County Wicklow, on the east coast of Ireland, is lush, green and beautiful. With its spectacular views of the Irish Sea from the many green hilltops and mountain tops, this area is known as the "Garden of Ireland".
This is one of the most historically important areas of Ireland. The many lakes and shores in the valley are magnificent during the day. At night when a fog rolls in, the ghosts of ancient Celts seem to rise out of the dark blue waters.
Riders will have the opportunity to see medieval tower houses, built to provide protection for the Norman lords from the Celtic warrior bands which roamed the area looking for a fight. Knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced guides will provide information about the ecology, the myths and legends and the history of the area. This is a fantastic place for trail riding. It combines great natural beauty, a long and interesting history and lovely local people.
The horses you will ride are fit and fully capable of negotiating the terrain. Over the six days and six nights of the trail, riders will tour between four and five hours each day. All riders are expected to be able to walk, trot and canter in open country with confidence and control. There are several optional jumps along the trail.
Each night, riders will enjoy a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, a hot shower or bath and a change of clothes. Luggage will be waiting at each stop. The accommodations are warm, comfortable and welcoming. Each guest house provides a unique experience and an opportunity to meet the Irish at home.
As Dublin is so close, you may want to plan a trip to Ireland's greatest city before or after your trail ride.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: You arrive from Dublin and may choose to take an optional visit to the Irish National Stud Farm via taxi (taxi fare not included), where Ireland prides itself on their well bred Thoroughbreds. While right next door you can also visit the Japanese Gardens, with its delightful plants, flowers and ponds.
Day 2: After selecting your equine partner and having a brief assessment at the Calliaghstown Riding Center you will be sent on your way for a memorable journey through the magnificent scenery of the Gardens of Ireland. A fun ride is ahead in the Sleavetoule Forest with optional natural jumps and then follow* the quiet country lanes down to the Kilteel Inn for lunch. Here you will have your first opportunity to see a real Irish castle – Kilteel Castle was built in the early 13th century. The afternoon ride takes you across the heather and gorse covered Sorell Hill overlooking the Blessington Lakes and you will finish your ride in the old granite villages of Lacken and Ballyknocken.
Day 3: From Poulapuca (the lake of the fairies) over Knocknadroosa Mountain to a well deserved picnic lunch in the Hollywood Glen. The trail that follows over Knocknaboley leads to the Church Mountain and then descends via the heather covered Cuckoo Valley, where the silence of the hills is only broken by the sound of the Cuckoo and your horses hoof beats. A welcome drink will be waiting in Donard (Dun Ard, meaning the High Fort, is the site of one of the 3 churches founded by Palladius in Wicklow 431AD).
Day 4: Spectacular scenery unfolds all around you as you ride through the Glen of Imail (the seat of power of Leinster Kings during the Iron Age – 500BC – 700 AD). Here you will be taken through small farms and open moors, crossing the River Slaney and on to Spinnans Hill where you will be able to see Brusselstown Ring – an Iron Age hill fort. This area is buried in history, and one of the many examples that your experienced guides will share with you is Kilrenelagh Cemetery known as the Gates of Heaven.
Day 5: After a good nights rest at Glenmalure Lodge, where you will have enjoyed its friendly atmosphere, its open fire and traditional Irish music the night before, you and your horse will follow the old military road past the ruins of Drumgoff Barracks. Here many battles were fought in the mountains during the 1798 rebellion. The ride continues through the forests and rugged mountains leading down to the mysterious Glendalough Lakes. Here we overlook the Monastic Valley and the 7th Century Round Tower. This is the symbol of Ireland’s Middle Ages reputation as the island of Saints and Scholars around the time when the Vikings attacked Glendalough in 833.
Day 6: From the village of Laragh the ride continues through the National Park and the Annamoe Valley, renowned for its beautiful scenery and historic monuments. This is the perfect ending to a memorable week.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
6 night program: $2,495 per person, shared; $440 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights guest house accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch each day
- 3 dinners
- 5 day guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Luggage transfer
- Tax.
3 night program: $1,425 per person, shared; $225 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 3 nights guest house accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch each day
- 2 days of guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Guide
- Tax.
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