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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Ireland
Intro to Ireland
Connemara/Galway Donegal Kerry Monaghan Offaly Sligo
Scotland
England
Wales
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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Atlantic to Markree Castle Ride
Sligo
Ireland
This ride explores the unspoiled Irish coastline, with its sandy beaches, deserted islands, mountains and forests of this most beautiful area of Western Ireland. Nestled between Knocknarea mountain and Union forest, on the Atlantic coast of Ireland, sits Carrowmore, site of one of the oldest collections of Megalithic tombs and burial chambers, some dating to 3500 B.C. This area is said to be the first site settled by man in Ireland. This special corner of Ireland is not only home to prehistoric tombs but also to Irelands' foremost equestrian centre with excellent quality facilities, professional guiding and safe and well trained riding horses. From the endless Atlantic beaches for galloping to the green mountains and pine forests for gentle hacking, this truly is a horseman's paradise. The rides each day vary and are a mixture of all the gaits (walk, trot, canter with some lovely gallops), so you need to have a good seat and be able to control a horse in a the wide open spaces. While some riding days are far more relaxing, some days will be quite strenuous, so you should probably ride a few times before coming out on this adventure to be prepared as this will allow you maximum enjoyment and comfort. Overnights are at a four-star hotel in Sligo for most of the week, but we have included a special night & dinner at the Markree Castle for you. The Markree Castle is one of Ireland’s major architectural masterpieces. It is surrounded by hundreds of acres of beautiful woodland. We purposely do not include dinner meals as part of the trip, because we want you to have the freedom each evening to explore the many restaurants in Sligo during the week and enjoy the social night atmosphere that Ireland is so well known for. Friday is a sightseeing day and we will take you to visit all the places of interest and historical significance of this ancient region of Ireland, including a visit to Parkes Castle (a 14th century castle restored by the Irish government) and Yeat's Grave in Drumcliff. For those who wish to, we can also organize a trip to the famous Celtic Seaweed baths (extra).
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Sligo Airport
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Airport:
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Sligo, Dublin
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Transfer:
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Sligo Train Station or Airport- included or take taxi on your own
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
15 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations - 6 nights at the 4-star Glasshouse Hotel and 1 night at Markree Castle, all breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner at the castle, 5 riding days, 1 day of organized sightseeing. All transfers between lodgings and riding center.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and 1 n Castle with dinner | 8d / 7n | €1195 | $1555 |
| Single supplement | €95 | $125 |
| No Single Supplement on selected dates | €0 | $0 |
| Non Rider Discount (share) | (€325) | ($415) |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Sligo is included (airport or train station)
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€
0
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$0
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2013
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Transfer from Dublin Airport, pick up 12 noon or 6 pm, round trip, per person
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€
120
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$160
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There are excellent flight connections from Dublin to Sligo on Aer Arrean - there are also train and bus connections. Pick up is available from the Sligo airport or train station with prior notice of your arrival details. Otherwise you can take a short taxi ride on your own. We also offer a pick up from Dublin at 12 noon (extra cost).
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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04/14
- 04/21
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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04/21
- 04/28
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
04/28
- 05/05
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/05
- 05/12
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/12
- 05/19
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/19
- 05/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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05/26
- 06/02
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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06/02
- 06/09
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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06/09
- 06/16
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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06/16
- 06/23
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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06/23
- 06/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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06/30
- 07/07
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8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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07/28
- 08/04
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/04
- 08/11
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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08/11
- 08/18
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
08/18
- 08/25
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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08/25
- 09/01
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/01
- 09/08
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
|
4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/08
- 09/15
|
8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/15
- 09/22
|
8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/22
- 09/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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09/29
- 10/06
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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10/06
- 10/13
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, 6 n Hotel BB and...
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4
/15
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Some lunches and 6 dinners. Lunches are approx Euro 5 and dinners are between Euro 10 and 25.
Celtic Seaweed baths.
Riding helmets are mandatory.
Day 1 Sunday
Guests arrive in Sligo and are welcomed by Declan McGarry, the trail manager. After a short discussion and reaffirming the riding abilities and requirements of all the riders, guests are shown to their rooms at the Sligo Glasshouse Hotel.
Day 2 Monday Each riding day starts at 10:30 am. Riders are mounted in a large indoor ring, and are introduced to their mount for the week. Declan and Eugene the trail guide spend the next hour or so evaluating the horse and rider compatibility. The group is then taken out to the nearby pasture to test the control again of the riders outside. After a light lunch we go for a 2 hour trail ride. This ride takes us through Rathcarrick woods and onto Gibaralter strand for our first canters on the Atlantic shores. After dinner guests are taken to a local Irish pub to hear some traditional Irish music and sample that famous Irish craic.
Day 3 Tuesday Today we ride to Knocknarea mountain and we climb to the summit to the grave of one of Ireland’s greatest warriors, Queen Maeve (circa 3500 b.c.). From this vantage point one can really appreciate the beauty of this corner of the Emerald Isle. Lunch is taken in the famous Strand Bar in Strandhill village, a surfing village. Our afternoon’s ride is an exhilarating beach ride to Coney Island, a small island in Sligo Bay.
Day 4 Wednesday Have a large breakfast this morning because we don’t stop for lunch today. Before riding we take an escorted tour through the megalithic cemetery, circa 4000 BC. Our ride today is from Carrowmore through Union forest (a large pine forest) and along old forest paths into Markree Castle estate. We ride through the castle grounds and to the castle stables where the horses will spend the night. After dinner we visit a local Irish pub for some more music and Guinness.
Day 5 Thursday Our morning ride takes us around the grounds of Markree Castle where we can see the remains of the old houses where the Irish peasants lived in the times when the English ruled this beautiful island. We have a short lunch at the castle stables and then begin our ride back to Carrowmore through Ballygawley forest where we can see the wild deer grazing.
DAY 6 Friday Today is the chance to relax after 4 days riding and recharge the batteries for the final day. Riders are tourists today and our organized escorted tour visits all the places of interest and historical significance of this ancient corner of Ireland, including a visit to Parkes Castle (a fourteenth century castle restored by the Irish government) and Yeat's grave in Drumcliff. For those who wish, we can organize a trip to the famous Celtic Seaweed baths.
Day 7 Saturday As today's ride is on the beaches our start time will vary. Our last day’s ride is spent all on the beaches, we ride all around the Knocknarea peninsula from Kelly’stown to Culleenamore beach along the strand at Strandhill onto Cumeen Strand across to Carty’s strand. This is a truly fantastic day’s Ride, very exhilarating and physically challenging. As its our last night we will all meet after dinner for a final Guinness and a chance to reflect on our weeks adventure.
Day 8 Sunday Departure after breakfast.
Meeting:
Sligo Airport
Airport:
Sligo, Dublin
Train station:
Sligo - take taxi
Transfer:
Sligo Train Station or Airport- included or take taxi on your own
Distance:
10 km
There are excellent flight connections from Dublin to Sligo on Aer Arrean - there are also train and bus connections. Pick up is available from the Sligo airport or train station with prior notice of your arrival details. Otherwise you can take a short taxi ride on your own. We also offer a pick up from Dublin at 12 noon (extra cost).
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Irish Hunter & Connemara ponies
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Pace:
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Moderate with some fast canters 4- 5 hrs per day Some gallops on the beach
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Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
18
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Weight:
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Max
220lbs or 100 kilos
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
15 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory in Ireland!
We ride for 4-5 hours each day. On the trail the riders have a hugely diverse riding terrain, forests, mountains and Atlantic shore beaches. Our trail rides are described as intermediate level riding and riders need to be able to control a horse in canter in an open area riding in a group! Some days are quite strenuous while others are more relaxing. We much prefer if riders ride a few times per week prior to coming on a trail ride to build up their condition.
Riders should be over 18 years old (unless accompanied by an adult) and there is a weight restriction of 100 kilos.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 holde. more
In Sligo, the lowest average temperature in winter is 3 C (37.4 F) and highest average is 8 C (46 F).
In Sligo, the lowest average temperature in summer is 10 C (50 F) and the highest average is 18 C (64 F).
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 easily 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 C (32 F) 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.
Regular riding wear (jodphur, boots, helmet). Chaps and leggings with short boots are also acceptable. Riding gloves, raingear, warm wind jacket and a sweater should also be included in riding wardrobe, as Irish weather can be unpredictable. In Ireland riding helmets are mandatory. The riding centre has several models to choose from, but you might be better off to bring your own that fits.
Otherwise comfortable clothing - there is no dress code.
Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com
If you are traveling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or www.bilemo.com/unlock
RIDERS MUST WEAR A PROPERLY SECURED HARD HAT WHEN MOUNTED.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots (there will be contact with salt water on the beach) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (mandatory)
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Riding gloves
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Rain coat/Wax jacket, possibly some overpants
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Seat saver (possibly)
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Light summer jacket
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Warm jacket
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra batteries
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm (for the ever hopeful)
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo:
You will stay at the hotel for 6 nights. It is a nice 4-star hotel on the river. Towering dramatically over the banks of the Garavogue river, The Glasshouse is the first design hotel of its kind in Ireland - a glittering beacon of quirkiness and color, in the center of one of Ireland's emerging vibrant and scenic cities. Through cutting-edge design and architecture, The Glasshouse has set a completely new standard of luxury accommodation.
Around every corner is a new surprise - An exciting journey that blends groovy with chic: through swirls of dazzling colors, retro-patterns and bright canvasses, across psychedelic carpets and shimmering windows.
Standing within meters of Sligo's main O' Connell Street, The Glasshouse is an ideal location for your week.
The Glasshouse Breakfast Buffet is served in 'The Kitchen' each morning, and consists of fruit salads, juices, muesli, and a wide selection of breads and pastries. A full Irish Breakfast with fresh coffee or tea is also available.
Dinner is available each evening, until nine thirty. Guests can choose from a unique, carefully prepared a-la-carte menu, offering a broad selection of creatively matched foods served in an unpretentious manner. There are also many good restaurants at all price levels within walking distance from the hotel.
Markree Castle:
The castle is situated a few miles from historical Sligo town and Yeats country - within easy visiting distance of Sligo's beautiful beaches and golf courses. Markee Castle is in the center of a large estate, with lovely gardens leading down to the river Unsin, and views over a countryside almost unchanged for 100 years.
The original house has been re-built many times over the years. In 1802 a major external transformation was completed by Francis Johnston, the well known architect. This facade remains today and the interior was just recently completely renovated by the current owner. Inside the Markree you will find fine Edwardian and Victorian mahogany furniture. A large blazing fireplace always greets guests. As you stroll down the hall, you will notice the beautiful oak panels. In the first-floor dining room there is ornate Louis XIV plasterwork.
ALL THE BEDROOMS AT MARKREE are individual in style and character, the furniture is old, in keeping with the style of the Castle, yet meet all the requirements of the modern day. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, television, individually controlled heating and beverage making facilities to make a hustle of the modern world outside. The majority of rooms have fantastic views of the gardens and surrounding countryside.
Knockmuldowney Restaurant, with its award winning food, is a well-known restaurant within the region. Enjoy the peace and quiet and exceptional ambience at Markree.
Dinners are not included (except one night at Markree Castle), there are many restaurants and pubs in Sligo to suit all budgets. Main dish from 10-25 €. Lunches should be about €5.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Irish Hunter & Connemara ponies
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|
Pace:
|
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Moderate with some fast canters 4- 5 hrs per day Some gallops on the beach
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Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
18
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Weight:
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Max
220lbs or 100 kilos
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
15 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory in Ireland!
We ride for 4-5 hours each day. On the trail the riders have a hugely diverse riding terrain, forests, mountains and Atlantic shore beaches. Our trail rides are described as intermediate level riding and riders need to be able to control a horse in canter in an open area riding in a group! Some days are quite strenuous while others are more relaxing. We much prefer if riders ride a few times per week prior to coming on a trail ride to build up their condition.
Riders should be over 18 years old (unless accompanied by an adult) and there is a weight restriction of 100 kilos.
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
| Passport Required? |
| British |
1 |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
2 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
3 |
| Canadian |
3 |
| USA |
3 |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Atlantic to Markree Castle Ride
Tour Code:
IT-IRSR01
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,555.00
Dates :
April to Sept
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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