An area of contrasts - mountains, sea, green land and sparkling lakes - this is Connemara, one of the most unusual landscapes in Ireland. Connemara, a country that is wild and tranquil at the same time. There is hardly any other region of Ireland where the green island with its scenic beauty and uniqueness shows itself as open as in Connemara on the Atlantic coast. The countless colours of the varied landscape on this trail will inspire you! The trail ride takes you through the wildest and most beautiful landscape Ireland has to offer. You will spend between 4 - 6 hours a day in the saddle. Look forward to extensive gallops on lonely, endless beaches. During the tour you will ride to two beautiful islands, the peaceful Mweenish Island and Finish Island, which can only be reached at low tide. An absolute highlight is swimming with the horses in the Atlantic Ocean in good weather - you should not miss this!
The starting point of your tour is located near Galway. Galway is the most populous city in the whole West of Ireland and offers a lot of sights and activities. Kylemore Abbey, Killary Harbour and Connemara National Park are not far from Galway. The fjord Killary Harbour on the border to County Mayo invites you to go for hours on foot in breathtaking nature. It is worthwhile to arrive a few days before the tour and visit some places worth seeing. During the tour you will be enchanted by the beauty of Connemara´s landscape and enjoy wonderful gallops on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean!

Itinerary

Day 1: Today you will arrive at the Meyrick Hotel (formerly the Great Southern Hotel) at 10.00 am. You will get to know the other riders of the group. It is best to arrive one day earlier to be at the hotel at 10.00 am on the first day. From there you will drive to Tumbiola, where the horses are already waiting for you. When everyone has found a suitable horse, your ride over Cashel Hill begins. From here you will have a wonderful view over the sea at Bolgers. After your lunch picnic, follow the road for a short distance before turning into a side path and passing the Zetland Hotel. Your destination today is Shannadonnell. Overnight stay in the area.

Day 2: After a good Irish breakfast you will start the new day full and excited. You will be taken to the horses and start your ride in Willie´s mountains. Today you will ride along beautiful lakes and enjoy the fantastic view over the landscape and vegetation in this region. After you have crossed the mountains (approx. 1.5 hours), you can look forward to a pleasant picnic by a lake. Afterwards you will set off on horseback towards the sea. Depending on the tide, you will ride to Mweenish, where you leave the horses overnight or out to Mweenish Island.

Day 3: If the tides permit, you will ride today to Finish Island or Mweenish Island. There is something magical about riding to the island. In former times Finish Island was inhabited - the ruins of the houses and the stone walls can still be seen today. At lunch break you ride back to the mainland. There you enjoy your picnic in peace and quiet. After lunch you can enjoy the extensive gallops on the beach and explore the area around Carna.

Day 4: Today you ride from Mweenish to Carna. You will ride through mountainous countryside along picturesque lakes with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean. At noon you stop at a water tower for your lunch picnic. After lunch you continue up into the mountains with views over Kilkerrin. There you will ride past a salmon farm. On your way to Derryrush you follow the road for about an hour until you reach Derryrush.

Day 5: The horses are saddled and you ride along the coast in the morning. You ride to Rosmuck, which is still along the coast. You will stop for your lunch picnic a little earlier than usual because you have a longer ride in the afternoon. After lunch you will ride towards the mountains and have a beautiful view of Screebe Lodge. Continue towards Oughterard, where you have to say goodbye to the horses. You will be taken to Loughrea in the evening and enjoy a dinner together.

Day 6: After breakfast you will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the riding centre belonging to the farm. The museum with the park and the exemplary riding facility was built as a cultural centre around horses. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to Irish horses, the Connemara Pony, and Irish dog breeds. After a welcome drink the horses are saddled and you ride through the park. The ride takes you through a wooded area cross-country to the Cross Country Course, where you have the opportunity to jump if you wish. After a light lunch you can visit the Horse Museum or the Gift Shop and take home a souvenir or two.
In the afternoon you can ride out again in Dartfield or jump over obstacles before it is time to say goodbye to your four-legged friend. In the evening you will be taken back to your accommodation in Loughrea.

Day 7: Individual departure after breakfast.

Non-riders are also welcome. There are many activities you can do in this area: fishing, deep-sea fishing, golf, cycling, mountain climbing, hiking and swimming. There are many places of interest to visit in the area.

Accomodation

You can choose to stay in hotels or B&Bs in double or single rooms with bathroom.

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and bridles.

Experience: You should be comfortable in all gaits and have experience in varied terrain. Riding time on average about 4-6 hours.

Horses: Sure-footed and balanced Irish Hunter and Connemara ponies.