Ireland's Connemara Oceanside Trail
2008 Itinerary
DAY 1 Transfer from Shannon Airport to Cleggan where first you will meet the horses and afterwards check in to your accommodation. Dinner that evening will be in a local pub where you may even have the chance to enjoy some Irish music.
DAY 2 Today you will ride around the northeast headland of Cleggan Bay passing through the scenic town lands of Cloon, Sheeauns and Ballinakill. Each is rich with historical interests and breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding islands. You will ride to the Bundouglas Cliffs, one of Connemaras’ most scenic and beautiful spots where you may stop for a picnic lunch (weather permitting). Afterwards you will venture home through Ballynew and finish you day with a nice canter on Cleggan Beach (tide permitting).
DAY 3 Surf’s Up! Enjoy one of Ireland’s greatest treasures – fun and exciting canters through the surf on three of Cleggan’s beaches. You and your horse will begin by riding on coastal paths with soft breezes and the fresh salt air of the ocean. As you wander down the paths to the beach, both you and your horse will be looking forward to the chance to ride with the water and the wind on the vast open stretches of soft sandy beach that await you.
DAY 4 Today you will ride on the coast road to Clifden, often called the capital of Connemara. Your route will be the coast road through Claddaghduff and then you will take the famous Sky Road which features stunning ocean views and passes desolate scenery and the narrow inlet of Clifden Bay. Trotting and cantering you will pass former smuggling coves and enjoy this leisurely and scenic day.
DAY 5 Riding on the coast road to Ballyconneely, you and your horse will enjoy the exhilaration of the air and understand why the coast road is called the “brandy and soda” road. You will pass through the villages of Cashel and Roundstone. Cashel became famous overnight when General de Gaulle spent his holiday there and everything seems to be bathed in the most superb colors and hues of blues, greens and yellows. Your ride finishes today in Clifden.
DAY 6 This morning you will follow on from Cleggan and ride the southwest headland of Cleggan Bay. You will cross over the moor lands and bogs of Moorneen hill and go down to Selerna, a pretty beach where you can ride through the surf and enjoy the beautiful view of the island, Inisboffin. You will carry on to Rossadillisk Beach and spend some time there before stopping in Claddaghduff at a seaside pub for lunch. Your ride home will return via Aughris Beg, the most westerly point on Galway’s mainland, where you will experience Connemara’s wild rugged beauty.
DAY 7 Considered by many to be the jewel in Connemara’s crown and an experience not to be missed, Omey Island is a tidal island southwest of Cleggan Village. At low tide you will cross the biggest beach in Connemara to explore the island of Omey. This small island is steeped in history and archeological gems. Visit the sunken church and the holy well where your guide will fill you in on all the historical details and legends of the area. After leaving the island you will stop at the pub for lunch and if you like, enjoy a pint before returning home.
DAY 8 Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Flights should be scheduled for the afternoon.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the riding includes riding on beaches so the treks are timed depending on the tide so you may be riding at different times to suit the tide.
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