Ireland’s Castle and Monastic Ride
2008 Itinerary
On this horseback riding vacation, you'll follow the ancient Celtic trails in and around the Slieve Aughty Mountains in Ireland's heartland. This trail ride is in one of the most scenic parts of Ireland, County Galway. Along the trail you will see the famous rolling hills, stone walls and charming villages that make Ireland a favorite destination.
You will also enjoy the Irish pubs, restaurants, traditional entertainment and most of all, the friendly people. There is nothing quite so rewarding to a weary rider as a hot bath, a meal, a pint of stout and a friendly conversation after a long day. This riding tour also passes ancient ring forts, castles, tombs and beautiful lochs. You will ride through forests, meadows, villages and mountain passes. Riders should be prepared for two to four hours of riding per day on sturdy Irish Hunter type horses and Irish Cobs. These noble animals are considered by many to be the best sport horses in the world.
Day 1: Arrive and transfer from Shannon airport to the riding centre in County Clare. After a light lunch of traditional Irish fare you will be introduced to your horse and have the chance to spend some leisure time around the farm or in your room. Tonight, you will enjoy a traditional home cooked diner by an open peat fire with a review of the sights and exciting trails that await you.
Day 2: After a traditional Irish breakfast you and your horse will ride out through the beautiful and rolling Irish countryside. Riding through dense wooded forests, you will find yourself cantering through green fields dotted with sheep while the crisp air invigorates you and the smell of peat mingles with the fresh grass. After lunch back at the riding centre you will be taken to visit the impressive Portumna Castle which was the seat of the Earl of Clanricarde in the 17th century and was at one point burnt to the ground by the local Irish in rebellion to British rule.
Day 3: Today you and your horse will continue to enjoy the spectacular Irish countryside with a brisk ride through the local farmland and country lanes which offer amply opportunity for long trots and canters. A warm and tasteful lunch awaits you at the Williamstad house, a manor home that hosts a wonderful garden, perfect for a stroll after your meal. Mount up and return to the riding centre to relax until dinner.
Day 4: Riding out through the Slieve Aughty Mountains with the scenic views of the Shannon River, you will wind through the peaceful forest area and find many nice places for a good photograph or two. After lunch, you take a short boat ride to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements and learn about the enchanting reason this is called Holy Island.
Day 5: The ride this morning takes you to through a part of Ireland that makes it popular in coffee table books and in novels. You will ride through and across the magical landscape of bog and heather. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Pallas Castle for a visit to one of the best preserved tower-houses and castle grounds of the 14th century where you will have ample opportunity to learn about the history of this structure and how the Irish clans survived and ruled for centuries.
Day 6: After your last home cooked Irish breakfast it will be time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts and transfer back to Shannon airport.
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