Day 1
Sunday : On arrival to Westport, check in to your accommodation which is where you will be staying for the trail. We will transfer you to and from your B&B to your horses who will be ready for you at your new starting point each day.
Day 2
Monday: Transfer to our stud and riding centre to meet your host Padraic, your horse and the other riders. After an assessment ride in the indoor arena, riders and horses are transferred to the village of Aughagower for the Aughagower Ride. This takes us through the villages of Curvey, Lankill and Knappagh Beg where we picnic on the shores of Knappagh Lake, then on to Drumhill before returning to Aughagower via Peggy's Boreen. After riding there is a chance for riders to visit the round tower and monastic site which dates back to the 7th century.
Day 3
Tuesday: We start at the village of Culeen for the Culeen Ride. This ride takes us to the west of Croagh Patrick, through quiet country lanes at Kilsallagh and Kinnock and then to bog roads at Dereen where we will have some long canters. We picnic on the bog and get to see the harvesting of the bog peat at close hand. We then return via a river crossing at Bellakip to finish the day at Culeen.
Day 4
Wednesday: Today we start at Formoyle for the Feenone Ride. This takes us over a mountain pass, close to a megalithic burial site (one of many in the area), through the Carrowniskey River and on to the bog roads at Feenone. Clare Island (Grainne Uaile, Ireland’s famous Pirate Queen resided there in the 1500,s and controlled all the waters of Clew Bay) and Inishturk Island can clearly be seen. We then head for Carrowniskey beach where we can canter and gallop before returning to base. Now it is time to say goodbye to your lovely horse.
Day 5
Thursday: Depart after breakfast.
Note : The Itinerary of The Clew Bay Trail Ride may change slightly due to circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather, tidal variations etc. and we reserve the right to change this without prior notice.
2022 Dates & Prices
4 nights 3 days £975 pp
single room supplement £130 non-rider £275
April 24th to April 28th
May 1st to May 5th
May 8th to May 12th
May 15th to May 19th
May 22nd to May 26th
May 29th to June 2nd
June 5th to June 9th
June 12th to June 16th
June 19th to June 23rd
June 26th to June 30th
July 3rd to July 7th
July 10th to July 14th
July 17th to July 21st
July 24th to July 28th
July 31st to August 4th
August 7th to August 11th
August 21st to August 25th
August 28th to September 1st
September 4th to September 8th
September 11th to September 15th
September 18th to September 22nd
September 25th to September 29th
October 2nd to October 6th
We also have a 7 day trail running on the same dates Clew Bay Trail Ride
RIDING ABILITY
You need not be an expert to ride our trail as we take great care to ensure that each rider is matched with a suitable horse, however you should be able to ride securely and confidently at a walk, trot and canter in open country.
Riding Level : intermediate.
Fitness Level : you should be reasonably fit and we suggest you go riding a couple of times a week before coming on our trail.
Pace : this is a progressive ride with the pace varying from slow to fast depending on terrain and weather conditions.
Tack : English.
Note : upper weight limit of 90 kg (200 lbs).
Group size : 2 to 8 people (for private groups this can be increased to 10).
For groups of 4 or more there is an accompanying backup guide.
Hard hats (which we have available if you do not bring your own) and boots with a heel must be worn to comply with insurance regulations.
We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and layers of clothing to cope with changing weather conditions.
Children 12 years and over are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
OUR HORSES
Ireland is known as The Land Of The Horse. A temperate climate and good soil conditions make it an ideal place to raise horses. An ability to cross any country has ensured that the Irish Horse is surefooted and looks after it's rider. The Irish people have a natural affinity with the horse and this is evident in the horses they have. The majority of our trail horses have competition experience and have been started by us.
Featured Breeds : Connemara Ponies, Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts or Irish Cobs.
Size : 13.2hh (138cm) to 16.2hh (168 cms).
Suitability : good temperaments and stamina make our horses ideal for the trail.
We normally have at least 10 horses available for the trail.
ACCOMMODATION
The guest house accommodation is carefully chosen and is located either in or close to Westport Town. They are approved by the Irish Tourist Board and provide a quality personal service. The bedrooms, which are en-suite are both comfortable and relaxing. Various breakfast options are available including Full Irish and continental. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. As the accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis this gives you the opportunity to choose from the many fine, award winning restaurants in Westport for your evening meal.
Picnic lunches on the trail consist of sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks etc. and can be tailored to individual needs.
Additional Information
The Itinerary of The Clew Bay Trail Ride may change slightly due to circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather, tidal variations etc. and we reserve the right to change this without prior notice.
How to Get Here
Dublin :165 miles, Shannon :125 miles, Knock :40 miles
Return Airport Transfers Per Vehicle (up to 8 people)
Dublin : €800 Shannon : €595 Knock : €175
Train from Dublin (Heuston) direct to Westport.
Bus from Dublin, Shannon, Knock.
Free collection from Westport Train Station and Bus Depot
We inspect all the horses and ponies on our horse riding holidays on a regular basis to ensure the best quality riding holiday for you.
Have a riding refresher and get fit for your trail ride, we have a great range of horse riding holidays as well as riding breaks in Cheshire offering tuition in all disciplines and hacking out on well trained horses into Delamere Forest. Please have a browse through our full range of equestrian holidays.
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.