Slieve Aughty Mountains Ride 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. The Burren is a unique limestone landscape with a truly spectacular beauty. The high degree of light, the Gulf Stream and the warm limestone enables arctic-alpine and contrasting Mediterranean plants to grow together. For thousands of years it has been used as excellent grazing land. The rich concentration of stone monuments, castles, churches and tower houses prove the significance of settlers in this natural treasure. Riding along the never ending stone walls and historical famine roads is an exclusive Irish experience. For six days you will be discovering Ireland's beauty and colorful history on horseback. Your horse will be carrying you about 140 Miles from County Galway, westwards through the rural areas of County Clare and into the unique Burren 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 distinctive scenery of the world renowned Burren will accompany us for the last two days of the ride. The lunar like landscape of this limestone area not only bears an immensely individual flora and fauna, but boasts a stunning variety of prehistoric settlements. Dolmens and Wedge Tombs line up next to Norman stone fort ruins and Celtic ring forts. Eventually we head westwards through the Burren and up the last hill for the breathtaking view over the Atlantic Sea, the famous Aran Islands and the rugged Connemara Mountains. The extremely rough shore  line of County Clare stretches out under us for the last hard gallop! Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Whitegate Airport: Shannon Transfer: Shannon Riders: Min 1 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 16 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

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

This is the perfect riding holiday for the novice or the experienced rider in the heart of the Irish nature. It includes 6 riding days with a total of 15 riding hours - trail riding or lessons.

The riding center is in the rural West of Ireland, just a few miles from the little village of Mountshannon with its unique monastic settlement on Holy Island in the Lough Derg. The riding centre is nestled in the rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with miles and miles of riding tracks all around. Heather covered bog land and extensive woods invite you to discover the beautiful nature on our horses. Again and again the rider can enjoy the fascinating views over the majestic River Shannon and the juicy green fields enclosed by miles of storytelling stonewalls.

There are lots of beautiful and ancient places to be discovered on horseback day after day: from the remnants of the poteen makers cottage to the dolmens (Celtic burial sites up to 5000 years old) can be visited on horseback! The experienced rider can go for daily guided rides, always discovering a new area on little tracks, forest lanes and quiet roads.

The more novice rider will be introduced to the skills of horsemanship and can take part in the basic riding tuition in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, every novice rider will also get to enjoy his/hers new equine friend on hacks through the lovely countryside.


Sample Itinerary for Ballinasloe Horse Fair - subject to changes

Each year, in late September / early October, we run a special program for the Ballinasloe Horse Fair.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Transfer (if booked) from Shannon airport to the Riding Centre in County Clare. Lunch at the riding centre.
In the afternoon, boat ride to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Irelands most important monastic settlements.
Tonight, traditional home cooked dinner by the open peat fire.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Horse Fair
After breakfast, drive to the famous horse fair in Ballinasloe. Spend all day between hundreds of horses – just looking…we are not bringing a horse trailer.
Drive back to the riding center in the late afternoon for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): Country Rides
Full Irish breakfast followed by a 2-hour ride through the beautiful Irish countryside. Back to the riding centre for tasty lunch.
After lunch, go on a 1 hour ride on ancient Celtic trails.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride & Pallas Castle Visit
This morning, we go on a 2-hour ride across the magical landscape of peat and heather.
After the lunch at the riding centre, we visit the ruins of the impressive Pallas Castle, one of the best preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the 14th century.
Drive back to the riding center for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Full Day Ride
We go on a full day ride. In the morning, we ride about 2 hours through rural farmland. We stop for picnic lunch along the trail. After our break, we get back in the saddle for an extra 1 to 1.5 hour in the saddle, passing a 5000 year old Celtic Dolmen.
Dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 6 (Thursday): Departure
Time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts.
Transfer (if booked) 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, golfing etc.

                                               Whitegate area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	48	48	50	53	57	62	65	65	62	57	52	49
Average Low Temperature (°F)	40	40	41	43	47	51	55	55	52	49	44	41
Average High Temperature (°C)	9	9	10	12	14	17	18	18	17	14	11	9
Average Low Temperature (°C)	5	4	5	6	8	11	13	13	11	9	7	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	17	14	15	12	14	12	12	13	13	15	15	17

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.comwww.bilemo.com/unlock

We highly recommend you have your own medical and travel insurance!!

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Personal Travel Insurance information

Visa (check with your consulate)

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.

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

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

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date cynthia gonzales 5/1/2024 todd wolf 6/18/2016

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights will be spent in one location.

Description
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 is we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.

In the comfortable dining room the guests enjoy the hearty Irish Breakfast and traditional farmhouse cooking, sitting by the open turf fire. You will enjoy fresh home cooked meals, gourmet-style with many locally grown ingredients, and traditional homemade bread and cakes.

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.

Tack:		English, Western on request
Horses:		Irish Hunter, Irish Cob, Connemara
Pace:		Moderate with walk, trot and canter or instructions | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Novice to Intermediate
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 188 lbs / 85 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 16

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.

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.