Overview
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 the horses for lunch to Williamstad House - a beautiful landlord residence of the 18th century.
Details
| Duration: |
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6 days (5 nights) |
| Tour Dates 2013: |
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Fixed dates: 27 April - 02 May, 25 - 30 May, 15 - 20 June, 6 - 11 July, 24 - 29 August, 21 - 26 September, 12 - 17 October
And other dates on request for groups
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| Level: |
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Moderate. Participants need to be able to trot, canter and gallop. |
| Equipment: |
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All tack for horses is provided and helmets for riders. All other riding equipment, such as rain gear, boots, jodhpurs, gloves etc has to be provided by the participant. |
| Accommodation: |
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Renovated Farmhouse |
| Meals: |
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5 Full Irish breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 traditionnal dinners are included. |
| Transfers: |
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All luggage transfers required as part of the riding programme. Transfer to and from Shannon Airport to the riding centre on day of arrival and departure can be arranged at a cost of €35 per person each way. |
| Miscellaneous: |
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Non-riders are also welcome, the rate is €665.00 pps.
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| Meeting Point: |
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If transfer from Shannon Airport is required you will be met at the meeting point in the arrival’s hall of Shannon Airport and brought to the Riding Centre. This has to be booked in advance. |
Visit our 'Getting Here' page for more transport information and options.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Saturday
Arrival in Shannon airport and transfer (if booked) to your Riding Centre which takes approximately 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 mapped nearby East Clare Walking Trail. In the evening, you will get to know all your fellow riders for this week. You will have dinner in the tastefully restored 300 year old farmhouse in the Riding Centre by candlelight and open turf fire.
DAY 2 - Sunday
After breakfast we will go out to the horses and every rider can get used to his own horse for the next days by brushing and tacking it itself - don't worry there are always lots of helping hands around you! Our first ride (2 and 1/2 hours) brings us up into the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with fascinating views over the majestic River Shannon. 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 mid-19th century. You will see the ruins of five churches, early monastic cells, a pre-12th century cemetery and an 80 foot round tower. Back to the riding centre for a delicious dinner.
DAY 3 - Monday
Today is a full day ride. The 2 hours morning ride brings us through typical rural farmland to the former landlord's residence of Williamstad house. You will have lunch here and time to visit the lovingly restored 18th century property with its beautiful garden. The 2 hours afternoon ride brings us back into the Slieve Aughty Mountains. After dinner you can join us to enjoy the locals on a visit an Irish village pub.
DAY 4 - Tuesday
This morning's ride (2 and 1/2 hours) will take you on forest tracks and small country lanes across beautiful Irish countryside. In the afternoon you will get to visit the impressive Portumna Castle of the 17th century. You will also have time for shopping in the town. Relax by the peat fire and a traditional home cooked dinner.
DAY 5 - Wednesday
On your last ride (2 and 1/2 hours) you will enjoy the beauty of the magical landscape of bog and heather. This afternoon's visit will bring you to Pallas castle, one of the best preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the 14th century. Final dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.
DAY 6 - Thursday
After breakfast it is time to say "Slan abhaile" and to get ready for the transfer (if booked) back to Shannon.
The Itinerary might change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control without prior notice...
Accommodation & Price
Price 2013
- Price €885.00 per person sharing
- Non-riders are welcome, the rate is €665.00 pps
All prices are in EURO, and based on per person sharing. Per person sharing means two people in one room.
Single Supplement of €75.00 will be applied to those booking a single room, or those booking a place as an individual where no suitable person is available to share a room and a single room is allocated.
Transfers to and from the Riding Centre have to be booked in advance.
