Transfer Option:

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, Saturday or Sunday

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive, receive saddlebags, maps and have a trial ride along the laneways to Trawalud Strand and Dunes and return to the farm.

DAY 2 - COUNTRY MANSION
After breakfast, receive instructions on tacking up and guidelines for the next 6 days. Then you and your horse will be transported to Belleek to commence your first day's trail. This day takes you along the shores of Assaroe Lake and then through the forests of the Knader Wood to Cavangarden House, a beautiful country mansion set in its own 1,000 acres.
Riding time 4-5 hours. You will be by-passing Ballyshannon - the oldest town in Ireland, created in 1613. Why not pay a visit in the evening and have a drink at Dorrian's Thatched Pub.

DAY 3 - ROSSNOWLAGH
From Cavangarden Hause you will ride through the farm to a quiet country road, which brings you to the famous surfing beach of Rossnowlagh, miles of beach and dunes stretch ahead of you. Rossnowlagh is the home of a beautiful Franciscan Friary which has a small museum housing stone age flints and old lrish musical instruments. Take a break at the Smugglers Creek. Leaving at Murvagh to follow a small country road to a modern guesthouse. Approx. 4 hours riding.

DAY 4 - PEACE, TRANQUILITY AND RELAXATION
Return to Murvagh -you will have the Golf Club in sight as weIl as a magnificent view to Slieve League and the Bluestack Mountains. Across the bay you will see many islands, lnishpat and Rooney's Island are directly in front of you, keep to the shoreline, and leave the sea at St. Ernan's Island. Follow a small country lane rising all the time in the direction of Oughternid. Enjoy the magnificent views, Barnesmore on your left and spreads of blanket bog formed up to 7,000 years ago on your right. Arriving after approx. 5-6 hours at Moorlands Guesthouse. Rosie and Walter also have a Health Centre, a massage from Rosie could do wonders for those aching muscles.

DAY 5 - VISIT HISTORIC DONEGAL TOWN
A rest day can be arranged should you wish to visit the historic Donegal Town with its castle dating back to the l5th century and the ruins of Donegal Abbey built in 1474. There are also great shopping opportunities. You can also take a leisurely ride on the forest trails.

DAY 6 - THE PILGRIMS WAY
Departing the Moorlands, follow forest tracks to the shores of Lough Derg, Ireland's most famous Pilgrimage site,
St. Patrick's Purgatory on Saint's Island - thousands of people travel here every summer for three days of prayer, penance and fasting. Overnight at a farmhouse near Pettigo. Approx. 4-5 hours riding.

DAY 7 - ARDMOURNE GUESTHOUSE AND STABLES
Leaving Pettigo follow a small track which brings you back to the shores of Lough Derg, this time on the north east shore. On leaving Lough Derg you follow a series of small forest tracks, riding along the Mullafa Mountain and Meenbog Hill, enjoying the peace and the comfort of wildlife to a warm welcome from Helena and Joe at Ardmoure Guesthouse.

DAY 8 - FAREWELL TO "FRIENDS"
After breakfast say goodbye to your equine friends of the past week. 

- see Route Map

Donegal West 
The arrival days are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday

DAY 1 - ARRIVE - Receive saddlebags, maps and have a trial ride along the laneways to Trawalud Strand and dunes and return to the farm.

DAY 2 - LETTERHILLUE - Bogland and hand-knitted sweaters
Around lunchtime we Set off. In the morning you have a lot to do to prepare for the adventures ahead of you. Your horse has to be taken care of, fed and groomed. Saddlebags have to be packed properly. Don‘t be afraid —everything you really need on your trail fits into your saddlebags. Many riders who came before you can vouch for that.
We will transport you and your horse from the farm into County Donegal. After about an hour, we drop you at the starting point of the first day of your tail. Follow the yellow arrows and check the route on your map from time to time. Depending an how fast you tide you will arrive at Mrs. Logue‘s after about four to five hours after a lovely trek across bogland and through forests. An excellent dinner awaits you. Mrs. Logue owns a modern farmhouse and you and your horse will be able to enjoy the best facilities and if you talk to Mrs. Logue about Irish sweaters there might be a bit of a fashion show after dinner!

DAY 3 - GLENTIES - Secluded mountains, Glen Tavern and an impressive waterfall -
You will start the day with an opulent breakfast of cereals, cornflakes, bacon and egg, which gives you the strength for a days riding, long and full of excitement. The trail goes through the Blue Stack Mountains — secluded, majestic, wild and romantic. You will enjoy picturesque views and impressive scenery. The only living souls you meet along the way are the sheep and birds. Enjoy the tranquility and the wind, which accompanies you on your way.
Care for same adventure? High up in the mountains it needs a bit of courage to follow the signposted trail which crosses boggy terrain. Don‘t worry though, the horses are familiar with the area and will carry you safely across.
Hungry? Thirsty? After a few adventurous hours everybody welcomes a rest. Riding down the mountain you will pass an impressive waterfall and arrive at the welcoming Glen Tavern. Allow the horses to relax for a short while and enjoy a pint of Guinness or a pot of tea yourself. It will do all of you good.

DAY 4 - GWEENARRA - Romantic River Trail to Gweebarra Bay.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast. The Bonners know exactly what kind of a day you will have and a good breakfast will help you to manage those hours in the saddle. They will be glad to discuss the route with you before you leave and then a long and exciting trail lies ahead of you.
At the beginning you follow an old railway line which is not used anymore, then you ride an the road and finally you reach a mysterious river and forest area heading to the Gweebarra River Estuary, ride along the river to reach the open sea, the beautiful white sands of Gweebarra Bay lie ahead. This tour offers a -wide variety of scenery, new perspectives and exciting views, a wonderful isolated area with such peace you cannot imagine. Did you ever see such a beautiful beach? We are sure you will not be able to resist galloping on the empty sandy beaches. Enjoyment and excitement is the order of the day. Overnight near Clooney.

DAY 5 - CLOONEY -
Today you will have the chance to decide what you like best to do: riding in the mountains, through forests or on the beach. We promise you will encounter the most beautiful beaches on the other side of the peninsula beyond the Gweebarra river, white sand as far as your eyes can see. Haw about a gallop?
Overnight again near Clooney.

DAY 6 - GLENTIES - White beaches and quiet bogland -
Say goodbye to the sea? That‘s hard. Maybe you should change your timing slightly and take two or three hours for another ride along the sea or through the lovely mud flats when the tide is out!
Then it‘s back to the Bonners residence which you will reach after riding through picturesque mountains. You have time to stop en route, pause for a moment above Lough Laragh and take a look back to Gweebarra Bay and enjoy the lovely view which is breathtaking — mountains, rivers, bogland and the glittering sea in the distance. You will still remember it when you continue on your quiet trail.

DAY 7 - TO INVER - Weary bones and a long trail through the heather - Slept well? Had a nice breakfast?
Today it is especially important to be in top form since this is the day with the longest trail of the entire week, but aches and pains are long forgotten anyway and after a full Irish breakfast you are wide awake and ready to prove that you are well able to manage any adventurous trail. Bogland as far as you can see —dark muddy water and green grass. The scenery looks totally different again. Make the most of your last day, which ends at Terry and June Coyle‘s Cloverhill House, again on the beach, at Inver.

DAY 8 - FAREWELL - Farewell to equine friends -
Unfortunately, the week has come to end quickly. Time to remember all the lovely days and different experiences. Before lunch we collect you from Terry‘s and drive you and your horse back to the farm. Hopefully, you still have enough time to say goodbye to your equine friend. You will probably shed a tear or two when you watch your horse grazing for the last time. And we are pretty sure that you will quietly tell him that you’ll be back soon…

- 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 rainwear 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 centre 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.

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).

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