If you really want to see Ireland, see it from a horse. There’s no better way to get closer to the countryside, and the people, than by touring on horseback.
The 3 and 6 day post to post trail explores the Slieve Bloom Mountains located in the heart of Ireland in Counties Laois & Offaly, offers a unique opportunity to experience rural Ireland, unexploited by tourism.
There is a varied terrain: verdant forest paths, disused roadways dating back to pre-famine Ireland and the largest expanse of blanket peat in Europe strewn with bog cotton and heather and rivers to navigate! From the excitement of cantering up winding forest trails to the quite joy of walking along deserted roads, this week has it all. The excellent horses are bit like the Guinness – strong, sweet and good!
The country house accommodation is on a peaceful estate plucked straight of a period movie. It’s cozy rooms; fine good and gracious hosts give the ride the finishing touch it deserves. Everything here cries out for you to relax.
Margaret, your hostess is charming and ensures you have the holiday of a lifetime with many happy memories.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Breakfast, introduction to your horse, assessment, and your'e off into the Slieve Blooms, with waterfalls, glens and woodland. The pace is varied from walking, trotting and cantering - saddle bags provided for cameras, jackets and lunch. Lunch is in the outdoors as it is for the week. Glenbarrow and the Ridge of Cappard
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Day 2:
Riding to the infamous Mountaintop pass the 'Cut' overlooking Glen Bordowin and riding into the Glendinoregan. Drinks in the old world pub, Dan & Molly's in Ballyboy where horses overnight. Return to Roundwood
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Day 3:
Riding from Ballyboy up in Glenletter Valley, enjoy the breathtaking views from Letter Cross Roads overlooking the River Shannon Plains, pass Tullinsk Castle and travel on pre-famine roads and verdant forest paths. Overnight horse at Glenafelly Valley. Return to Roundwood.
Visit to Leap Castle - reputed to be most haunted castle in Europe!
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Day 4:
From Tulla Gap start incline to Glendine West overlooking 'Fidler's Rock' and climb to Glendine Gap arrive a a large expanse of blanket bog. This bog is an important sanctuary and is still one hte largest continous areas of mountain blanket peat in Ireland - it was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1985. Here heather and bog mosses dominate with wonderful hues of purple.
Traditional Irish dancing in local pub that evening after dinner.
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Day 5:
From Dooleys Bridge - ride into the beautiful Glen Delour valley with its deciduous trees and green pasturs. Lunch with horses grazing at river bed. Ride to Monicknew Bridge - hack back to Roundwood and overnight.
Tradition Irish Music in Kinnity.
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Day 6:
Horses paddocked at Cardtown wood - half day cantering thru the forest - with miles of canter paths and then hack a mile to the metal bridge where we stop for lunch with wine. Navigate the for 2 hours where swimming is a must! and for the those that wish to jump that can be provided. Final canter in nearby farm and ride to the village of Camross for a well earned glass of Guinness and then load horses for home.
That evening share a farewell Guinness with new-found friends - exhange addresses and plans for next year's holiday on horseback.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
allow for transfers from Dublin or Shannon airport to Portlaise Train station see web site for details or if hiring car - also allow for this element
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ireland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Horse Riding
Hiking & Trekking
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