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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Ireland
Intro to Ireland
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Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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Galway Clare County Trails
Connemara/Galway
Ireland
Ireland is undoubtedly a nature lover's paradise. In the West of Ireland, a truly unique combination of sand-and limestone soils, bog lands, lakes and woodlands exist.
The peat or bog land is one of Ireland’s greatest natural assets, not only as an energy source, but as some of its last wild areas. In some places, you can even spot the Celtic toughers still crossing the bogs. You will be discovering Ireland's beauty and colorful history on horseback. Your horse will be carrying you about 80km from County Galway, westwards through the rural areas of County Clare region.
The ride begins with the peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains and their fascinating views over the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon. Along the track we will be passing old farm ruins and miles of stonewalls, before we head across the extensive areas of bog land. Leaving sheltered pasture, we then head for the top of the hills and onto the sandy shores of Lough Graney. Lovely wood tracks take us further westwards overlooking Glandaria, the wide fertile valley of the River Shannon, and we will cross the boggy uplands. County Clare unfolds around us, in the distance rising hills of the famous Burren National Park. The extremely rough shore line of County Clare stretches out under us for the last hard gallop!
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Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Whitegate
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Airport:
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Shannon
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Transfer:
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Shannon
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2026
Rates include*:
6-day trip: Accommodation, All meals, 3.5 riding days & Luggage transport.
Hard hats can be provided
| A | 2026 | 6 day trip | 6d / 5n | €1775 | $2130 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2026
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Group transfer from Loughrea bus stop, pp, one way
- to be paid locally
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€
45
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$55
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2026
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Group transfer from Shannon airport (9:00am-2:00pm), pp, one way
- to be paid locally
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€
55
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$70
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2026
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Single supplement
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€
150
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$180
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2026
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Non-rider, dbl, pp
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€
750
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$900
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Shannon Airport (SNN). Pick-ups are available on Saturdays between 9:00am and 2:00pm and drop-off on Thursday is at 10:00am. Transfers outside of these times are possible at request for an additional cost
Tour Dates for 2026
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2026
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05/02
- 05/07
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2026
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05/16
- 05/21
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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| A |
2026
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05/30
- 06/04
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2026
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06/13
- 06/18
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
|
Reserve
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| A |
2026
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06/27
- 07/02
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2026
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07/11
- 07/16
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2026
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07/25
- 07/30
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2026
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08/08
- 08/13
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2026
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08/22
- 08/27
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip
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4
/8
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Reserve
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Weekly departures from Saturday to Thursday
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Rates do not include:
Insurance (mandatory), Airport transfers & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes
Note: Subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control without prior notice
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Transfer approximately 1.5 hours to our Riding Centre from Shannon airport. You will be staying here for all nights. On the arrival day you can just relax and recover from your journey, or take a stroll on the walking trails around our property. For the more adventurous among you, there is also the possibility to go on a guided boat tour to historic Holy Island with its monastic settlement of the 9th century. 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 our Riding Centre by candlelight and turf fire.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse
Day 2 (Sunday): Slieve Aughty Mountains
Meet your horse and get used to each other by grooming and saddling up. Not to worry, our guides are always ready to help you with everything. Today you will enjoy an easy half day guided trail ride along the peaceful slopes of the wooded Slieve Aughty Mountains and across widespread bog land.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse
Day 3 (Monday): River Shannon
Taking in the grand views over the majestic River Shannon, you will be riding by the traditional turf / peat cutting areas and learning about the mystic Neolithic tombs and about the legends of the ruined monastic settlement on Holy Island.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse
Day 4 (Tuesday): Lough Graney
Heading for the top of the hills we will overlook peaceful rolling countryside and ride along miles of storytelling rough old stonewalls sheltering the fresh green pastures. The sandy shores of Lough Graney invite us to a refreshing ride, right across the gentle lapping lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse
Day 5 (Wednesday): Clare
The old narrow country lanes of rural Ireland and the tranquil forest tracks guide you to the boggy uplands where County Clare unfolds all around you. Many colorful wild flowers like gorse, foxglove and heather line your path.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse
Day 6 (Thursday): Departure
After breakfast onwards journey or transfer back to Shannon Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Non-Riders
Non-riders are also welcome, there is plenty to for them to do including hiking, cycling, sightseeing, fishing, golf etc
Meeting:
Whitegate
Airport:
Shannon
Transfer:
Shannon
Distance:
40 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Shannon Airport (SNN). Pick-ups are available on Saturdays between 9:00am and 2:00pm and drop-off the following Saturday is at 10:00am. Transfers outside of these times are possible at request for an additional cost
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Irish Hunter, Irish Cob, Connemara, Irish Piebald and Irish Draught
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Pace:
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Moderate with walk, trot and canter mixed every day. Average 4-5 hrs of riding each day, up to 6 hours. Approx. 80km total.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs / 85 kg
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Saturday is a resting day for our horses!
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 coloured Irish Piebald and the intelligent and comfortable Irish Cob.
Riders wanting to join this tour have to be physically fit and safe riders in the outdoors in a group of horses. We ride up to 6 hours daily. On the last day we lead our horses up and down a hill on difficult terrain. Good solid riding boots are highly recommended.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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: Wh. more
Crusheen area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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48
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49
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52
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56
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61
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65
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67
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67
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64
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58
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52
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48
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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38
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38
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40
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42
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46
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51
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55
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54
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51
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47
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42
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39
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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9
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9
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11
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13
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16
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18
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20
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19
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18
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14
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11
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9
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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3
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3
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4
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5
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8
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11
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13
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12
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11
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8
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5
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4
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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16
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13
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15
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12
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14
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12
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13
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14
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13
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15
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15
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16
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
In the West of Ireland, 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.
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 east of the country temperatures tend to be somewhat more extreme than in other parts of the country. For example, summer mean daily maximum is about 19 °C and winter mean 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. 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.
Average rainfall varies between about 800 and 2,800mm.
Riders must wear equestrian hard hats and suitable footwear.
A client's helmet will need to meet one of these standards:
- PAS 015:1998
- SNELL E2001
- ASTM F1163
- AS/NZS3838 2003
- VG1 01.040 2014-12
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!! 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. 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
We highly recommend you have your own medical and travel insurance!!
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Personal Travel Insurance information |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Long riding boots: leather or rubber or boots and mini chaps. Running shoes are not safe riding wear |
| Riding helmet (mandatory) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Waterproof pants and jacket or long riding coat. No capes. |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
6-day trip: This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent in the same location.
Description
All accommodations host double/twin rooms with private bathrooms.
Farmhouse
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 rooms with private bath. 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. You'll find yourself in a home away from home as you cozy up to the peat fire with a tea or coffee in hand with the sounds of the farm and life to serenade you.
Washing machines are available to use, but we do not have a dryer. There is WIFI access at the riding center and farmhouse.
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6.
We'll enjoy our breakfasts at the ranch.
Lunches are had while on the trail.
Country-style dinners will be eaten in restaurants.
Alcohol is not included, but can be purchased or guests can bring their own.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.
This trip
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, Irish Cob, Connemara, Irish Piebald and Irish Draught
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Pace:
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Moderate with walk, trot and canter mixed every day. Average 4-5 hrs of riding each day, up to 6 hours. Approx. 80km total.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs / 85 kg
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Saturday is a resting day for our horses!
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 coloured Irish Piebald and the intelligent and comfortable Irish Cob.
Riders wanting to join this tour have to be physically fit and safe riders in the outdoors in a group of horses. We ride up to 6 hours daily. On the last day we lead our horses up and down a hill on difficult terrain. Good solid riding boots are highly recommended.
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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Galway Clare County Trails
Tour Code:
IT-IRRT03G
6 days /
5 nights
Dates :
April-August
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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