 770 www.Clonshire.com
To Book: 087 988 1093 www.CalveysofAchill.com
To Book: 098 258 11 www.WestportWoodsHotel.com
6 nights full board residential riding holiday €500pp. Ages 8-18 only. Sun eve to Sat morn.
Meath
2B&B+2D & 2 lessons & 2 two-hr treks (incl beach trek)
- €300pps. Ideal for novice/intermediate riders
Monaghan
3B&B+2D & 2 hour Skelp trek, 2 hours beach
riding & seaweed bath - €399pps
Offaly
YOUNG RIDER BREAK
EQUESTRIAN STARTER PACK
SLIEVE BLOOM TREKKING
Broadmeadow Country House & Equestrian
Centre, 4* Bullstown, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
Horse riding & English language training.
The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, 4*
Glaslough, Co. Monaghan
For beginners or improvers. 1000 acre estate.
Birr Equestrian Centre & Ardmore Country House,
4* Fortal, Birr, Co. Offaly
Country house & magnificent mountain trekking.
€600pp OFFER
€832pps OFFER
€246pps OFFER
7 nights full board, 18 hours horse riding & 12
hours English/lectures - €600pp
Valid August 3 to September 30, ‘11
5B&B & 3 hours riding per day - €832pps
Valid August 3 to December 23, ‘11
2B&B+1D & 1 packed lunch & full day trekking the
Slieve Bloom Mountains - €246pps
To Book: 047 881 00 www.CastleLeslie.com
Valid August 4 to October 31, ‘11
To Book: 01 835 1633 www.Ireland-Horses.com
Sligo
To Book: 087 244 5545 www.BirrEquestrian.ie
Sligo
Tipperary
4 DAY TRAIL RIDE
ISLAND RIDING BREAK
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RIDE
Horse Holiday Farm & B&B,
Grange, Co. Sligo
4 day Donegal & Sligo trail ride with B&B.
Island View Riding Stables & Pier Head Hotel, 3*
Mullaghmore/Grange, Co. Sligo
Ride along the Atlantic to our private island.
Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre,
Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Farmhouse in unspoiled mountain countryside.
€545pps OFFER
€279pps OFFER
€125pps OFFER
Valid August 3 to October 15, ‘11
Valid August 3 to October 31, ‘11
To Book: 071 916 6152
www.Horse-Holiday-Farm.com
To Book: 071 916 6156
www.IslandViewRidingStables.com
Wicklow
Wicklow
CROSS COUNTRY SPECIAL
EQUESTRIAN HOLIDAY
Bel-Air Hotel & Equestrian Centre,
Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Cross country riding & jumping.
Brennanstown Riding School,
Hollybrook, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow
On-site self-catering mews & scenic rides.
€250pps OFFER
€200pps OFFER
Valid August 3 to November 30, ‘11
Valid August 3 to October 31, ‘11
To Book: 087 279 4392 www.BelAirHotelEquestrian.com
To Book: 01 286 3778 www.BrennanstownRS.ie
4B&B & 4 days riding - €545pps
Midweek: 2B&B & 4 hours cross country riding
for the experienced rider - €250pps
2B&B+1D & 8 hours horse riding - €279pps
2 nights self-catering & 4 hours riding - €200pps
midweek or €250pps weekend. Rates based on 4 sharing
Offers are subject to offer availability and may not be available at certain times, e.g. during special
events and public holidays. Always confirm offer with service provider when booking.
(or new rider session
1B&B & 1 lunch & 1 day long ride for novices)
in morning & Black Hill Trek in evening - €125pps
Valid August 6 to October 31, ‘11
To Book: 087 410 6868 www.Timotrec.com
FOR GREAT
EQUESTRIAN
HOLIDAY
OPTIONS
VISIT
www.discoverireland.ie/
equestrian
www.dublinhorseshow.com
4
Jump to it
Pack the binoculars
So you’re convinced there’s showjumping in your blood
after watching the Nations Cup? Whether you feel your
first run around the fences is long overdue, or you think
your child has the potential to be a future competitor in
the Main Arena, showjumping is an opportunity to try
something genuinely different and exhilarating while on
holidays.
Equestrian Holidays Ireland (www.ehi.ie) and the
Association of Irish Riding Establishments (www.aire.ie)
websites provide details of accredited riding schools and
equestrian centres across Ireland and the range of services
they provide.
There’s no guarantee you won’t knock a few fences or
incur a few time faults – but you’re certain to come away
feeling rewarded and ready for more!
Many equestrian centres also run dedicated pony camps,
where teenagers can experience the excitement of riding
and also share in the responsibility of caring for animals
over a number of weeks.
Once you get a taste of it, the thrill of horse-racing is
irresistible! There are 26 official racecourses in Ireland and
you will feel the inherent excitement of the sport of kings
at any of them. Horse Racing Ireland’s excellent website,
www.goracing.ie will give you not only details of where
the next race meeting and festivals will be held, but also
a jargon-busting beginners’ guide and advice on how
betting on horses works.
And if your initial experiences at the races have caught
your fancy, try a Thoroughbred Trails weekend break.
In a unique weekend programme, you’ll not only get to
experience the thrills of racing action at two of Ireland’s
top racing venues, the Curragh and Punchestown, but
privileged behind-the-scenes insight into how it all comes
together.
With the assistance of an expert tour guide, you’ll
learn more about the world of horse racing and get the
opportunity to experience it first hand, with visits to the
yards of some of the world’s most successful trainers,
including Tom Taaffe, John Oxx and Dermot Weld. At the
yards, you’ll get to see horses go through their last-minute
preparations for their big day at the races. Later, at the
races, some of Ireland’s best regarded pundits will be on
hand to guide you as you place your bets.
This is an all-inclusive holiday weekend, including
two nights’ hotel accommodation, one night’s dinner,
transportation to the trainer’s yard and races, admission
and lunch.
On the road again
There can be no better way to get in touch with the Irish
countryside than with a horse-drawn caravan holiday and,
whether you’ve camped out before or plush hotels are
more your thing, travelling in a traditional covered wagon
is a refreshing experience.
You’ll find ample opportunities to stop off at farms, country
houses or pubs along your route, to soak up the beauty of
nature and to enjoy activities such as cycling, fishing and
golfing. These holidays require an interest in horses, but
little previous experience. You’ll find all the information
you need at www.irishhorsedrawncaravans.com.
www.dublinhorseshow.com
To find out more about this unique equestrian weekend
log on to www.discoverireland.ie/dublinsdoorstep, call
01 4972003 or email trail@aspectsofireland.com