Castles & Monastic Ruins

Introduction
Connemara/Galway Ireland
Enjoy a combination of visiting the ancient Irish castles and monastic ruins with lovely guided trail rides through Irish bogs, fields and local farmland.

On this 4 day ride you will visit the impressive Portumna Castle which was the seat of the Earl of Clanricarde and Pallas castle - one of the best preserved tower houses and castle grounds of the 14th century. You will also take a boat ride to Holy Island on the river Shannon to explore the ruins of one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements, and you will ride to a 5000 year old Celtic tomb.
 

Accomodation


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 6.

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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

*The itinerary might change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control without prior notice...

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer (if booked) to our Riding Centre. Transfer from Shannon to Whitegate approx. two hours. You will be staying here for 5 nights. On the arrival day you can just relax and recover from your journey, or take a stroll on the well sign-posted nearby walking trails. In the evening, you will get to know all your fellow riders for this week. You will have dinner at 7:00pm in the tastefully restored 300 year old farmhouse in the Riding Centre by candlelight and open turf fire.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Introductory Ride & Holy Island Visit
After breakfast we will go out to the horses and every rider can then get used to their own horse for the next days by brushing and tacking up themselves - don’t worry there are always lots of helping hands around you! Our first ride takes us along forest tracks and country lanes, passed abandoned farms of the 18th century famine times. After lunch you will be driven to nearby Mountshannon harbour, from where you will visit Holy Island by boat. Pilgrims travelled to this island until the mid-19th century. You will see the ruins of five churches, early monastic cells, a pre-12th century cemetery and a round tower. After this visit you will have time for a stroll through the village and drop into the pub for a glass of porter. Back to the riding centre for a delicious dinner.
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): Slieve Aughty Mountains Ride & Portumna Castle Visit
On today’s ride, you will ride into the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains and enjoy fascinating views over the majestic River Shannon. In the afternoon you will get to visit the Portumna workhouse museum, where the poor and destitute took shelter many years ago during the famine times.
You will also visit the impressive Portumna Castle of the 17th century with it’s beautifully restored walled garden. The 4th Earl of Clanricade built this Renaissance castle and lived a lavish life here.
You will also have time for shopping in the town or enjoy another Irish pub.
Relax by the peat fire and a traditional home cooked dinner back at the riding centre.
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 4 (Tuesday): Country Ride & Pallas Castle Ruins Visit
This morning’s ride will take you on quiet tracks through Ireland’s beautiful rural countryside. This afternoon’s visit will bring you to the ruins of Pallas castle, one of the best preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the Irish gentry in the 15th century.
In the evening you will enjoy your dinner again at the riding centre.
Riding approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Bogs & Dolmens Ride
Today is a full day ride. The morning ride brings us across the magical landscape of bog and heather. We will have our lunch picnic out on the trail, where we meet our minibus with all the supplies for horses & riders. On the afternoon ride we will pass by a typical Celtic dolmen, which is believed to be 5000 years old! The ride will finish on a field where the horses are happily turned out.
Tonight is the final dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.
Riding approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 6 (Thursday): slan abhaile
After breakfast it is time to say “slan abhaile” and to get ready for the transfer (if booked) back to Shannon.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non-Riders
Non-riders are also welcome, there is plenty to for them to do including hiking, cycling, sightseeing, fishing, golf etc

Rates and Dates for Castles & Monastic Ruins

Dates Note: Custom dates can be arranged for groups of 4+ pax

Other Info
Meeting: Whitegate
Airport: Shannon
Transfer: Shannon

Climate:
                                               Whitegate area

• PAS 015:1998
• SNELL E2001
• ASTM F1163
• AS/NZS3838 2003
• VG1 01.040 2014-12