Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1 Saturday: Day of arrival and check-in for all riders (there are good bus connections from Shannon/Limmerick) . There are no formal plans and no riding on this day as riders will be checking in at different times throughout the day (check-in before 6pm, if later you must advise us in advance). All clients will also check-in at the stables to meet with one of the O’Sullivan Family and discuss experience level and general trail ride information. You will then be taken to your overnight accommodation in the Killarney area. We try to keep all riders at the same location each night so if you don’t bump into any of the others on Saturday evening, you will easily identify the people in riding clothes at breakfast on Sunday morning.

Day 2 Sunday: With riders, horses and all luggage ready for transfer, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, where the first days ride starts. When horses and riders have been introduced, the ride heads off and up over the Windy Gap, viewing the splendor of Caragh Lake and the valley beyond. The ride then continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain, followed by a scenic ride over some Irish Bogland and finishing for the day at our stable in Mountain Stage.
The overnight stops for Sunday and Monday nights are by the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). Surrounded almost entirely by mountains, Glenbeigh offers a famous friendliness and humor. The beauty of the area is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. History is evident throughout the locality and such a destination as Winn’s Folly Castle is well worth a visit.

Day 3 Monday: After breakfast riders are collected and returned to their horses.  The day is spent on Rossbeigh beach, galloping along stretches of golden sand.  Pass by a tower built more than a century ago, which is a guide mark for ships entering Castlemaine Harbour.  The panorama of Dingle and the Iveragh Penninsulas to the North and South.  Lunch  on the beach.  Afterward some more galloping, returning from the beach via the Cliff Road.

Day 4  Tuesday:  Breakfast. A morning ride takes horse and rider from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, taking in some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surroundings.  Lunch is served alongside a nearby forestry.  After lunch continue on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley.  Finishing for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods.
The overnight stop for Tuesday and Wednesday is spent by the coastal village of Waterville. Waterville (the little whirlpool), nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and Atlantic Ocean, in the very centre of south-west Kerry.  Situated as it is between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, the area has many interesting routes to offer and many fine beaches.  The first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near Waterville.  These beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the archaeological remains such as those found on Church Island, at Derrynane Abbey or Skellig Micheal, giving the area a wealth of history.

Day 5  Wednesday:  An adventurous morning is spent in the Tulligane Woods.  Lunch alongside the Inny River.  Afterwards, a scenic ride into Waterville via the Old Glencar/Waterville road, along the shores of the famous fishing lake, Lough Currane.

Day 6  Thursday:  The day begins with a brisk ride to Waterville Beach, spending the morning enjoying some exciting gallops.  The panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay concludes the afternoon ride in Waterville.  Afterwards, both horses and riders are transferred back to Killarney.

Day 7 Friday:  Breakfast & Departure.
If you need to arrange transfers etc or need bus or trail times its best do all this on check-in on the previous Saturday.

**Subject to changes

Ireland, is famed for its luscious green terrain split up by rocky mountains and rolling hills. The saying goes in Ireland that you can tell the difference between summer and winter by measuring the temperature of the rain - so by this you can gauge that rain is a dominant feature and there isn’t a lot of temperature variation across the country.

The weather is mild but changeable and rain can be expected at any time of the year. Parts of the country are oceanic, and as you move further away from the coast the conditions become slightly more temperature- however the prevailing factor across the whole country is that few temperature extremes are experienced.

Ireland is affected by the North Atlantic Drift, so this has a moderating affect on the climate and keeps winter in Ireland warmer than places of similar latitudes. Its northerly location, however, means that summers never get particular hot either. The climate is generally fairly typical of an insular climate and is moderated by the moist winds that blow across the island, these winds prevail from the south west, off the Atlantic, and can reach particular high speeds at times of the year.

On the whole the west coast is much wetter than the east coast, so this should dispel common belief that Dublin is the wettest city in Ireland. Lying on the east coast, Dublin sees almost half as much rainfall as parts of the west coast.

Inland Ireland gets warmer in the summer months than the coastal region, though on the flipside it also gets much colder in the winter. These temperature differences are not that great, with central Ireland only being a few degrees cooler than the coast. In the centre of the country across the year will record about 40 days below freezing, however on the coast the mercury will only fall below 0 degrees on average 10 days per year.

The country is made up of a ring of coastal mountains, with low lying central plains in the centre. Due to Ireland's mild climate and significant rainfall this has lead to luscious green terrain and plentiful vegetation which makes for very scenic and pleasant landscapes, which has lead to the island being called the ‘Emerald Isle.’ Home to rolling hills, mountainous rocky areas and dramatic green vistas, Ireland is a picturesque place to visit any time of the year.

Riders must wear hard hats (can be provided if requested in advance, please let Hidden Trails know).

In Ireland riding helmets are mandatory! The riding center has several models to choose from, but you might be better off to bring your own that fits.
For the Ring of Kerry Ride, current European standards apply!

A client's helmet will need to meet one of these standards:

*EN 1384:1996
*PAS 015:1998
*SNELL E2001
*ASTM F1163
*BSEN 14572
*BSEN 1384:1997

Regular comfortable riding wear (jodphurs, boots, helmet). 
Either tall riding boots / or short paddock boots with half or full chaps (footwear must be with heel).
Jeans are not suitable or recommended - unless you typically ride with jeans & chaps at home.
Light sweaters for summer, heavy sweaters for spring or autumn.
Riding crop & gloves.
Good quality waterproof raincoat and waterproof rain pants.
**No ponchos, plastic or cycling capes allowed.  Clients will not be permitted to wear these for riding!**
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These items are NOT available at the riding center. Helmet upon advance request!

Otherwise comfortable clothing - there is no dress code. Dress in layers as the weather varies. Waterproof clothing is recommended.

 Saddle Bags:

Saddle bags are provided but typically only suited to carrying the following items due to space:
-Raincoat and Rainproof over pants, a water-bottle, extra sweater, your camera, small bag with personal items

You will be staying in prearranged accommodation in top class hotels/guesthouses and B&B's along the trail. Based on sharing a two twin room or double room. 
Breakfast and lunches are included in the package price.

Breakfast is at the accommodations; full Irish or continental style breakfast.

Lunch; Picnic style out on the trail (bread, fruit, meat, cheese etc.) tea/coffee/water.

Dinner is not included; For dinner the group meets in quality local restaurants and orders a la carte. *Dinners are usually 12 - 15 Euros in price.

Saturday and Thursday nights are in Killarney. Renowned for its beauty, famed for the splendor of its scenery, Killarney is one of the world's best loved tourist spots. Situated in the south-western corner of Ireland, with its three famous lakes reflecting the ever changing skies above the great mountain ranges, Killarney has been the inspiration of poets and painters for many centuries, and now it is also a thriving commercial and tourist centre. For those interested in history and archaeology there are many outstanding items of interest to be seen

Sunday and Monday nights are spent in the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). The village is almost entirely by mountains, and the area offers a famous friendliness and humour which is nowhere better found than in this tranquil and charming region of Kerry. The scenery is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. The area is full of history and such a destination as Winns Folly Castle is well worth a visit

Tuesday and Wednesday nights are spent in the small coastal village of Waterville (meaning the little whirlpool). The village, nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean,right in the heart of south-west Kerry. Its location between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, gives the area many interesting scenic points and fine beaches. By all accounts, the first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near the village. The beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the Archaeological remains on Church Island, Derrynane Abbey and Skellig Michael tp name but a few, thus giving the area a wealth of history

Tack:		English trail saddles
Horses:		Irish Sports Horses
Pace:		Moderate to intermediate with trots, canters and gallops | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Prepare:

We require that all riders participating on the Ring of Kerry Ride are able to walk, trot and canter competently in an English saddle. We advise western riders to take some English Style lessons before participating on this trip in order to familiarize themselves with English tack and style of riding.

Safety For Riders:

-Please listen to our guides instructions and respect them
-Please ask feel free to ask for clarification if you do not understand any instruction from your guide
-Trail riding involves long and hard hours on both horses and riders., so it is up to the guide to dictate the pace and at no time is anyone allowed to by-pass the leader or set the pace. Any person behaving in a manner deemed likely to cause an accident or disregarding the instructions of the guide(s) will be removed from the ride unfortunately, please take heed!
-Do not hold your horse back so you can trot/canter or gallop to catch up to the rest of the group

The Horses:

The reliable and friendly horses are a mix of Irish breeds and there is an equine partner suitable for everyone!

Tack:

All horses have English saddles and bridles. The saddles we predominantly use are the ‘Swiss Ranger’ saddle, made by Peter August Spirig (Switzerland). These saddles are designed for comfort for the long distance rider and their horse. So extra gel pads etc. are not necessary, but if riders wish to bring them, they are more than welcome to!

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