Two historic castles are reserved for your private use and a horse awaits to carry you across brilliant heather fields, the unique burren bogland and rugged Atlantic coastline to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.

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 bedroom en-suites and 2 twin bedrooms en-suites.

Group size: maximum 8, double occupancy.

Smithstown Castle

The castle has played an exciting part in Irish history. The Great Hall boasts a large original gothic fireplace and is overlooked by a medieval gallery. The castle offers 3 double bedroom en-suites.

Group size: 6, double occupancy

ITINERARY

Day 1:
Arrival at Shannon Airport and transfer to Knappogue Castle

Day 2: Ride into the peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains and across the rural pastures to the old tracks of the historical Sarsfield Ride. The tracks will take you along the bog – vast carpets and domes of peat and moss.

Day 3:
Your horse will carry you over the hills of the Slieve Aughty to view the majestic Lough Derg and Shannon River. The region of Lough Derg is unique as it still manages to maintain a pace where people move more slowly and the mind can be stilled. You will learn about the potato famine and watch farmers cut bog in the traditional way. You will be intrigued by a 9th century dolmen and the ruins of a monastic settlement on Holy Island.

Day 4:
You will descend onto the sandy shores of Lough Graney and enjoy a brisk canter along the
beach. Your afternoon is spent along lush pastures with endless stone walls and grazing
sheep.

Day 5:
You will ride along wood tracks to Glandaria, the valley of the Irish Kings. After lunch, you
will ride to Burren National Park for your first glimpse of Galway Bay. Your evening will
be spent in the charming village of Corofin with its countless pubs.

Day 6:
You will be immersed in the unique landscape of the burren – lunar-like terrain,
colorful flora and fauna. Dolmens, wedge tombs and Celtic ring forts are yours to explore.
You will pass a fulacht fiadh, an ancient cooking site. In the evening you will enjoy
traditional music in the village of Lisdoonvara.

Day 7:
Transfer to Smithstown Castle. You will ride to the Poulnabrone Dolmen and the surrounding caves. After lunch, you will lead your horse up the last hill for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands and the rugged Connemara Mountains. The afternoon will find you before the impressive Cliffs of Moher. Your ride will end near the eerie ruins of the Ballinalaken castle.

Day 8:
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport.

Details:

Dates: Arrival day – Saturday: April, May, September, October, June, July, August
Riding days: 6
Meeting point: Shannon Airport
Riding Ability: walk, trot, canter
Horses: Irish Draught, Connemara, Piebald
Group size: 4 – 6
Saddles: English
Non-riding activities: golfing, hiking
*Prices: Castles -$11,318, Ride – $2,629 per person

*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: 7 nights private castle accommodations, 6 days guided trail rides, all meals, horse, tack, guide, luggage transfers, transfer to and from airport and groom

Not included: Air fare