Nicola and Bertie welcome you to their beautiful equestrian center, a recently renovated house, built originally in the Eighteenth Century. You will enjoy good dinners and then relax in front of the open fire.
You will be able to get to know the true irish spirit when you ride on old, celtic roads thru the historic Co Galway, Co Clare and Burren National Park.
Choose from three different trail ride programs below:
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: Fly to Shannon or Dublin.
The easiest is to take the bus directly from Dublin airport to Loughrea (end station Galway) with Irish Citylink or Bus Eireann. The journey takes just over three hours.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay on spot in cash.
From Shannon airport to riding center about 1 hour drive. Price: 55 EUR/person/way.
From Loughrea bus station about 38 km. Price: 45 EUR/person/way. Arrival at Lourhrea around 4:00 pm.
The return journey on Galway - Clare Trail Ride: You take the bus from Lisdoonvarna that arrive in Dublin in the afternoon. Or from Loughrea if you stay the last night back at the riding centre. View bus times and changes in www.buseireann.ie.
Or transfer to Shannon Airport.
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.
Weight limit: 85kg
Beach: No
Pool: No
Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag available: No
Special diet: Inform when booking.
"Cozy Accommodation and Beautiful Scenery"
"The accommodation was cozy, calm, and pleasant. Exciting to try different Irish dishes – fresh and well-prepared.
Beautiful nature and well-paced riding tours. The horses were fine, friendly, and well taken care of, with strong hooves, good condition, and great temperaments.
Lovely excursions where we felt welcomed and well cared for. Wonderful people, great rides, delicious food, and exciting experiences."
– Eva Kjellman, Castle and Monastery Ride
"Charming Stay and Plenty of Riding"
"Such a charming old place with lots of nooks and crannies. A lovely dining room with a wood-burning fireplace.
The farm was amazing with all the animals and greenery – like a fairytale world.
Lots of riding for the price and fantastic, well-cared-for horses.
Absolutely the best trip in a long time! I will definitely try to go again."
– Nadja Rydholm, Galway-Clare Trail Ride
"Fantastic Food and Exciting Riding"
"The best vegetarian food I have ever had! The meals at the farm were incredibly delicious and beautifully presented.
Exciting riding – steep uphill and downhill trails, crossing water several times, and even riding through a lake!
Excellent equipment – 150 km in the saddle without a single sore spot.
Energetic, kind, and brave horses that confidently went everywhere. The horses were carefully matched to us.
Lots of stories about Irish history, stops at interesting sites, and breathtaking views.
Everyone went out of their way to make sure we had a great experience. The best place we’ve visited so far – highly recommended!"
– Kristina Ericsson, Galway-Clare Trail Ride
"Safe and Well-Organized Trip"
"We were picked up by one of the owners – very friendly! The farm was super cozy! The B&B and hotel were also fantastic – fun to have some variety!
The logistics were excellent! Super friendly serving staff and chef. Even the food at the pub and hotel restaurant was excellent!
The landscape was incredibly varied. The guides and horses were knowledgeable and reliable – I felt completely safe. A great mix of different gaits.
Superb horses in top condition – energetic, kind, and happy. Perfect pairing between horse and rider!
The best trip ever!"
– Anna Falk, Galway-Clare Trail Ride
"Magical Riding and Fantastic Hosts"
"Truly magical riding with long gallops across the moors, beautiful forest trails, thrilling climbs over hills, and the rocky Burren – a place you must see to believe!
Nicola and Bertie are absolutely amazing hosts. We felt at home instantly, as if we had always been sitting by their fire drinking tea.
The best trip I have ever taken! With my busy, high-pressure job, I couldn't have asked for a better vacation.
Everything was so well-organized, and every detail was carefully thought out.
I am extremely happy with HorseXplore – the communication, updates, and follow-ups were excellent!"
– Elisabeth Jonsson, Galway-Clare Trail Ride
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