Ireland - Irish Castles and Ruins

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 JS of Jamul, CA on 19/06/2024

Day 1
Saturday: Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer (if booked) to the riding centre. The transfer from Shannon to Whitegate takes approx. two hours. Riders will be staying here for 5 nights. On arrival day riders can relax and recover from the journey, or take a stroll nearby on the well signposted walking trails. Get to know the fellow riders over dinner in the tastefully restored 300-year-old farmhouse.

Day 2 
Sunday: After breakfast the riders will be introduced to the horses and after tacking-up, an introductory ride along forest tracks and country lanes, passing farms that were abandoned during the18th century potato famine. After lunch riders will be driven to nearby Mountshannon harbour to visit Holy Island by boat. Pilgrims travelled to this island until the 1950s. See the ruins of five churches, early monastic cells, a pre-12th century cemetery and the round tower. After the visit there is time for a stroll through the village and drop into the pub for whatever takes your fancy. Back to the riding centre for dinner.

Day 3 
Monday: Today’s ride (2.5 hrs) heads into the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains to enjoy views over the majestic River Shannon.
A visit to the Portumna workhouse museum in the afternoon (where the poor and destitute took shelter many years ago) followed by a visit to the impressive 17th centrury Portumna Castle and beautifully restored walled garden, built by the 4th Early of Clanricade to showcase his lavish lifestyle.
Relax by the peat fire and a traditional home cooked dinner back at the riding centre.

Day 4 
Tuesday: The morning’s ride (2.5 hrs) follows quiet tracks through Ireland’s beautiful rural countryside. The afternoon is spent visiting the secluded ruins of Pallas castle, one of the best preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the Irish gentry in the 15th century. Dinner at the riding centre.

Day 5 
Wednesday: Today is a full day ride. The 2.5 hr morning ride crosses a magical landscape of bog and heather. Enjoy a picnic lunch out on the trail. In the afternoon (2 hrs) the trail passes a typical Celtic dolmen (believed to be 5,000-years-old). The ride finishes in a field where riders say goodbye to the horses. Enjoy a farewell dinner and final night at 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.

Non-riders and other activities:
Walking; cycling; fishing; boat hire (on Lough Derg and the River Shannon); golf.

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.

There is a wide variety of Irish bred horses and something to suit everyone, from schoolmasters to forward going mounts. All are ridden in English tack. You are welcome to bring your own saddle although there is no guarantee that you can use it, it depends of course on the adaptability of the saddle and the fit on the horse you will be riding. There is a small amount of walking with your horse due to terrain, so good boots are an advantage.

Riders must be comfortable at all paces. Approximately 2.5 hours riding be day. The minimum age for this ride is 12 years old.

The weight limit for this ride is 187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in the comfortable farmhouse at the riding centre in individually decorated en-suite rooms.

Breakfasts can be either the 'full Irish' or continental; picnic lunches are prepared each day ready for the rider to take with them. Evening meals will be back at the farmhouse where you stay overnight.

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

Mild, but changeable, due to the modifying effect of the North Atlantic Drift ocean current; rainfall is plentiful, although highest in the west.The weather is very similar to the UK's in that it could be wet and warm or cold and bright any day in the season. It's best to bring clothes that can be layered and a good waterproof jacket.

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.

None specific

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).

3G and 4G mobile phone reception is widespread, Wi-Fi is available at the farmhouse and electricity for charging cameras and phones is available each night with adaptors as necessary. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- 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). There is a small amount of walking with your horse due to terrain, so good boots are an advantage
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Seat Saver
- 3 pronged adapter to charge electrical gadgets
- Light summer clothing for departure dates
- Waterproofs (no rain capes, please, as they can flap and spook the horses!)
- Jersey
- Warm jacket (Spring and Autumn)
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- 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
- A small bag/bumbag for carrying items whilst riding, or you can bring your own saddlebags

Provided by hosts
- Riding Helmets

6-d / 5-n programme with 4 riding days. Available on selected Saturdays from April to mid October.

2025: 5, 12, 19, 26 Apr; 3, 17, 31 May; 21 Jun; 5, 19 Jul; 2, 16, 30 Aug; 6, 13, 20, 27 Sep; 4, 11 Oct

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• SEK

We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

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

The diverse landscape offers great shelter and plenty of food supply for a large variety of animals. The common ones as deer, fox, hare and pheasant can often be spotted from the horse. More difficult to find are the badger and the pine martin. Ireland's large bird population is evident where ever you go. And if you are lucky you could even see some, like the grouse, which are getting dangerously close to extinction.

The showy butterflies with up to 30 species dance through the summer air.

The abundance of lakes and rivers in Ireland attract course and game anglers alike. Often you can spot the pike lying in the shallow waters, taking in the heat of the summer sun. In the clear waters the lively Salmon and Trout challenge every anglers skill.
The peat or bog land is one of Ireland’s great natural assets, not only as an energy source, but as some of its last wild areas. It can be difficult and dangerous to access. But as long as you stay on the old bog roads you will be alright. In some places you could even spot the Celtic toughers still crossing the bogs.

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.