Ring of Kerry Ride 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.  Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Killarney town Airport: Shannon, Cork, or Kerry Transfer: Shannon, Cork or Kerry Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Easiest connection is via train from Dublin (Heuston Station) or flight to Kerry airport

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

                                                    Cork area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	49	49	51	55	60	64	67	67	63	58	53	50
Average Low Temperature (°F)	39	39	41	43	47	51	55	55	52	48	43	41
Average High Temperature (°C)	9	9	11	13	15	18	20	20	17	14	11	10
Average Low Temperature (°C)	4	4	5	6	8	11	13	13	11	9	6	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	17	14	15	12	14	12	12	13	13	15	15	17

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The song ‘Four Seasons in One Day’ should have been written about Ireland. The weather can vary so much in one day that it is advisable to bring at least a light rain jacket when visiting this beautiful country. June is typically the driest month and the winter months of December and January the wettest.

Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish weather usually brings mild winters with temperatures in the coldest months of January and February which sometimes can fall below freezing; however this is not a regular occurrence. The warmest periods occur between May – September and the best part is the 18 hours of sunlight each day. You can enjoy some glorious sunshine in Ireland, contrary to belief, and the long light of summer days can make exploring Killarney even more beautiful.

Riders must wear hard hats!
The riding center has several models to choose from, but you might be better off to bring your own that fits. If you need to borrow one, please inform Hidden Trails at the time of booking. 

A client's helmet will need to meet one of these standards:

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

Other items

• 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

**No ponchos, plastic or cycling capes allowed.  Clients will not be permitted to wear these for riding!**

Saddle Bags
Saddle bags are provided but typically only suited to carrying the following items due to space: Raincoat and Rainproof over pants, a water-bottle, extra sweater, your camera, small bag with personal items.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Comfortable breeches

Riding boots

Riding helmet with chinstrap, or suitable harness that keeps the helmet on & in place. (MANDATORY)

Riding gloves

Warm clothing

Rain jacket and pants that fit over riding clothes. Full length rain coats should be secured around legs so as to not flap in the wind.

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

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

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 32 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 dagmar hoheneck 10/28/2022 richard martin 9/10/2019 richard martin 9/6/2019 constance hickman 9/7/2018 irene cunningham 7/27/2018 patricia biehl 7/20/2018 nancy siemsen 9/29/2017 sandra louise smith 7/28/2017 jacqueline pelot 7/15/2017 nora stephens 7/5/2016 kelly long 10/1/2014 elaine czarnecki 9/4/2013 janet eddy 5/31/2013 leslyn mccallum 6/22/2012 maureen emery 8/14/2010 wendy wilcoxon 7/9/2010 sheila denike 10/3/2009 lisa iaria 10/18/2008 linda steinhoff 8/8/2008 birgitte bech 8/4/2008 cheryl vergut 7/9/2008 lisa iaria 10/29/2007 judith del vecchio 10/8/2007 claire carey 10/8/2007 sharon grefrath 10/6/2007 ann williams 10/5/2007 florence sommerich 10/5/2007 janet ferguson 9/7/2007 joanne moore 6/23/2007 lori faucon 3/14/2007 patricia kiorpes 7/24/2005 cherie faucon

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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English trail saddles with saddlebag
Horses:		Irish Sports Horses (Irish Drafts, Irish Cobs, Percheron Crosses)
Pace:		Moderate to intermediate with trots, canters and gallops 4+ hours in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max None
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

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.

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.