SLIGO TRAIL, CO.SLIGO - UNGUIDED - IRELAND
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Family run business established more than 30 years ago by the current owners. The farm is situated in the most beautiful and untouched area of Eire, directly on the North West Atlantic coastline. There is a choice of a based holiday and four circular routes which meander through the glorious Donegal and Sligo countryside. Ride along miles of glorious golden sands, cross rivers, ride through the forests and along the cliffs and admire the glorious countryside of mountains, lakes and green fields. Donegal is the wildest and most romantic of the Irish counties.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - SLIGO TRAIL, CO.SLIGO - UNGUIDED
Day 1
Arrive at the farm by mid-day in order to meet your horse and have a short trial ride to become acquainted. You will recieve your saddlebags and maps for the following day where your horse riding holiday adventure truely begins. You will spend overnight either at the farm or very close nearby.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast proceed to the stables to prepare your horse for the trail: you will be instructed in saddling up (in case you're not too sure) and on how to read your map. You will ride fromt he farm along the shore to Dernish Island, watch out for the colony of seals and to Streedagh Beach where three ships of the Spanish Armada went aground in 1588 uust a short distance off shore. You can now enjoy a gallop along a wonderful golden sandy beach. Overnight at Streedagh Point. Approx. 4-5 hours riding. As this day's riding is controlled by the tides the starting out times varies.
Day 3
Today you will ride along old cart tracks and bogland with benbulben on your left and the Atlantic on your right. in the distance you can see Inishmurry Island, an ancient monastic island, about 5 miles off the coast, which was founded around 500 A.D. Now proceed to Trawbawn for a little gallop - the name in English means White Sands, continue on down to ballyconnell and on to your next overnight stop at a family guesthouse. Approx. riding time 4-5 hours .
Day 4
Head for Ardtarmon Strand passing the lovely Ardtarmon Catle on the way along to Lissadell Beach. You will pass the historical Lissadell house, family home of Countess Constance Markievicz and extolled in poetry by WB Yeats. 'The light of evening, Lissadell, great windows open to the south, two girls in silk kimonos both beautiful, one a gazelle'. On leaving the beach you no head for the foot of benbulben from where there are breathtaking views over Sligo Bay. At this point it is only a short tax ride Sligo to experience the music and the Irish pubs. riding time approx 5 hours.
Day 5
This day takes you along the shores of Glencar Lake and Glencar Waterfalls 'Where the wondering water gushes from the hills above Glencar ' (Yeats) and along an old shepherd's path to Hangman's Hill. this pass will bring you to 1000ft from where you will have magnificent views over a vast area. Today's riding time is about 4-5 hours. If you can spare the time do try to visit Park's Castle on the shores of Lough Gill.
Day 6
Follow country lanes to the picturesque village of Dromhair and then make your way along by Creevalea Abbey to the beautiful Lough Gill, watch out for the Isle of Inishfree on your right. On leaving the lake you will ride through Slishwood and along small country lanes to your next overnight stop. riding time about 5-6 hours.
Day 7
Today you will ride thorugh Ballygawley Wood and through union wood, where you might spot some deer, along Union Lough and head for the Atlantic Coast again, from Culleenamore Strand you will have miles of beaches ahead of you right around the golf course and Strandhill Village to Gibralter Point (this day is governed by the tides). Overnight at Strandhill. Approx riding time 5-6 hours.
Day 8
Next morning after breakfast you and your equine friend will be collected and taken back to the farm.
NOTES - SLIGO TRAIL, CO.SLIGO - UNGUIDED
You will be given saddlebags in which to pack your change of clothes and overnight gear. A tip: wrap your clothes in two plastic bags to keep the rain out in case you get caught in any rain. Alternatively, for a small extra charge, your suitcases can be taken on ahead of you to await your arrival at each B&B. Most of the B&Bs will do evening meals at an extra (but reasonable) cost - have Euros available to pay the landlady.
GETTING THERE
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 16st /224 lb/102 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Hire of your horse, saddle bags and all equipment for the duration of the trail
Return mini-coach trip to local pubs/restaurants when staying at the farmhouse on the first night for the Trail riders and every night for the base stay riders
Bed & Breakfast
Overnight accommodation
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Lunches, evening meals and drinks, transfers and flights to and from Knock. Luggage transport daily can be arranged for an extra fee.
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