A family-run establishment with a wide range of horses to provide the ideal mount for horseback riders, and expert tuition to improve their cross country technique, show jumping and dressage. There is also 380 acres of farmland with varied jumps to tackle, and full-size equestrian indoor and outdoor schools to perfect skills.
The vast majority of horseback riders do not aspire to compete at very high levels, but nevertheless enjoy jumping cross-country. There are lots of small logs and simple jumps for those who want to just have some fun. There are also some jumps that are of intermediate horse-trial standard. Often people spend all their time training in an arena to show jump, however the cross-country course is an ideal way to do lots of diverse jumping and have plenty of fun and learn some new ideas along the way.
For riders not interested in jumping and dressage, why not simply take a horseback trek around the farm and country lanes at leisure.Trail-ride through the beautiful countryside and end the day with a meal in the dining room, followed by a drink at the fire.
All ages are welcome on the horseback riding holiday and the centre caters for every range of riding ability. Whether a complete novice and have never ridden a horse before, or a seasoned horseman looking for something more challenging, this equestrian experience here both rewarding and highly enjoyable.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from DS of Maplewood on 21/08/2024
This is a suggested daily program. All programs can be tailor-made.
Breakfast - 9.00am
During this meal the day's activities will be discussed as well as the type of horse one would like to ride, and what disciplines to concentrate on for the lessons.
10.00-10.30am
Out to the yard to meet the horses, get tack, brushes, etc. and prepare horses for the 11.00am ride. There is always help available. Don't be afraid to admit having difficulty with a horse, or are unsure of what to do.
11.00am
Lesson in the indoor or outdoor arenas depending on the weather.
12.45am
Lunch back in the house and a well earned rest after the morning's activities. Lunch is a light meal, usually quiche, toasted sandwiches, or maybe homemade soup and brown bread.
2.00-2.30pm
Back to the yard for more brushing and tacking up. The ride-out is at 2.30pm, when the group leave for the fields for schooling over the huge variety of cross-country fences, or show jumps, or practice some dressage, or just a good amble around the farm for the more casual rider. Riders are not put under undue pressure and only expected to tackle obstacles they are comfortable with, and leave the large fences to those who wish to take them on.
3.30pm-4pm
Horses are un-tacked and put away for a rest, leaving guests time to relax before the evening meal. Take one of the farm walks or a trip to Tullamore town, only 6 minutes away by car, or just sit back and read a book from the large selection available in the house.
6.30pm-7.00pm
Dinner is served in the dining room, when riders sit around and reminisce about the day's happenings, what War Paint did, or what Dougal didn't do! Evenings usually end early, as everyone is tired and ready for a good night's sleep, in preparation for the next challenging day.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
With 18 Irish-bred horses and 12 ponies available for riders, there is plenty of choice of suitable mounts. The tuition (cross-country, show jumping and dressage) is intensive and the 3-hours a day is the maximum recommended by the hosts. For beginners, general riding tuition is available from the well qualified instructors. The horses vary from 12.2 to 17hh, all are well schooled and willing. Hard hats and body protectors can be borrowed.
From total beginners to intermediate level eventers, all levels can be catered for on suitable horses and ponies with qualified instruction.
The weight limit for this ride is 210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
En-suite accommodation is available in the farmhouse for all riders; there are 3 family rooms and 4 twin or double rooms (all en-suite). The meals are all freshly prepared using local produce where possible, ensuring the best of Irish food every day of your stay. Please note there are no evening meals on Sunday nights.
An outdoor mini-spa with hot tub, sauna and cold plunge bucket-splash has recently been installed for the guest's enjoyment.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ireland.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/ireland
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Spring, summer and early autumn is generally a good time to visit and the days are sunny and warm. Be aware that it can rain at any time!
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Ireland and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
There are no specific health requirements for Ireland
In Ireland the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Ireland, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Hat or beret and a buff bandana (sometimes, especially when it is very dry, horses can kick up a lot of dust during the rides)
- Lightweight Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Light summer clothing for departure dates
- Waterproof clothing
- A body protector is also required if you're participating in any jumping
- Jersey
- Warm jacket (Spring and Autumn)
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Swimsuit for the hot tub/sauna
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Binoculars
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
Provided by hosts
- Riding hats
- Body protectors
- Boots
Saddlebags are provided but typically only suited to carrying the following items, due to space:
- rain coat and waterproof over pants
- water-bottle
- extra sweater
- camera
- small bag with personal items
Hairdryers are supplied in the bedrooms.
Any day start during the season - 8d / 7n or 4d / 3n, can be tailor-made on request, with approximately 2hr tuition daily.
2025: TBC
Extra nights available. Please contact your travel consultant.
Round Ireland With A Fridge - Tony Hawks
Culture Shock! Ireland - Patricia Levy
Bushmills Irish Pub Guide - Sybil Taylor
The Dubliners - J.Joyce
Mother Ireland - Edna O’ Brien
Barrytown Trilogy - R. Doyle
Woodbrook - David Thomson
Fresh water or coarse fishing nearby; golf, walking.
It is also possible to book some time at nearby Kinnitty Castle.
Clara Bog offers the naturalist a wealth of information during the two and a half hour guided tour over the eskers and through the bog, giving a glimpse of times past, which have helped shape the present. Annaharvey Farm offers a peaceful walking route which can be enjoyed at leisure.
Riding around the farm (and into the mountains) gives you chance to see lots of wildlife and birds.
Ireland is a land of almost mythical beauty, often wild and windswept it is said there are fifty shades of green in the landscape but none of them are jaded. The Irish seem to have been put on the earth to restore faith in humanity, their charm and delight in spinning a good tale will entertain you for hours. The pub culture in Ireland is part of the national identity. The folk music tradition has been unhindered here and live, spontaneous music is actively encouraged- you will often stumble across a raucous singalong fired by Guiness and whiskey. The ban on smoking in public places is now in force in Ireland and, with fines of up to €3,000 for ignoring it, a lively sub-culture can now be found on the pavements outside Irelands plentiful watering holes huddled against the often biting wind. They are famed for their love and skill with horses, in racing Irish trainers and jockeys are among the best in the world, and the wild ponies of the Connemara in Galway crop up in many myths and legends in Irish folklore. In some areas you will often see kids messing around on horses with nothing but a headcollar and a handful of mane. Ireland is on GMT and they use imperial weights and measures, so inches, feet, pounds and stones. The international dialling code is +353.