Choose between the historic Cloghan or Knappogue Castles for your residence during your riding week across the brilliant heather fields and picturesque burren boglands. You will visit historic ruins and partake in the vibrant culture of southwestern Ireland.

Cloghan Castle

Originally built as an outpost fort in the 12th Century, the castle was last inhabited in the 15th century by the Earl of Ulster.

The walls are natural stone topped with wood beamed ceilings. A 90 step winding stairway connects the floors. Impressive stone fireplaces grace the dining halls, drawing room and 3 bedrooms.

The castle offers 3 double bedrooms ensuite

Group size: maximum 6, double occupancy

Knappogue Castle

Built in 1467, the castle has accommodated heads of state including Charles de Gaulle and Ronald Reagan.

Beautifully appointed with antique furniture, fine paintings, and 5 fireplaces, the castle boasts a neo-Gothic style.

From May to October, medieval banquets are held in the gardens.

The castle offers 2 double bedrooms ensuite and 2 twin bedrooms ensuite.

Group size: maximum 8, double occupancy

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer to your castle.

Day 2: Enjoy the surrounding grounds of your castle.

Day3: You will ride across the peaceful and rolling countryside dotted with sheep. A brisk canter and the smell of peat and fresh grass will invigorate you. In the afternoon, you will take a ferry to explore the monastic ruins of Holy Island, one of Ireland’s most important religious settlements and learn the enchanting reason of its name.

Day 4: 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: 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: Your horse will carry you along the magical landscape of bog and heather. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Pallas Castle for a visit to one of the best preserved tower-houses and castle grounds of the 14th century. Here you will have ample opportunity to learn about the history of this structure and how the Irish clans survived and ruled for centuries. 


Day 7: Transfer to the airport

DETAILS:
Dates: Begin ride on Sunday - April, May, June, July, September, October, November
Riding Days: 4.
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:  CLOGHAN Castle – $14,554  Ride – $2,384 per person; KNAPPOGUE Castle – $7,716  Ride – $1,897 per person

Includes: 6 nights castle accommodations, 1 non-riding day, all meals, transport to and from airport and stable, 4 days riding, horse, guide, groom and entrances to historic sites.
Not included: Airfare 

*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in Euros.  A currency adjustment will be made at your final booking.