Transfer and Other Options:

The Donegal Trails are self-guided trail rides.
You can ride the Donegal Trail with a minimum of two riders. 
You can chose from the Donegal South and Donegal West itineraries. 
You can also combine the two trails to a two-week excursion.

Donegal South
The arrival days are: Thursday, Friday or Saturday

- see Route Map

Donegal West
The arrival days are: Thursday or  Saturday

- see Route Map

General:
In order to participate, riders must be fit and able to trot, canter and gallop at ease. You must also be capable of taking good care of your horse: feed , groom and tack up.
On these programs children must be over 12 years of age and good riders and also must be capable of spending long hours in the saddle.

For your comfort you will need to bring the following items:
Riding hat, riding boots, breeches, gloves, a warm sweater and good quality raincoat, (preferably waxed),
Ponchos are not suitable rain wear for riders which we sincerely hope you will not need, but better to be prepared.

RIDERS MUST WEAR A PROPERLY SECURED HARD HAT WHEN MOUNTED. The riding center has several models to choose from, but you might be better off to bring your own that fits.

The saddlebags are waterproof, however bring some plastic bags to put clothes etc. in- just in case!
2 x Large Saddlebags    30 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm  (at back of saddle)
2 x Small Saddlebags    20 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm   (at front of saddle)
All your belongings for the week will have to fit into these bags - there is no luggage transfer available, unless you want to arrange it by taxi.

A cell phone is very helpful during this ride. If you are coming from North America, make sure your service provider has the international roaming option in "TriBand" frequency. Otherwise, just buy an inexpensive phone on arrival. The pay as you go options are very inexpensive even with purchasing a phone.

All the equipment for your horse will be provided by the riding center.

You will overnight at the riding cetner and at different guesthouses along the way. The guesthouses are small private inns with limited facilities due to the remoteness of their location. Single rooms cannot be booked in advance - if available, there is no extra charge at the different inns.

A substantial Irish Breakfast is provided each day. Some of the innkeepers will also prepare lunches and/or dinner upon request – call ahead to inquire and reserve when you are on the ride.

Lunches and dinners are not included. At lunch time you could call to one of the local pubs and in the evening you can try of one of the local restaurants for a good dinner, which would include shell-fish, fresh salmon and lobster as well as lamb, beef, pork and chicken. Your B&B hosts can also make a pack lunch for you on request.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Irish hunter, Irish Cob, Connemara
Pace:		At your own pace, riders should be able to mount, dismount, trot, canter and gallop with ease and confidence. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop | Jumps |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate +
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 200
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 riders

The riding is suitable for riders with good intermediate riding level and handling horses. We require at least 2 riders per group. Riding in Ireland is often on paved roadways- bring a 'seat saver' or sheepskin pad for you saddle for added comfort.

You must also be capable of taking good care of your horse: feed , groom and tack up. We provide you with strong and experienced horses, which are used to carry you safely through all kinds of open country. Our Irish Hunters are known for easy handling and safe riding - and they love a lively gallop on the beach. Our horses graze on green pastures and are friendly and reliable towards their riders. At the moment we have almost one hundred horses in our stables. You will find that "your" horse becomes your friend during your week.

Our equipment such as bridles, saddles, blankets and cleaning tools are practical and well looked after. Our saddles are general purpose saddles made especially to suit the business – they are extremely comfortable and built on the old military style tree by a firm in France and also now in Ireland by O’Callaghan Saddlery. The same goes for saddlebags to carry your clothing from station to station and maps with trail descriptions and marked trails.

There is a luggage room at the farm for you to leave your excess clothing, luggage etc.

You are issued with waterproof saddlebags for the trail, two large ones to the rear of the horse (30 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm ) and two smaller ones for the front of the horse (20 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm ). The saddlebags will take up to approx. 15 kilos.

Safety: You will never be too far away from a phone (local villages etc. along the trail). You may also bring your own mobile phone. Please call the Farm should you require any assisance. (Your cell phone provider will be able to tell you if your phone will work in Ireland).

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements