Ring of Kerry Ride

Introduction
Kerry Ireland
Ireland's beautiful wilderness, mysteries and brilliant shades of green make this land stand alone among earth’s natural wonders as Ireland itself stands alone on the edge of the continent of Europe. Explore the highlands of Kerry with us, taking in the majestic MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. This ride covers a variety of terrain - country lanes, forests, mountain tracks, bogs and some of the beaches at Waterville and on to the magnificent 6.4km (4 miles) stretch of golden sand at Rossbeigh. The Iveragh Peninsula stretches south-west from Killarney and has many places of historic and archaeological interest along the world renowned Ring of Kerry.

A typical day starts, after a hearty breakfast after which the horses are presented to the riders, ready to go on their day's adventure. There is approximately five hours of riding time to explore the bountiful green landscape per day with a lunch break in the middle. At the end of the day, the horses are handed over to the groom and the riders are transported to their bed & breakfast for the evening. You then have your evenings free to explore the nearby towns of the area. Two of the towns we visit are small seaside resorts and three nights are spent in Killarney, a tourist haven of shopping, restaurants and pubs with lively and traditional Irish music. Riders and guides meet on the Saturday to get to know each other and on Sunday we will start our trek to the Ring of Kerry and up into the mountains. One high-lighted destination is Lake Caragh, to which we ride to through a vibrant landscape with rogue cloud formations roaming overhead ,which bathe the hillside in intermittent splashes of sunlight, forming a strange halo over the valley. Crayola Crayons, in their box of 500 colors, has yet to capture all the shades of green featured in Ireland’s countryside....The trail is led at all times by an experienced guide(s) and we are happy to take special care of any nervous  or timid riders. Accommodations are in Killarney, Glenbeigh and Waterville. Luggage is transferred by vehicle to each accommodation. 

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying in prearranged accommodation in top class hotels/guesthouses and B&B's along the trail. Rooms are based on double/twin occupancy with private bath. All rooms contain TV, telephone, hairdryer, and WIFI. Laundry is available for an additional cost.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Killarney
Night 2 & 3: Accommodation in Glenbeigh
Night 4 & 5:Accommodation in Waterville
Night 6: Accommodation in Killarney

The 4-day program includes accommodation in Killarney for the first night and in Glenbeigh for the 2 remaining nights.

Accommodation in Killarney
You are usually accommodated at a historic guesthouse in the city center.

Accommodation in Glenbeigh
Whenever possible we stay in a beautiful Victorian Style hotel that offers comfortable rooms.

Accommodation in Waterville
Our preferred accommodation in Waterville is a small B&B with scenic views over  the bay and mountains.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is not possible.
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.


Meals
Breakfast and lunches are included in the package price. Dinner is not included

Breakfast is at the accommodations; full Irish or continental style breakfast.
Lunch is usually picnic style out on the trail (bread, fruit, meat, cheese etc.) tea/coffee/water. 
For dinner the group meets in quality local restaurants and orders a la carte. *Dinners are usually 12 - 15 Euros in price.

Alcohol is not included, but can be purchased at the restaurants.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Rider Requirements
We require that all riders participating are able to walk, trot and canter competently in an English saddle. We advise western riders to take some English Style lessons before participating on this trip in order to familiarize themselves with English tack and style of riding.

Stables & Horses
Approved by the Irish Tourist Board and the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, the Stables are home to some 70 horses who have been pampered even more than usual with the recent completion of new stabling constructed to the very highest standards. The reliable and friendly horses are a mix of Irish breeds and there is an equine partner suitable for everyone!

Tack
All horses have English saddles and bridles. The saddles we predominantly use are the ‘Swiss Ranger’ saddle, made by Peter August Spirig (Switzerland). These saddles are designed for comfort for the long distance rider and their horse. So extra gel pads etc. are not necessary, but if riders wish to bring them, they are more than welcome to!

Safety Instructions
At all times the trail is accompanied by an experienced guide and special care is taken of nervous riders.
Please, listen to our guides instructions and respect them. Also, feel free to ask for clarification if you do not understand any instruction from your guide.
Trail riding involves long and hard hours on both horses and riders, so it is up to the guide to dictate the pace and at no time is anyone allowed to by-pass the leader or set the pace. Any person behaving in a manner deemed likely to cause an accident or disregarding the instructions of the guide(s) will be removed from the ride, please take heed! Do not hold your horse back so you can trot/canter or gallop to catch up to the rest of the group.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 7-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
There are no formal plans and no riding on this day as riders will be checking in at different times throughout the day (check-in before 6pm, if later you must advise us in advance). At the stables, you will meet with one member of the O’Sullivan Family and discuss experience level and general trail ride information. You will then be taken to your overnight accommodation in the Killarney area. We try to keep all riders at the same location each night so if you don’t bump into any of the others on Saturday evening, you will easily identify the people in riding clothes at breakfast on Sunday morning.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Killarney

Day 2 (Sunday): Seefinn Mountain to Mountain Stage
With riders, horses and all luggage ready for transfer, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, where the first days ride starts. When horses and riders have been introduced, the ride heads off and up over the Windy Gap, viewing the splendor of Caragh Lake and the valley beyond. The ride then continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain, followed by a scenic ride over some Irish Bog and finishing for the day at our stable in Mountain Stage.
The overnight stops for Sunday and Monday nights are by the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). Surrounded almost entirely by mountains, Glenbeigh offers a famous friendliness and humor. The beauty of the area is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. History is evident throughout the locality and such a destination as Winn’s Folly Castle is well worth a visit.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Glenbeigh

Day 3 (Monday): Mountain Stage to the Beach
Transfer to the horses. Ride from Lake Garagh on the slopes of the coastal mountains down to the long beaches of Glenbeigh. You can spend the whole day in long gallops. You will ride over sandy beach, through dunes and enjoy the wonderful view over to Dingle Bay. Lunch on the beach. In the afternoon over the Cliff Road back to the stables and overnight in Glenbeigh.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Glenbeigh

Day 4 (Tuesday): Kells Station to Tulligane Woods
Breakfast. A morning ride takes horse and rider from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, taking in some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surroundings. Lunch is served alongside a nearby forestry. After lunch continue on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley.  Finishing for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods.
The overnight stop for Tuesday and Wednesday is spent by the coastal village of Waterville. Waterville (the little whirlpool), nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and Atlantic Ocean, in the very centre of south-west Kerry. Situated as it is between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, the area has many interesting routes to offer and many fine beaches. The first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near Waterville. These beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the archaeological remains such as those found on Church Island, at Derrynane Abbey or Skellig Micheal, giving the area a wealth of history.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Waterville

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride around Waterville
An adventurous morning is spent in the Tulligane Woods. Lunch along side the Inny River at an old-school house. Afterwards, a scenic ride into Waterville via the Old Glencar/Waterville road, along the shores of the famous fishing lake, Lough Currane.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Waterville

Day 6 (Thursday): Waterville Beach, Hoggs Head & Ballinskelligs Bay
The day begins with a brisk ride to Waterville Beach, spending the morning enjoying some exciting gallops. The panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay concludes the afternoon ride in Waterville. Afterwards, both horses and riders are transferred back to Killarney.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Killarney

Day 7 (Friday): Departure
Breakfast & Departure. If you need to arrange transfers etc. or need bus or trail times its best do all this on check-in on the previous Saturday.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 4-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
There are no formal plans and no riding on this day as riders will be checking in at different times throughout the day (check-in before 6pm, if later you must advise us in advance). At the stables, you will meet with one member of the O’Sullivan Family and discuss experience level and general trail ride information. You will then be taken to your overnight accommodation in the Killarney area. We try to keep all riders at the same location each night so if you don’t bump into any of the others on Saturday evening, you will easily identify the people in riding clothes at breakfast on Sunday morning.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Killarney

Day 2 (Sunday): Seefinn Mountain to Mountain Stage
With riders, horses and all luggage ready for transfer, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, where the first days ride starts. When horses and riders have been introduced, the ride heads off and up over the Windy Gap, viewing the splendor of Caragh Lake and the valley beyond. The ride then continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain, followed by a scenic ride over some Irish Bog and finishing for the day at our stable in Mountain Stage.
The overnight stops for Sunday and Monday nights are by the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). Surrounded almost entirely by mountains, Glenbeigh offers a famous friendliness and humor. The beauty of the area is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. History is evident throughout the locality and such a destination as Winn’s Folly Castle is well worth a visit.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Glenbeigh

Day 3 (Monday): Mountain Stage to the Beach
Transfer to the horses. Ride from Lake Garagh on the slopes of the coastal mountains down to the long beaches of Glenbeigh. You can spend the whole day in long gallops. You will ride over sandy beach, through dunes and enjoy the wonderful view over to Dingle Bay. Lunch on the beach. In the afternoon over the Cliff Road back to the stables and overnight in Glenbeigh.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Glenbeigh

Day 4 (Tuesday): Departure
Breakfast & Departure. If you need to arrange transfers etc. or need bus or trail times its best do all this on check-in on the previous Saturday.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Ring of Kerry Ride

Dates Note: Custom dates might be possible for groups of 4+ riders

Other Info
Meeting: Killarney town
Airport: Shannon, Cork, or Kerry
Transfer: Shannon, Cork or Kerry

Climate:
                                                    Cork area

• EN 1384:1996
• PAS 015:1998
• SNELL E2001
• ASTM F1163
• BSEN 14572
• BSEN 1384:1997

• Regular comfortable riding wear (jodphurs, boots, helmet).
• Either tall riding boots / or short paddock boots with half or full chaps (footwear must be with heel).
• Jeans are not suitable or recommended - unless you typically ride with jeans & chaps at home.
• Light sweaters for summer, heavy sweaters for spring or autumn.
• Riding crop & gloves.
• Good quality waterproof raincoat and waterproof rain pants