Ireland, Clare - Trail Rides

On the Galway - Clare trail ride, you will stay at the equestrian center and small guesthouses along the way in double rooms with ensuite shower / toilet. Exactly how many nights you stay in each place you'll find out on arrival and it may vary depending on season and availability.

On the Castles & Monasteries ride and on the Equestrian Center programs you will stay at the equestrian center in double rooms with ensuite shower / toilet.

Safe deposit box: No
A/C: No
Hair Dryer: Yes
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No

Single: It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement is available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Beverges are paied in cash and a pint of beer or Guinness is around EUR 5, a bottle of wine cost from EUR 12 upwards.

The horses are Irish Horses of cob type (about 145-155 cm; 57-61 inches at the withers) and Irish Sport Horses 160-170 cm (63-67 inches) and a couple Connemara and tinker horses. They are quiet, safe, yet spirited horses. There is no saddlebags, but guests can bring their own.

Ability description: Trail ride: Level, trail ride 2-3 >>
Stationary program: Level, trail ride 1-3 >>

Included in the price: Galway Clare Trail Ride: 7 nights, 6 days riding full board (excl. drinks).
Castles & Monastery: 5 nights, 4 days riding, full board (excl. drinks).
enter based program: 7 nights, 6 days riding (15 hours), full board (excl. drinks).

Not included: Flighs, transfers, beverages. One beer is about 5 EUR and a bottle of wine from 12 EUR.

Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Fly to Shannon or Dublin.
From Dublin by bus to Portumna or Birdhill for about 3 hours. 
The buses to Birdhill depart several times a day, see www.jjkavanagh.ie or www.buseireann.ie.
The buses to Portumna from Dublin city center (Cathal Brugha street) don't depart as often, see Kearns Transport.

Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay on spot in cash.
From Shannon airport to riding center about 1 hour drive.
From Birdhill bus station about 35 km. 
Price: 35 EUR/person/way.
Arrival at Bird Hill around 4:00 pm. 

From Portumna about 25 km to riding center.
Price: 15 EUR/person/way.

The return journey on Galway - Clare Trail Ride: You take the bus from Lisdoonvarna that arrive in Dublin in the afternoon. View bus times and changes in www.buseireann.ie.
Or transfer to Shannon Airport.

VIP benefit 2017: Free transfer from Shannon airport, Birdhill or Portumna.

Rental car: If you want to explore the surroundings, we recommend a rental car. 

Riding: Galway-Clare Trail Ride 4-6 hours riding / day.
Monasteries and Castles Ride: 2½-4 hours / day.
Equestrian Center program: about 15 hours total.

Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Currency: EUR
Credit card: Is accepted by riding center, VISA and Master Card. Transfer and drinks are paid with cash.
Tipping: Not required but appreciated, some give around 20-40 EUR to the guide.

Wifi: There is free Wi-fi in most accomodations.
Electricity jack: 220 V. Bring a 3 plug (type G) adaptor for Ireland.

Group size: Minimum number of participants is 3, maximum 10
Age limit: Minimum 8 years together with an adult.

Closest village: Some nights you live in a village, some night 5 km away.
Beach: No
Pool: No

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag available: No
Special diet: Inform when booking.