Ireland on Horseback: Castles and Monasteries

Day 1

Join us on horseback to discover Connemara, among brilliant shades of green, ancient castles and mystical monasteries. Ireland is a land of nature and mysterious legends of the Celtic world, and exploring these lands on horseback will be an unforgettable experience…we offer you a combination of visits to ancient Irish castles and monastic ruins, together with enchanting rides through Irish bogs, fields and farmland. Four days in the saddle on beautiful Irish horses or Connemara ponies, which will take you to the imposing Portumna Castle, once the residence of the Earl of Clanricarde, and Pallas Castle, one of the best-preserved tower houses of the 14th century. We will also leave our horses behind to take a boat to Holy Island on the River Shannon, where we will explore the ruins of one of Ireland's most important monastic settlements, and you will reach a 5,000-year-old Celtic tomb!

ITALY/SHANNON/WHITEGATE (-/-/D)
Arrival at Shannon Airport (SNN) and independent transfer of approximately two hours to the stables in Whitegate (or transfer available on request at an additional cost at 11.30 AM – Euro 55.00 per person each way, payable locally – or from Loughrea bus station at 4.50 PM, Euro 45.00 payable locally). Afternoon at leisure and meeting at 7.00 PM for dinner with the rest of the group. Overnight stay in the old farmhouse adjacent to the stables.

Day 2

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, horses will be assigned and everyone will set off for approximately two hours of riding in the surrounding area, crossing forests and vast countryside. Return to the stables for lunch and, in the afternoon, we will travel by vehicle to Mountshannon harbour, where we will board a boat to Holy Island. Pilgrims continued to visit this island until the mid-19th century. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of five different churches, the monks' cells and a cemetery dating back to the 12th century. Upon returning to the mainland, you will have time to stroll around the village and stop at a pub. Return to the stables for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Approximately three hours in the saddle exploring the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, enjoying beautiful views of the River Shannon. Visit to the 17th-century Portumna Castle and its museum. Free time to explore the town.

Day 4

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Approximately three hours in the saddle today: we will reach the ruins of Pallas Castle, dating back to the 14th century and now considered one of the best-preserved castles of its time. Return to the stables through the beautiful Irish countryside.

Day 5

WHITEGATE (B/L/D)
Full day in the saddle through boglands characterised by heather bushes. Picnic lunch along the way and, in the afternoon, we will reach a typical dolmen from the Celtic period, dating back 5,000 years! Return to the stables for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6

WHITEGATE /SHANNON/ ITALY (B/-/-)
Independent departure after breakfast (or transfer available on request, arriving at Shannon Airport by 12.30 PM – Euro 55.00 per person, payable locally – or at Loughrea bus station by 10.30 AM, Euro 45.00).

Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°°(INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION:
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH TREKKING SADDLE “Swiss Ranger” designed by Peter August Spirig, very comfortable for long distances. (saddlebags are not available; bring your own if desired)
HORSES: IRISH SPORT HORSE and CONNEMARA
RIDING: 4 HOURS PER DAY IN THE SADDLE. Routes include all three gaits. Riders must be able to control their horses in open spaces and assist with saddling/unsaddling.
WHAT TO BRING: Layered clothing, including waterproof garments, as the weather can be unpredictable. Wearing a protective riding helmet is mandatory.
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 95 kg
TYPE: equestrian holiday with overnight accommodation in a farmhouse

ACCOMMODATION:
5 nights in a recently restored old farmhouse adjacent to the equestrian centre. While retaining its authentic atmosphere, it offers guests tastefully furnished rooms equipped with every comfort. It is said that this special place, called "The Mountain", is a source of inspiration for all those who cross its threshold and rediscover simplicity and peace in this idyllic setting. Washing machines available. Wi-Fi in common areas.
Meals included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6. Traditional Irish cuisine. Allergies can be accommodated upon request.

Guaranteed group departure dates 2027:
From 10/04 to 15/04
From 17/04 to 22/04
From 24/04 to 29/04
From 08/05 to 13/05
From 22/05 to 27/05
From 05/06 to 10/06
From 19/06 to 24/06
From 03/07 to 08/07
From 17/07 to 22/07
From 31/07 to 05/08
From 14/08 to 19/08
From 28/08 to 02/09
From 04/09 to 09/09
From 11/09 to 16/09
From 18/09 to 23/09
From 25/09 to 30/09
From 09/10 to 14/10


Additional departure dates available on request between April and October with a minimum of 4 participants.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 3 MAX 8

SUPPLEMENTS AND REDUCTIONS:
Rate for non-riders sharing a double room per person Euro 1,290.00
Transfer from Shannon Airport per person each way Euro 55.00 (payable locally)
Transfer from Loughrea bus station per person each way Euro 45.00 (payable locally)
PRIVATE transfer from Shannon Airport per person each way Euro 120.00 (payable locally)