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.
Day 5
Thursday: Starting at Cloona just outside of Westport and we take the Skelp Ride which brings us towards the east side of Croagh Patrick (Ireland's Holy Mountain which has been a site of worship for over 3,000 years.). This mountain path gives us a great view of Clew Bay. We ride through Prospect and picnic near the ruins of a holmestead which dates back to pre famine times. Then on to Teevnacroagha where we ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland's patron saint) and Brackloon before finishing the day at Cloona.
Day 6
Friday : For the final day of our trail we make our way to Doughmakeon and to ride the beach at Carrowniskey before crossing the Carrowniskey river and on to Cross Strand. There are ample opportunities to gallop today. We picnic next to Clapper Bridge (the bridge with the eyes). We can see the coastline of Connemara in the distance. There are many standing stones in the area dating back to megalithic times. We ride along Cross Strand and Carrowniskey beach again before returning to our base where you will say goodbye to your equine companion.
This evening we will have a farewell dinner with your host, Padriac in one of Westports finest restaurants.
Day 7
Saturday: Depart after breakfast with fond memories of your equestrian adventure.
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.
2023Dates & Prices
6 nights 5 days £1575 pp
single room supplement £275, non-rider £450pp
April 16th to April 22nd
April 23rd to April 29th
April 30th to May 6th
May 7th to May 13th
May 14th to May 20th
May 21st to May 27th
May 28th to June 3rd
June 4th to June 10th
June 11th to June 17th
June 18th to June 24th
June 25th to July 1st
July 2nd to July 8th
July 9th to July 15th
July 16th to July 22nd
July 23rd to July 29th
July 30th to August 5th
August 6th to August 12th
August 13th to August 19th
August 20th to August 26th
August 27th to September 2nd
September 3rd to September 9th
September 10th to September 16th
September 17th to September 23rd
September 24th to September 30th
October 1st to October 7th
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.
Extra nights can be booked before or after the trails.
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 : €1200 Shannon : €750 Knock : €250
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.