The northwest of Ireland has always been enchanting with its beautiful nature. Vast, deserted beaches, blue sea, green hill populated by sheep and cows and picturesque villages can be found everywhere in County Sligo. A real dream for riders!
The Riding centre is run by a friendly German-Irish family who are equally concerned about the welfare of their guests and their horses.
The location of the farm could not be better with a direct view of the Atlantic. The beach is just a gallop away and the town center can also be reached in a few minutes. The famous mountain Ben Bulben towers in the background.
The estate also includes a private island where the farm's cattle and young horses live freely. At low tide, there is the unique opportunity to explore the island on horseback .
If you want to experience the diverse nature of Ireland and are comfortable in all gaits, this riding week is just the thing for you. From the back of the horses, you can see the beauty of Ireland's Atlantic coast over the six days. You will ride along breathtaking stretches of coastline with extensive sandy beaches, mountain landscapes and typical Irish sheep pastures, which have a charm all of their own. In addition, there are impressive dunes and mudflats rich in wildlife and the highlight is a horseback ride to the private island. On the star rides, between 4 and 6 hours a day are spent on horseback. Lunch is taken as a picnic and every day you return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and check-in.

Day 2: Today begins with an introductory lesson in the riding arena. The horse and rider are suitably ed and can familiarize themselves with each other before heading out into the open country. From typical Irish breeds such as the Irish Draught or Irish Sport Horse and from the Irish Cob (Tinker) to the Connemara pony, we have all kind of horses, so that both adults and our younger vacationers will find what they are looking for. After lunch, a 3-hour ride along the deserted beach with views of Classiebawn Castle in nearby village Mullaghmore and Connors Island, which is directly opposite the beach, awaits you. Continue through village Cliffoney to a long woodland path that takes you right alongside the mountains for spectacular views. You return along some fields, animated by lively sheep, cows and donkeys.

Day 3: You will experience the highlight of the week today. You will go to the private island that belongs to the estate. At low tide  you can ride along an otherwise flooded path to a spot where you can safely cross the tideway. Then you visit Connors Island, the farm's own island. Here there is time for a leisurely picnic by the ruins and you can enjoy a break from life on the mainland. Explore the extensive dune landscape and observe the free-roaming cow and herd of horses. Views of the Atlantic and Streedagh Point open up again and again, where a kilometer-long sandy beach invites all riders for a gallop. 

Day 4: Today's riding day begins with a fantastic panoramic view of the beach, but you will then be drawn to the mountains along the Gleniff Horseshoe for a longer period of time. Enjoy the tranquillity of this valley and be enchanted by the fairytale landscape with its small waterfalls and grazing sheep. It's no wonder that films such as the Vikings series are often filmed in this setting. With a fantastic view of the cliffs of Anacoona, you take a break after 3.5 hours of riding. After a little refreshment, you get back on your horse for another 2 hours until the longest ride of the week finally comes to an end.
Alternatively, you can take it a little easier today and enjoy a sightseeing adventure day instead of riding. After a leisurely breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to either Sligo or Strandhill (the in-spot in Sligo and Surfmecca of the North West of Ireland). There you can climb Knocknarea mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views over Sligo Bay. The path is waymarked and you can learn interesting facts about geology, history and mythology along the way. At the summit is the megalithic tomb of the Warrior Queen Maebh, who is said to be buried there standing upright, weapons ready, facing her enemy. You can also take a surfing lesson, which can be booked for you in advance (payment on site). Surfing is also possible for beginners and equipment is provided. In addition, the hip cafés, small shops and the best ice cream in Ireland invite you to stroll along the promenade. You will be picked up again in the afternoon or early evening. A walking map, packed lunch and return cab service will be provided for this horse riding free day. If you would prefer to explore Sligo town then this can also be arranged for you.

Day 5: Today we set off on our first long ride along the beach, through the dunes to village Mullaghmore. There, the view along the coast is an absolute highlight. Meter-high waves crash against the rock face below you and the viewpoint directly in front of sea with the famous castle in the background invites you to take a vacation photo. After a lunch break in the restaurant of the Pier Head Hotel, the route continues through village, past the castle and back along the beach until you reach stable again after 5 hours on horseback.

Day 6: You ride through the mudflats past the seal colony to Dernish Island. Dernish Island can only be reached by horse at low tide. The young horses often graze there and are happy to be visited by their colleagues from the mainland. We have a saddlebag picnic for lunch today. Sea air makes you hungry. On your last day, you can soak up the fresh sea air, enjoy magnificent views of the Atlantic coast and a brisk gallop. The last vacation photo with Donegal Bay and the waves of the Atlantic in the background is taken here. Then you return to the path through the rocks and seaweed and make your way back to stable and the hotel. At the end of an eventful week, you can round off your vacation with a fish or seafood meal at Ethnas by the Sea (optional and payable locally).

Day 7: Departure after breakfast and farewell to this beautiful corner of IrelandEven non-riders won't get bored here. The natural surroundings are perfect for hiking and walking. Numerous different bird species live on the coast and there is also a seal colony on the mudflats. 
There are numerous typical pubs and stores in the village. 

A rental car is highly recommended to explore the beautiful spots. There are countless activities on offer: surfing, diving, boat trips, sailing, golf, fishing, wellness, hiking, cycling or a visit to an Atlantic Sheepdogs farm.

Accomodation

During this riding week, you will stay in a mid-range hotel in the nearby town right by the harbor. Here you can enjoy Irish hospitality! There are various rooms (single, double and family rooms), Wi-Fi connection and a small area with swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and fitness room. You can easily explore the town on foot. The transfer between the hotel and stable is included.

 

Saddle & Tack: Englisch.

Experience: For the riding week you should be comfortable in all gaits also outside of the arena.

Horses: Local breeds, including Irish Cob, Welsh ponies, Irish hunter, Irish Draught