Accomodation

We will overnight in the tastefully restored 300 year-old farmhouse - the heart of the riding center. The ambiance of old times gone by is carefully maintained and yet all modern facilities for the riding guests are provided. You can relax peacefully in your individually decorated en-suite rooms. In the comfortable dining room the guests enjoy the hearty Irish Breakfast and traditional farmhouse cooking, sitting by the open turf fire. It's said that this special place, called "The Mountain", is an inspiration to all who stand on its threshold and recapture the simplicity and peace of this idyllic setting.

There is WIFI access at the riding center and farmhouse.

Ireland is rightly proud of their fine and trusty horses! The Irish horse is renowned for its stamina, versatility and gentleness and will therefore provide an ideal companion for an unforgettable vacation. You will make friends here with proud examples of several typical Irish breeds such as the tall but gentle Irish draught, the lively and clever Connemara, the fine and energetic Irish hunter, the beautifully colored Irish piebald and the intelligent and comfortable Irish cob.

Day 1 - Saturday - Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer (if booked) to our riding centre. Transfer from Shannon to Whitegate approx. two hours.
You will be staying here for 5 nights. On the arrival day you can just relax and recover from your journey, or take a stroll on the well mapped nearby East Clare Walking Trail. In the evening, you will get to know all your fellow riders for this week. You will have dinner in the tastefully restored 300 year old farmhouse in the An Sibin Riding Centre by candlelight and open turf fire.

Day 2 - Sunday – After breakfast we will go out to the horses and every rider can then get used to his own horse for the next days by brushing and tacking it itself - don’t worry there are always lots of helping hands around you! Our first ride (2 and ½ hours) brings us up into the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with fascinating views over the majestic River Shannon. After lunch you will be driven to nearby Mountshannon harbour, from where you will visit Holy Island by boat. Pilgrims travelled to this island until the mid-19th century. You will see the ruins of five churches, early monastic cells, a pre-12th century cemetery and an 80 foot round tower. Back to the riding centre for a delicious dinner.

Day 3 – Monday – Today is a full day ride. The 2 hour morning ride brings us through typical rural farmland to the former landlords residence of Williamstad house. You will have lunch here and time to visit the lovingly restored 18th century property with its beautiful garden. The 2 hour afternoon ride brings us back into the Slieve Aughty Mountains. After dinner you can join us to enjoy the
locals and the Guinness on a visit to an Irish village pub.

Day 4 – Tuesday - This morning’s ride (2 and ½ hours) will take you on forest tracks and small country lanes across beautiful Irish countryside. In the afternoon you will get to visit the impressive Portumna Castle of the 17th century. You will also have time for shopping in the town. Relax by the peat fire
and a traditional home cooked dinner.

Day 5 - Wednesday - On your last ride (2 and ½ hours) you will enjoy the beauty of the magical landscape of bog and heather. This afternoon’s visit will bring you to Pallas castle, one of the best preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the 14th century. Final dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.

Day 6 – Thursday - After breakfast it is time to say “slan abhaile” and to get ready for the transfer (if booked) back to Shannon.

**The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control without prior notice, however do our very best to avoid this.

Ballinasloe

Day 1 -Saturday- Transfer (if booked) from Shannon airport to the An Sibin Riding Centre in County Clare. Lunch snack in the riding centre. Followed by a boat ride to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Ireland's most important monastic settlements. Then you will enjoy a traditional home cooked dinner by the open peat fire

Day 2 -Sunday- You will start the day off with a full Irish breakfast. 2 hour ride through the beautiful Irish countryside. Then back to the riding centre for tasty lunch. 1 hour ride on ancient Celtic trails. A candle light dinner, then come along and enjoy the locals on a visit to a village pub

Day 3 -Monday- After breakfast drive to the famous horse fair in Ballinasloe. Spend all day between hundreds of horses – just looking…drive back to An Sibin in the late afternoon for dinner

Day 4 -Tuesday- following a full Irish breakfast you will ride 2 hours through rural farmland. lunch snack in Williamstad house, visit the landlords house and beautiful garden 2 hour ride on quiet country lanes. dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre

Day 5 -Wednesday- full Irish breakfast. 2 hour ride across the magical landscape of peat and heather. After the lunch snack in the riding centre visit to the impressive Portumna Castle the seat of the Earl of Clanricarde in the 17th century. Time for shopping in Portumna town. Drive back to An Sibin for dinner

Day 6 -Thursday- Starting off with a full Irish breakfast. Then time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mount. Transfer (if booked) back to Shannon airport / rent a car.

**The itinerary might change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control…

Other Info
Meeting: Whitegate
Airport: Shannon
Transfer: Shannon

In the West of Ireland there is a unique combination of sand-and limestone soils, bog lands, lakes and woodlands. An immense variety of flowers, shrubs and trees burst into bloom every year. The influence of the Gulf Stream with its warm, moist and "soft" air stream and the very small winter/summer temperature differential enhances the growth of many commonly known plants, as well as several rare kinds of flora. No wonder the local farmers praise every day as it comes "grand soft day today, thank the Lord!"

The diverse landscape offers great shelter and plenty of food supply for a large variety of animals. The common deer, fox, hare and pheasant can often be spotted from the horse. More difficult to find are the badger and the pine martin. Ireland's large bird population is evident where ever you go. And if you are lucky you could even see some, like the grouse, which are getting dangerously close to extinction.

The abundance of lakes and rivers in Ireland attract course and game anglers alike. Often you can spot the pike lying in the shallow waters, taking in the heat of the summer sun. In the clear waters the lively Salmon and Trout challenge every anglers skill.

The peat or bog land is one of Ireland’s great natural assets, not only as an energy source, but as some of its last wild areas. It can be difficult and dangerous to access. But as long as you stay on the old bog roads,you will be alright. In some places you could even spot the Celtic toughers still crossing the bogs.

The dominant influence on Ireland's climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude.

Average annual temperature is about 9 °C. In the middle and eastern side of the country temperatures tend to be somewhat more extreme than in other parts of the country. For example, summer average daily maximum is about 19 °C and winter average daily minimum is about 2.5 °C in these areas.

Mean annual wind-speed varies between about 4 m/sec in the east midlands and 7 m/sec in the northwest. Strong winds tend to be more frequent in winter than in summer. Sunshine duration is highest in the southeast of the country. Average rainfall varies between about 800 and 2,800mm.

With southwesterly winds from the Atlantic dominating, rainfall figures are highest in the northwest, west and southwest of the country, especially over the higher ground. Rainfall accumulation tends to be highest in winter and lowest in early summer.

A relatively warm waterproof coat or jacket and warm sweater should also be included, as the Irish weather can be unpredictable!

We can provide hard hats for you, although you can also choose to bring your own. Your own is best to guarantee comfort.

Saddle bags are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. You may even bring your own saddle if you prefer.

Please keep in mind that credit card and traveler cheque acceptance is very, very low in the rural West of Ireland!! On our trail ride there is only one day where an ATM machine is available!! Please get EURO cash at the airport upon arrival or bring some EURO with you from home (your bank branch can usually order Euros in for you and you will also get a better rate of exchange than at the airport). Most bank debit cards will work in Irish ATM's.

Monastic Ruins Getaway

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