Unicorn Trails is delighted to offer a full range of horse riding holidays in Ireland. There isn't better scenery to explore on horeseback than in the Emerald Isle. Flights are plentiful and, as Ireland is the home of a budget airline, prices can be low.
Ireland is a horseman's paradise - lots of wide open spaces, good riding, beautiful scenery and excellent horses. The Irish are simply passionate about their horses. It is truly a land of horses and horse people. You'll be captivated by the gentle charm of the Irish and their warm hospitality.
The island of Ireland lies in the North Atlantic Ocean with its east coast separated from mainland Britain by the Irish Sea. In 1920 the island was divided in two parts. The southern portion is the larger and contains 26 counties. This area is the Republic of Ireland, commonly called just 'The South', or in the Gaelic language 'Eire'. Its capital city in Dublin. The smaller section with just 6 counties is Northern Ireland which forms part of the UK. Its capital is Belfast. These two sections have had their polital and religous differences but these days they are friendly towards each other and wherever you go on your horse riding holiday you'll encounter great Irish 'craic'. What is 'craic'? Well even the Irish would hard pushed to define it but basically it's fun, friendly banter, good conversation and hospitality. Pubs offer 'good craic here' and well as a good pint of Guinness!
The area of Ireland is much smaller than Japan but is has a magnificent 5630 kilometres of glorious sandy coastline. No part of the country is more than 112 km from the sea. The western coast is rugged with steep cliffs and valleys that run down to the ocean. Erosion has resulted in the creation hundreds of small islands just off the coast. This is the area of Ireland that is world renowned for its magnificent scenery. The surface of Ireland is like a bowl, with the center low and flat and mountains around the edges. The main mountain ranges include the Mourne Mountains in the northeast, the mountains of Donegal in the north, the Sperrin Mountains in the northwest, the Maumturk Mountains in the west, the Caha Mountains in the southwest, the Boggeragh Mountains in the south, and the Wicklow Mountains in the east. The island is called the Emerald Isle because the moutains are beautiful green in colour. Discover all this glorious scenery on your Irish riding holiday - but beware we can't guarantee the weather and you should be prepared for a shower or two.
We have carefully selected some excellent equestrian holidays throughout Ireland. Below you'll find details of the various locations.
Horse riding holidays in County Wicklow.
County Wicklow is the land of forests, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. It is situated between Dublin and Wicklow with the Irish sea to its east. UK visitors may recognise the village of Avoca which doubled as Ballykissangel in the television drama of that name. Our riding holiday here is The Wicklow Trail which follows a large circuit of the extremely scenic Wicklow Mountains, stopping at fun friendly accommodations overnight. These mountains are scenic, yet only a short drive away from Dublin.
Horse riding holidays in County Kerry.
County Kerry has the best scenery in Ireland and offers fantastic horse riding holidays. Here you'll find the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrantoohill, but the stunning Iveragh Peninsula is its key asset. It is without equal. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic 180 mile route that circles the peninsular. The Beargha Peninsula is less well known, and relatively unexplored and the narrow Dingle Peninsula has wonderful beaches. The town of Dingle is the westernmost town in Europe. Unicorn's horseback vacation in Co Kerry takes riders through the Killarney National Park, exploring the highlands, riding over mountain passes, beside lakes, galloping along miles of golden beaches and walking over Irish bog lands. Experience the renowned charm of the region and the tranquility of some truly impressive and beautiful scenery. The Irish bred horses are willing, reliable and safe allowing you time to take in the sights. Knowledgeable, experienced guides lead all the trails and riders are split by ability so no-one's enjoyment is spoilt. We also offer a short break option, perfect for UK and European riders.
Over three quarters of County Clare is ocean coastline but it's main feature is The Burren - a beautiful limestone area overlooking Galway Bay. The flora and fauna in this region is excellent - with vast colonies of seabirds and unique plants growing in the limestone fissures. Our riding holiday here through this wonderful scenery is aptly named The Clare-Burren Trail. There isn't a better way to explore the region than on horseback.
Horse riding holidays in County Donegal.
County Donegal, argueably the wilest and romantic county, is Ireland in minature with all the feaures of Ireland represented - heather moors, mountains, rich farmlands and rugged coastal cliffs. Unicorn has several riding holidays in County Donegal and neighbouring County Sligo. Some are based stays and others are unguided trails, but the trails are easy to follow.
The visits by Nobel Prize winner W.B. Yeats (pronounced Yates) and his artist brother has made County Sligo famous. here you'll find prehistoric sites and many stone circles. The coastline is particularly scenic. We offer the Yeats Trail in one of the most untouched areas of Ireland. As with the Donegal rides you have the choice of several horseridng options - a based stay or different unguided trails to choose from.
Horse riding holidays in County Westmeath.
County Westmeath is a landlocked county of tranquil beauty with lakes, wooded countryside, and and untamed bogland which produces a unique habitat for flora and fauna. Here Unicorn has a special ride which we've called Instruction In Ireland. Come here to improve your cross country technique, showjumping and dressage. As well as 380 acres of farmland with varied jumps to tackle there are also full size indoor and outdoor schools to perfect your skills regardless of your current ability . There are lots of small logs and simple jumps for those who want to just have some fun but also jumps that are of intermediate horse trial standard. If you're not interested in jumping and dressage why not simply trek around the farm and country lanes at leisure. Trail ride through the beautiful Slieve Bloom mountains here in Ireland. Whether you're a complete novice and have never ridden a horse before or a seasoned horseman looking for something more challenging, you will find the experience here both rewarding and highly enjoyable.
Horse riding holidays at Castle Leslie.
Have we saved the best till last? Well maybe because in County Monaghan we offer a horse riding holiday from our premier range. Castle Leslie has welcomed many a celebrity and it was here that Sir Paul McCartney was married. This is an idyllic setting for an equestrain vacation - over a thousand acres of low rolling hills, parkland and lakes to explore on horseback. Tuition is also available - there are frequent clinics by top competition riders . 300 cross country jumps are part of a top quality range of facilities. Accommodation is in the four star Hunting Lodge right next to the riding centre with it’s own cellar bar and brasserie as and organic Victoria Spa. This is truly the perfect setting for a luxury horse riding break in Ireland.
In summary - Ireland offers some of the best horse riding holidays in the world, togther with the warmest hospitality. If you'd like to extend your holiday we have several suggestions such as a few nights in trendy, lively Dublin. Give us a call to discuss options.
At least one of the horse riding holidays in Ireland offered by Unicorn Trails is applicable to at least one of the following ride categories. To learn more about a category just click on the link.
beach horse riding holidays
premier horse riding holiday
trail riding horseback holidays
unguided horseback trails
horse riding holidays suitable for families
mountain riding holidays
faster riding holidays
advanced rider holidays
singles horse back holidays
centre based riding holidays
beginner horse riding holidays
tuition on a horse riding holiday
heavier rider horse holidays
short horseriding breaks
horse riding holiday that can also accommodate non riders
Unicorn also has rides in the following European countries. Just click on the link to jump to the relevant web page:
horse riding holidays Europe:
horse riding holidays France
horse riding holidays Spain
horse riding holidays Ireland
horse riding holidays Portugal
horse riding holidays Greece
horse riding holidays Cyprus
horse riding holidays UK
horse riding holidays Iceland
horse riding holidays Turkey
horse riding holidays Sweden
horse riding holidays Finland
horse riding holidays Italy
horse riding holidays Eastern Europe:
horse riding holidays Russia
horse riding holidays Bulgaria
horse riding holidays Czech Republic
horse riding holidays Estonia
horse riding holiday Hungary
horse riding holidays Poland
horse riding holidays Romania
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