Connemara: on horseback through the Slieve Aughty mountains

Day 1

ITALY/SHANNON/WHITEGATE (-/-/D)
This is the perfect horse riding holiday for both beginners and experienced riders, in the heart of the Irish countryside.
It includes 6 days of horse riding, for a total of 15 hours in the saddle – combining trail rides and lessons.
The equestrian centre is located in rural western Ireland, just a few kilometres from the small village of Mountshannon, with its unique monastic settlement on Holy Island in Lough Derg. The centre is nestled among the rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, surrounded by miles and miles of trails waiting to be explored. Heather-covered moorlands and vast forests invite riders to discover the natural beauty of the area on horseback. Throughout the rides, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic River Shannon and lush green fields bordered by ancient dry-stone walls steeped in history.
Each day in the saddle offers the opportunity to discover beautiful and historic sites: from the ruins of a poitín maker's cottage (a traditional Irish spirit) to dolmens – Celtic burial sites dating back up to 5,000 years – which can be visited directly on horseback! More experienced riders can join daily guided rides, exploring a different area each time along trails, forest tracks and quiet country lanes.
Beginners will be introduced to the basics of horse riding in a relaxed environment, with lessons on horse care and how to ride safely. Of course, beginners will also have the chance to enjoy pleasant rides through the beautiful countryside alongside their new equine friend. Guests choosing dates between late September and early October may have the opportunity to attend the Ballinasloe Horse Fair.

Transfer from Shannon Airport (SNN) at 11:30 AM or from Loughrea bus station at 4:45 PM to the equestrian centre in County Clare. Lunch is available at the equestrian centre.
In the afternoon, boat trip to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Ireland's most important monastic settlements.
This evening, enjoy a traditional homemade dinner beside a peat fire. Overnight accommodation in the farmhouse.

Day 2

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, a 2-hour horse ride through the beautiful Irish countryside.
Return to the equestrian centre for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, a one-hour ride along ancient Celtic trails.
(In October, departure for the famous Ballinasloe Horse Fair, where you will spend the entire day surrounded by hundreds of horses, returning to the equestrian centre in the late afternoon for dinner). Overnight accommodation in the farmhouse.

Day 3

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Hearty Irish breakfast, followed by a 2-hour horse ride through the beautiful Irish countryside.
Return to the equestrian centre for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, a one-hour ride along ancient Celtic trails.
Overnight accommodation in the farmhouse.

Day 4

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
This morning, a 2-hour horse ride through enchanting landscapes of peat bogs and moorlands.
After lunch at the centre, visit the ruins of the impressive Pallas Castle, one of the best-preserved 14th-century tower houses, with its surrounding walls still intact. Return to the centre for dinner and overnight accommodation in the farmhouse.

Day 5

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Departure for a full-day horse riding excursion. In the morning, approximately 2 hours of riding through the rural countryside. Packed lunch along the way. After the break, continue riding for another 1–1.5 hours, passing a 5,000-year-old Celtic dolmen.
Dinner in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the equestrian centre.

Day 6

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Hearty Irish breakfast, followed by a 2-hour horse ride through the beautiful Irish countryside.
Return to the equestrian centre for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, a one-hour ride along ancient Celtic trails.
Overnight accommodation in the farmhouse.

Day 7

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Hearty Irish breakfast, followed by a 2-hour horse ride through the beautiful Irish countryside.
Return to the equestrian centre for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, a one-hour ride along ancient Celtic trails.
Overnight accommodation in the farmhouse.

Day 8

WHITEGATE (B/-/-)
It is time to say “Slán abhaile” (goodbye and safe travels) to your Irish horse friends.
Transfer arriving at Shannon Airport by 10:00 AM or at Loughrea bus station by 10:30 AM.



Please note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°


DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Farmhouse
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH SADDLE
HORSES: Irish Hunter, Irish Cob, Connemara, suitable for all types of riders
RIDING: Approximately 4 HOURS PER DAY IN THE SADDLE. Rides at all three gaits. Riders must be able to control their horse in open spaces and assist with saddling and unsaddling.
WHAT TO BRING: Layered clothing, including waterproof garments, as the weather can be unpredictable. Wearing a protective riding helmet is mandatory.
MINIMUM AGE: 8 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 kg
TYPE: Equestrian holiday with farmhouse accommodation

ACCOMMODATION:
7 nights in a charming 300-year-old farmhouse, tastefully restored and forming the heart of the equestrian centre. The atmosphere of bygone days has been carefully preserved while offering guests all modern comforts. You can relax in the peaceful surroundings of the individually decorated bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. This special place, known as “The Mountain”, is said to inspire everyone who crosses its threshold, allowing visitors to rediscover the simplicity and tranquillity of this idyllic setting. You will feel right at home as you settle beside the peat fire with a cup of tea or coffee in hand, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the farm and nature. Washing machines are available, but there is no tumble dryer. Wi-Fi access is available both at the equestrian centre and in the farmhouse.

Meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6. Traditional Irish cuisine is served. Allergies can be accommodated upon request.

Guaranteed shared departures every Saturday from 10/04 to 16/10, with a minimum of 2 participants.

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 8

SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Non-rider rate in a double room Euro 1,160
Pick-up from Shannon Airport per person, each way (payable locally) Euro 55
Pick-up from Loughrea bus station per person, each way (payable locally) Euro 45
Pick-up from Dublin Airport per person, each way (payable locally) Euro 300
Child discount, ages 8–11 Euro 160