Ireland - Kerry Short Break

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 MS of Al Arid Unit 2 on 03/09/2023

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. Ride over golden sands and enjoy the traditional Irish hospitality on this fantastic short break.

Alternatives to taxi transfers:
You can take a train from Dublin to Killarney foraround €81.50pp return and from Cork for around €49.50pp return (Please note that these are approximate rates and may vary slightly) www.irishrail.ie
You can take a bus from Shannon for around €34.50pp return, Cork to Killarney around €31.50pp return, Kerry Airport to Killarney €8.50 (Please note that these are approximate rates and may vary slightly) www.buseireann.ie

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 very forward going horses. All are ridden in English tack and riding helmets are available. The pace depends on the group, faster riding is possible where the going is good if the group is happy with this. Private groups can ride at the pace they wish. There is a fair amount of trotting on this ride too to cover ground. 

Riders must comfortable at all paces and have experience of riding out.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in comfortable twin en-suite bedrooms in B&B's along the way. Evening meals are not included.

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 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.

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)
- 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
- Jersey
- Warm jacket (Spring and Autumn)
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Sunglasses with string
- 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

4d / 3n programme with 2 riding days. Set dates are available between early April and late October. Tailor made dates for groups of 4 or more.

2025: Every Saturday between April and October

Please note that during bank holiday or sporting events weekends a surcharge may apply. The Irish bank holiday weekend dates here are as follows: April 10th, May 1st, June 5th, August 7th, October 30th.

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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

Angling, shooting, golf, tennis, boating, sailing, surfing, mountaineering, hill climbing, walking and cycling can all be enjoyed within this wild and beautiful peninsula. This is not included in the package.

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.