Horseback Riding Vacations in Ireland

Ireland: “The Emerald Isle”

Ireland is often referred to as the "Emerald Island" due to the large number of green colours that can be found in its landscapes.

Although the country is known for its cities, it boasts amazing cliffs, medieval castles and beautiful surroundings to enjoy on horseback.

The island of Ireland is located in north-western Europe. It is the second largest island of the British Isles.

The Republic of Ireland takes up 83% of the island, while Northern Ireland takes up the northern portion and it’s part of the United Kingdom.

The capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of famous writers such as Oscar Wilde and is also home to Guinness beer.

Some interesting facts about Ireland

Geography

The main geographical features of Ireland are low central plains surrounded by a ring of coastal mountains. The highest mountain is Carrauntoohil at 1,041 meters.

The western coastline is rugged, with many islands, peninsulas, headlands and bays.

The River Shannon runs from County Cavan to the Atlantic, south of Limerick. Among its many lakes, Lough Neagh is the largest lake in the island.

Climate

Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate, cool and damp, cloudy and rainy throughout the year. On average, it rains 275 days a year, especially during the autumn and winter months.

Fauna and flora

Ireland has a small flora for a European country because of its small size, lack of geological and ecological variation. In Irish forests we can find oak, ash and chestnut trees.

Of course, it is a green country, thanks to its heavy rainfall.

Curiously, the shamrock, which is abundant in the meadows, is considered the national symbol of Ireland.

As for animal life, the Irish landscape is the perfect environment for lizards, hares, red foxes and ferrets. There is a great variety of seabirds, such as the little Skellig gannet, the chough and the cormorant.

In Ireland, there are 6 national parks that aim to protect the country’s biodiversity.

Ireland's historical sites and heritage

Ireland’s best kept secret is its rich cultural heritage, which includes dozens of historical monuments such as abbeys, castles, forts and dolmens.

Ireland's ruins reveal the drama of early Irish civilizations. For example, the secluded Dingle Peninsula is renowned for its archaeological sites and medieval architecture.

You can also visit numerous monuments of Christian art, such as the monastic city of Clonmacnoise.

There are more than 30,000 castles and ruins left in Ireland today and it would impossible to name them all. We recommend visiting Kilkenny Castle and Charles Fort, on Kinsale Bay.

Where to enjoy the best horseback rides

The so-called Emerald Island has an extensive and rooted equestrian history, and is one of the best places to experience the feeling of riding across green, open plains.

Ampascachi offers you the following areas of Ireland to enjoy equestrian tourism.

County Donegal

In the northerly end of the island, you find County Donegal. Is the Gaelic bastion of old Ireland.

Marked by a dramatic landscape of forests, hills and untouched beaches, Ireland's northwesterly county is a place where time seems stand still.

It has the most impressive cliffs in Europe. Slieve League Cliffs are known as the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe reaching a height of 601 meters, and the dazzling panoramic views across Donegal Bay are not to be missed.

Ride along its immense beaches, marvel at its impressive cliffs and discover its gorgeous towns and villages.

Celtic trails in western Ireland

In counties Galway and Clare, in the west, the Celtic trails offer one of the most amazing horse riding experiences where you can discover traditional Ireland.

In County Clare there is the Burren National Park, where the Irish meet again with their heritage, whether practicing their jigs in the Fleadh Nua festival, enjoying the “magic” of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival or visiting the ancient megalithic tombs of the Burren.

County Tipperary

Located in the province of Munster, this county is known as The Golden Vale of Ireland for its valleys, mountains and rich tapestry of lakes.

You can enjoy rides through unexplored trails, a few kilometres away from historic monuments and world famous castles.

Besides, in Tipperary you can visit dozens of heritage gems, such as the medieval town of Fethard, or the Rock of Cashel, a beautiful monument to Ireland's early Christianity.

Some equestrian tourism outfitters in Ireland

Let's see now an outfitter for each of the areas we recommend.

Donegal Equestrian Centre

Located in County Donegal, they provide horse riding experiences for all ages and abilities.

They offer excellent horses, quality accommodation and rides full of fun amidst magnificent untouched landscapes.

Their Equestrian Activities

This equestrian centre offers 3 types of activities for all levels of rider:

• Beach and trail rides: For beginners they have half-day riding lessons on the beach and sand dune trails. 1 and 2 hour rides and half-day rides for all levels of rider.
• Riding lessons: Riding lessons for adults and children from 4 years old. Levels range from beginners to advanced riders. They have an indoor arena for starter lessons.
• Pony camps: Camps run during all school holidays and are suitable for children from 7 years old. Pony camp sessions are run in small groups of up to 6 children each session is for 2½ hours for 3 or 5 days.

Safety during the rides

Their friendly and experienced guides are experts in the area.

They will remind you that Riding Is A Risk Sport.

They take all reasonable care to provide suitable and safe horses and ponies. All animals can be unpredictable. They strongly advise you to take out full personal accident cover.

In the event that a rider is not capable of the riding required for a particular ride, Donegal Equestrian reserves the right to request that that rider not commence and/or continue that ride.

Determining the level of experience and/or suitability of a rider is done at the sole discretion of Donegal Equestrian.

For more information, go to their website: donegalequestriancentre.com.

Irish Horse Riding

It’s located in the rural west of Ireland, nestled in the rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, between the counties of Galway and Clare. Their riding centre is called An Sibin.

With them, you can discover its beautiful nature, enjoy its incredible horses or experience the thrill of fox hunting.

Their horses

The Irish horse is renowned for its stamina, versatility and gentleness and will provide an ideal companion for an unforgettable horse riding trip.

In Irish Horse Riding they have a herd of horses of several typical Irish breeds such as the Irish Sport Horse, the Connemara, the Irish Hunter or the Tinker.

Their horses are born and bred in the An Sibin riding center. Each year some new foals join the growing herd.

They train them to become willful track horses, safe and surefooted. A perfect mount for a weeklong riding holiday.

Irish Horse Riding Trails

They offer 4 different horse riding experiences. Their centre-based activities are spent in one location, riding out in different directions each day and returning to the same accommodation each night.

These equestrian activities are:

• Galway Clare Burren Trail Ride: For 6 days you will be discovering Ireland's beautiful nature and history on horseback. Your horse will be carrying you about 150km from County Galway, through the rural areas of County Clare into the unique Burren region and on to the rough Atlantic coast overlooking the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.
• Irish Castle and Monastic Ruin Ride: For 4 days you will combine guided trail rides through Irish bogs, fields and local farmland with visits the ancient Irish castles such as the Castle of Portumna and the Castle of Pallas. You will discover the ruins of one of the most important monastic settlements in Ireland.




• Ballinasloe Horse Fair Ride: Once a year in October Ireland’s oldest traditional horse fair takes place in Ballinasloe since the time of the High Kings of Tara.Their riding holiday includes a full day visit to this fair, along with other horseback rides and cultural visits.
• An Sibin Residential Ride: This ride is based in their An Sibin Riding Centre. There are rides for all levels of rider and total riding time is 15 hours per week.


Sibin residential area

Fox Hunting

Have you ever dreamt of joining an Irish foxhunt?

Live the experience of a fox hunt or a drag hunt in the West of Ireland. is a great tradition in Ireland.

You can find more information about them if you go to their web site: irishhorseriding.com.

Crossogue house

Located in the heart of County Tipperary, they offer a warm and relaxed atmosphere where you can participate in their riding programs and enjoy a pleasurable stay on their farm.

It is run by the Molloy family, who have been involved with horses for 5 generations. They are glad to share their experience with you.

All their horse riding holidays are fully inclusive packages so you can relax and enjoy everything they have to offer. They offer English tuition and horse riding, as well as homemade food, accommodation and great time.

Their offer is addressed to the horse lovers in a different age and those who want to be surrounded by beautiful nature. Those who want to enjoy country life with good food and relaxed atmosphere.

Crossogue is a working horse farm with a number thoroughbred broodmares and many of their young stock on the farm. During your stay in Crossogue, you will be able to observe mares and foals grazing on the pasture while on walks about the farm.

Many guests have even witnessing a foal being born during their stay!

Adult and family holidays

They offer a personalised riding holidays for individuals and small groups during the spring and autumn.

On the first day, they take time to get to know each rider individually and provide the ideal horse to meet their needs.

On the first day, they take time to get to know each rider individually and provide the ideal horse to meet their needs.

While they offer tuition in a number of disciplines, their specialty is riding in open countryside.

There are gentle rides for those who want to relax and simply enjoy being on horseback and being part of the nature that surrounds them.

Nevertheless, for the more adventurous there are gallops and a diverse range of cross-country obstacles all over the farm with lots of challenges for both horse and rider.

All riders first spend time in the arena, so acquainted with your horse and develop confidence before embarking on the challenges that await.

With their expert instructors and well-trained horses in cross-country jumping, you will quickly develop the confidence to tackle their large selection of well-made obstacles for all standards of rider.

Teen Camps

This teenager summer riding camp allows young riders to develop their skills and gain confidence in a fun and friendly environment.

They accept young riders aged 11 - 18. They have horses and ponies for all levels of rider, and each guest has their own for the duration of their stay.

During the day when guests are not riding, they have a number of alternative activities at Crossogue including tennis, badminton, table tennis, games and walks around the farm.

Finally, they have a team of qualified English teachers who will provide English tuition to those who wish to participate for 1.5 hours each weekday.

For more information, please go to their website: www.crossogue-equestrian.ie.

Ireland is famous for its green countryside and impressive cliffs. A horseback journey on this island is an experience that cannot be missed! Besides, its castles will take us to another time.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Europe on horseback?

Europe has a lot to offer you as it has the most varied number of equestrian tourism offers in the world. Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Europe where you will find more information about Ireland and other European countries.