Killarney fast riding beach
Killarnry in a row
Killarnry riding with deer
Killarney soft Irish countryside
Killarnry green field riding
Killarney waters edge
Sunlit path Killarney
Killarney Stables
Clouds, fields and riders Killarney

Enjoy this equestrian vacation riding through the Killarney National Park, exploring the highlands, riding over mountain passes, beside lakes, along miles of golden beaches and walking over Irish bog lands. Experience the renowned charm of the region and the tranquillity 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 spoiled and everyone meets up for dinner in the evenings. Accommodation is in comfortable twin bedrooms in Bed and Breakfasts along the way. Dinners are not included in the package. Short breaks are also available.

One of the top 15 'World's Greatest Horse Treks' as compiled by CNN International

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 TS of Regensburg on 26/06/2023

Ride Summary
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Long and slow rides through nice landscapes, unfortunately lots of tar roads.
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Large percentage of the tracks are tar roads, I felt not so happy to feel the horse going over such hard ground, especially with lot of trots on this ground. The horses were nice and healthy but were always eating or trying to do so, pulling the reins immediately down and stopping.
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

What could we do to improve this ride?
find other ways / tracks to ride. Provide camping chairs for the breaks (which should be no problem, as a car is always on site at the breaks)
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
3
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
You just have to spend long hours in the saddle. Everything else is easy.
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback, we will look at tweaking the descriptions so they are clearer.
Day 1
Saturday arrival and check-in. There are no formal plans and no riding on this day as riders will be checking in at different times throughout the day. Please advise the Stables if planning to check-in after 5pm. At the Stables there will be a discussion on each rider's experience level and general trail ride information. Riders are then taken from the Stables to the overnight accommodation in the Killarney area.
 
Day 2
Riders will be collected at the hotel on Sunday morning at 10am and should have all luggage ready for transfer (20 min journey). The day will begin with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, where the ride will start. Once horses and riders have been introduced, the ride will head off, up over the Windy Gap, viewing the splendour of Caragh Lake and the valleys beyond. Continue onto Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe mountain, followed by a scenic ride over an Irish Bog and finishing for the day at stables in Mountain Stage.
The overnight stop is in village of Glenbeigh. Surrounded almost entirely by mountains, Glenbeigh offers the famous Irish friendliness and humour, which is nowhere better found than in this tranquil and charming region of Kerry. The beauty of the area is breath taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. History is evident throughout the locality and such a destination as Winns Folly Castle is well worth a visit.
 
Day 3
Return to the stables after breakfast. Today's plans are dependent on the tides because it is spent on Rossbeigh beach, cantering along stretches of golden sand and exploring magnificent sand dunes, returning from the beach via the cliff road. The evening will be spent in Glenbeigh village once again.

Day 4
While the luggage is transferred to Waterville, a morning ride leads from the Kells Station, through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn, and on to Liss Bawn, taking in some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surroundings along the way. Lunch will be served alongside a nearby forest. After lunch, continue on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley, finishing for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods. Overnight in the coastal village of Waterville, nestlingon a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean, in the very centre of south-west Kerry. Situated as it is, between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, the area has many interesting routes to offer and many fine beaches. The first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near Waterville. These beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the Archaeological remains such as those on Church Island, at Derrynane Abbey or Skellig Michael, giving the area a wealth of history.

Day 5
Depart from the Old School House for a forestry ride, leaving the Inny Valley behind and crossing over to Derriana to take the old road to Cahersavane. Lunch with views over Lough Currane before continuing a scenic ride into Waterville. Sometimes the beach ride is done on Wednesday evening if the tide is too early or too late on Thursday, making Wednesday a long day and Thursday a short day with a scenic ride.

Day 6
Today, the final accommodation transfer is made. The day will begin with a ride to Waterville beach for the morning (starting early or late, depending on the tidal conditions). Only riders who can canter competently are taken on the beach. The panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay conjures up the afternoon ride in Waterville. Afterwards, both horses and riders will be transferred back to Killarney which marks the end of the riding holiday.

Day 7
Departure is Friday morning after breakfast.
Please note that alternative accommodation may be used for last-minute and peak season bookings depending on availability.
 
Please note that in the event of only one rider being booked a shorter trail can still be confirmed if wished. This will consist of a two day trail ride plus a three hour trail ride in Killarney National Park with departure on Wednesday after breakfast. The balance will be refunded for the other two days (Wednesday and Thursday).

Alternatives to taxi transfers:
Take a train from Dublin to Killarney for approx €81.50 pp return and from Cork for €49.50 pp return (Please note that these are approximate rates and may vary slightly) www.irishrail.ie
There is a bus from Shannon for about €34.50pp, Cork to Killarney +/- €31.50pp and Kerry Airport to Killarney +/-  €8.50 (Please note that these are approximate rates and may vary slightly) www.buseireann.ie
Your hosts will collect you from Killarney at no charge.

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.

Horses & Riding

There is a wide variety of Irish bred horses available and something to suit everyone, from schoolmasters to 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. A number of the tracks on some days include tarmac paths, the horses are sometimes expected to trot on this surface. 


Rider requirements

Riders must be comfortable at all paces and have experience of riding out. Maximum weight limit riders 95kg. Minimum riding age 10 yrs. Nort suitable for non-riders

Weight Limit

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.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

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


Climate Summary

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!

Climate Chart

Health

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.

Electricity

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).

Mobile, WiFi and charging

There is electricity available each night in your B&B to recharge any battery or cameras. Most types of batteries can be purchased at nearby towns and film is widely available.

Packing List

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
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
T-shirts

Programmes

7d / 6n programme with 5 riding days. Saturday arrivals every week between early April and late October are available.

Departure Dates

2025: Every Saturday between April and October.

Pricing
No single supplement is charged if the rider is willing to share with someone of the same sex, and a sharer can be found.

Please note that during bank holiday or sporting events weekends a surcharge may apply. The Irish bank holiday weekend dates in 2023 are as follows: April 10th, May 1st, June 5th, August 7th, October 30th.

No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
20257d/6n5per person sharing2,095
20257d/6n5single supplement255
20257d/6n5non rider sharing B&B745
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
20257d/6n5per person sharing2,395
20257d/6n5single supplement289
20257d/6n5non rider sharing B&B849
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
20257d/6n5per person sharing2,889
20257d/6n5single supplement335
20257d/6n5non rider sharing B&B985
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
20257d/6n5per person sharing27,729
20257d/6n5single supplement3,269
20257d/6n5non rider sharing B&B9,579
Recommended Reading

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


Other Activities

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.

Other Country Information

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.


Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
At the stables
Transfer:
2025: Via taxi, payable on site.
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Shannon (SNN) return from £145pp (Season Dependent)
2025: London to Cork (ORK) return from £135pp (Season Dependent)
2025: London to Kerry (KIR) return from £200pp (Season Dependent)
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