Small groups of experienced horseback riders are taken along part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way; a 2,500km touring route that runs the length of Ireland’s west coast, from Derry in the north to Kinsale in County Cork. Horseback riders can enjoy wild landscapes of breathtaking sandy beaches, small villages, sea and off-shore islands, country lanes, mountain tracks and local heritage sites, stopping each day for a picnic along the way. Your host is a qualified horseback riding instructor, a Monty Robert's Certified Instructor, and an accomplished Irish horseman whose family have been involved with horses for generations.
Accommodation is B&B in comfortable Irish guesthouses in the traditional lively town of Westport with generous picnic lunches on the trail. All this, combined with the spectacular Clew Bay region and quality Irish horses, ensures a lively good fun week where horseback riders will feel welcome in their new Irish family.
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 LW of Edmonton on 03/10/2024
Day 1
On arrival check in to the accommodation which is the base for the trail.
Day 2
Transfer to the stables to meet the host, the horses, and the other riders. After an assessment ride in the indoor arena, riders and horses are transferred to the village of Aughagower for the Aughagower Ride. This leads through the villages of Curvey, Lankill and Knappagh Beg where the group stop for a picnic on the shores of Knappagh Lake, then on to Drumhill before returning to Aughagower via Peggy's Boreen. After riding, there is a chance for riders to visit the round tower and monastic site, which dates back to the 7th century.
Day 3
Today the ride starts in the village of Culeen for the Culeen Ride. This ride heads to the west of Croagh Patrick, through quiet country lanes at Kilsallagh and Kinnock and then to bog roads at Dereen where riders will have chance for some long canters. Picnic on the bog and get to see how the bog peat is harvested at close hand. Return via a river crossing at Bellakip to finish the day at Culeen.
Day 4
Today starts at Formoyle for the Feenone Ride. This takes riders over a mountain pass, close to a megalithic burial site (one of many in the area), through the Carrowniskey River and on to the bog roads at Feenone. Clare Island (Grainne Uaile, Ireland's famous Pirate Queen resided there in the 1500,s and controlled all the waters of Clew Bay) and Inishturk Island can clearly be seen. Head for Carrowniskey beach before returning to base.
Day 5
Today starts at Cloona just outside of Westport and take the Skelp Ride, which leads the group towards the east side of Croagh Patrick (Ireland's Holy Mountain, which has been a site of worship for over 3,000 years.). This mountain path gives a great view of Clew Bay. Ride through Prospect and picnic near the ruins of a homestead which dates back to pre-famine times. Then on to Teevnacroagha to ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland's patron saint) and Brackloon before finishing the day at Cloona.
Day 6
For the final day of our trail, riders head to Doughmakeon and to ride the beach at Carrowniskey before crossing the Carrowniskey river and on to Cross Strand. There are ample opportunities to gallop today. Picnic next to Clapper Bridge (the bridge with the eyes). The coastline of Connemara can be seen in the distance. There are many standing stones in the area dating back to megalithic times. Ride along Cross Strand and Carrowniskey beach again before returning to base and say goodbye to the horses
Day 7:
Depart after breakfast with fond memories of this equestrian adventure.
The Itinerary may change slightly due to unavoidable circumstances such as bad weather, tidal variations etc.
Non-riders and other activities:
There are plenty of outdoor activities in this corner of Ireland. Non-riders can hike up the mystical mountain of Croagh Patrick and hire bikes and explore The Great Western Greenway, a 42 kilometre long cycle trail which begins in Westport.
Trail minimum number
The minimum number of riders for this ride is 2, however the ride will still go ahead with 1 rider for a small supplement. This supplement is refundable if more riders book on and refunds will be given at the time of departure.
Distance from Airports
Belfast: 306 kms, 190 miles, 4 hours by car
Dublin: 267 kms, 165 miles, 3 hours and 35 minutes by car
Shannon: 201kms,125 miles, 2 hours by car
Knock: 55 kms, 40 miles, 50 minutes by car
In 2024 Return airport transfers, per vehicle (up to 8 people) Dublin: €1225, Shannon: €775, Knock: €275.
Train from Dublin (Heuston) direct to Westport. Visit:
Bus from Dublin, Shannon, Knock. Visit:
Complimentary collection from Westport Train Station and Bus Depot
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.
Ireland is known as the 'Land Of The Horse'. A temperate climate and good soil conditions make it an ideal place to raise horses. An ability to cross any country has ensured that the Irish Horse is surefooted and looks after its rider. The Irish people have a natural affinity with horses and this is evident here,
There are normally at least 10 horses available for riders to choose from. The majority of the trail horses have competition experience and have been bred and broken in by your hosts. Featured breed include Connemara ponies, Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts and Irish Cobs. They all size from around 13.2hh to 16.2hh. All of the horses have good temperaments and stamina making them ideal for the trail.
Standard English tack is used on this ride and there is an upper weight limit of 90 kg (200lbs). Group size varies from 2 to 8 people (for private groups this can be increased to 10). For groups of 4 or more there is an accompanying backup guide. Children 12 years and over are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Riders should be riding fit, secure and confident at a walk, trot and canter in open countryside at various paces and terrains.
It is not necessary to assist with grooming or tacking up although you are welcome to help should you want to. Minimum rider age 12 yrs. Maximum rider weight 90kg. Not suitable for non-riders.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The guest house accommodation for this trail has been carefully chosen and is located either in or close to the stables. They are approved by the Irish Tourist Board and provide a quality personal service. The bedrooms, which are en-suite, are both comfortable and relaxing. Various breakfast options are available including a full Irish fry-up and continental breakfasts. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. As the accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis this gives you the opportunity to choose from the many fine, award-winning restaurants in in the area for your evening meal.
Picnic lunches on the trail consist of sandwiches, fruit, snacks and soft drinks (bottled water and fruit juices) and can be tailored to individual dietary requirements with advance notice.
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
County Mayo has a temperate climate influenced by the Gulf Stream which moderates the weather; consequently Mayo does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude. Generally summers are warm, rarely hot and winters are quite mild. In the summer, daylight can last for eighteen hours and this gives unforgettable bright skies at night while in the winter nights are long and days are very short. The temperatures are generally around 10°C in Spring and Autumn, from 14°C to 16°C in summer and between 4°C and 7°C in winter, but sometime they can be unpredictable: cold in July, warm in September ('Indian summers' can occur) and January.
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).
Electricity and wifi is available at all the accommodations on this ride so you will be able to charge batteries overnight.
The weather in Ireland is extremely changeable so you are advised to bring layers of clothing to cope with the changing conditions.
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)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
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
7 day / 6 night programme with 5 riding days and set departures.
2025: 6, 13, 27 Apr; 11, 18, 25 May; 8, 15, 22, 29 Jun; 6, 13, 20, 27 Jul; 17, 24 Aug; 7, 14, 21, 28, 29 Sep; 5 Oct
Limited single rooms available
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 2,169 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | non-rider | 605 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 285 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 2,395 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | non-rider | 669 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 325 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 2,945 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | non-rider | 819 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 385 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 27,539 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | non-rider | 7,669 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 3,639 |
Round Ireland With A Fridge 
Culture Shock! Ireland
Bushmills Irish Pub Guide
The Dubliners
Mother Ireland
Barrytown Trilogy -
Woodbrook
On this ride you will be able to admire the magnificent Croagh Patrick; a 764m mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Ireland. It is 8 kilometres from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey and is the third highest mountain in County Mayo.
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.
