You will attend the Ballinasloe Horse Fair, one of the oldest fairs in Ireland and once renowned as the largest and greatest in all of Europe. In addition to the equine events, there will be music on the streets, street entertainers and Singing Pubs. In addition, you will ride for 3 days in the lush Irish countryside bound by stone walls. Wild swan and grazing sheep will grace your journey. A ferry will take you to the Holy Island known for the well-preserved round tower, the ruins of six churches, a holy well, a 8th century graveyard, intriguing cell like structures called Bullaun Stones, and a ‘bargaining’ stone where many a marriage was brokered. You will also visit impressive 17th Century Portumna Castle and Williamstad Manor.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday Transfer from the Shannon Airport to your Irish Riding Lodge. You can take a relaxing stroll on the nearby East Clare Walking Trail or a guided boat tour to the historical 9th century Holy Island monastic settlement. In the evening, you meet your fellow riders during a candlelight and open turf dinner in the restored An Sibin farmhouse.

Day 2: Sunday After you become acquainted with your horse, the ride meanders across the idyllic Irish countryside – old stone walls surrounding verdant green fields dotted with peacefully grazing sheep and cattle. In the afternoon, your horse carries you along  Celtic trails steeped in history. A visit to the village pub follows a traditional candlelight dinner.

Day 3: Monday You will spend the day at the famous Ballinasloe Horse Fair. This traditional event includes a pony and cob fair, over 100 vendor booths offering everything from a needle to an anchor and a Funderland Fun Fair.

Day 4: Tuesday After a full Irish breakfast you will ride through dense forests to the impressive Williamstad house, a manor home that hosts a wonderful garden and is perfect for lunch and a stroll after your meal.

Day 5: Wednesday You will ride through the mountain pass of the Slieve Aughty to enjoy the scenic views of the Shannon River. Your afternoon is spent at the Portumna Castle considered without equal in its time for style and grandeur. It boasts a unique inner courtyard, the Grianan, the ladies pleasure ground, with shrubs, seats, pathways and lawns for the ladies of the castle to congregate.

Day 6: Thursday After your last home cooked Irish breakfast it will be time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts and transfer back to Shannon airport.

DETAILS:


Dates: October 1-6

Riding Days: 3

Meeting Point: Shannon Airport

Riding Ability: Walk, trot, canter

Horses: Irish Draught, Connemara, Piebald

Group size: 4 – 10

Saddles: English

Non-riding activities: Golf, hiking

*Price: $1,253 per person, double occupancy. $124 single supplement.


*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Includes: 5 nights B & B, 3 days guided trail rides, 2 days special events, most meals, horse, tack, guide luggage transfers and tax, transfer to and from airport

Not included: Air fare, lunch on Monday