YEATS TRAIL - UNGUIDED - IRELAND

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A 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 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 colourful meadows often full of wild flowers.

Trip length 5 days (including arrival day) and 4 nights B&B Ride only price 2008 departures from 5th July to 24th August £495, all other dates £439 Departure dates Departures Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 24th April to early November. Approximate riding time per day 4 - 5 hours per day Riding ability required Confident to walk, trot and canter. Min age 21. Group size 2 to 6 Meeting point At the Farm in Co. Sligo Transfer Either let us organise the taxi trips from Knock (taxi fare approx £50 return) or Sligo airports (approx £25 return) per person or make your own arrangements on arrival. Flight guide Knock or Sligo airports. Ryanair; BMI; Aer Arann - from approx £60 return Single supplement Single rooms cannot be guaranteed on the trail

SAMPLE ITINERARY - YEATS TRAIL - UNGUIDED

Day 1
Arrive at the Farm by midday where your horse riding holiday begins with a warm Irish welcome and a welcoming cup and tea or coffee. Relax and admire the view from the windows over the sea and Dernish Island opposite the farmhouse. After you've had a chance to relax you head to the stables where you discuss the type of horse you want and then meet that horse, prepare him for your introductory ride and then head out for a one to two hour trial ride along the green lanes, dunes and beaches. Assuming you're happy with your horse then he's yours for the duration of your trail: if you have any concerns you'll be offered another horse and another ride to try him out. You will receive your saddlebags and maps and the spend overnight at the farm or a nearby guesthouse.

Day 2
After a hearty Irish breakfast and packing your saddle bags (you can get 4 days gear in them!), head to the stables after breakfast, after receiving a thorough briefing on the Trail you'll preparing your horse and be shown how to attach the saddle bags to the saddle. You then ride along paths and quiet lanes and , depending on the state of the tide, you can either stop at a pub for a pint of the black stuff or carry on to Streedagh beach and Dernish Island, where three ships of the Spanish Armada went aground in 1588. Experience the gallop of a lifetime on the wonderful long golden sandy beach of Streedagh and then cross the inlet back to the quiet lanes and your local guesthouse nearby. It's just a few minutes to walk to the local pub for dinner in the evening.

Day 3
With Benbulben towering on your left and the Atlantic on your right, ride along cart tracks, bogland paths and small country lanes to Trawbawn (White Sands in English). About 7km offshore you can see Inishmurray Island - it has a monastic settlement founded about 500AD. You will enjoy an unforgettable view from Cullumore cliffs over Sligo Bay as far as the coastline of County Mayo. Ride past the hedges of wild fuschia (late May and June are best to see it in flower), the meadows of ox eye daisies and poppies and all the time you're surrounded by singing skylarks above you. Follow the way to your next overnight stop in a family guesthouse. A short taxi ride can take you to a local pub or restaurant for dinner.

Day 4
Head for Ardtarmon Castle on the way to Lissadell Beach. You will pass by the historic Lissadell House, family home of Countess Markievicz and extolled in poetry by W.B. Yeats. After enjoying some exhilerating gallops along Lissadell Beach you leave the shore and ride along quiet lanes to where you can tie up your horse and enjoy a pint in a roadside pub. Then the scenery changes and you climb steadily up towards the foothills of Benbulben, you ride through a forest, along some board walks, and when you come out at the other side you will have fantastic views over Sligo Bay, arriving at Drumcliffe to overnight at a modern guesthouse. The local pub restaurant is a few minutes walk away and you can walk off the superb meals by taking a stroll to visit Drumcliffe Churchyard nearby and visit the grave of W.B. Yeats.

Day 5
After breakfast we will come and collect you and your horse to return to the farm.

NOTES - YEATS TRAIL - UNGUIDED

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
Some lunches, dinners, personal drinks

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