Atlantic Coast Trail

You are collected from the Dublin airport or in Sligo and driven to your accommodations after a short discussion reaffirming riding abilities and requirements. Accommodations at the Glasshouse hotel in Sligo for the next 4 nights.

After a leisurely Irish breakfast, you are taken to the riding center and introduced to the horses in the large indoor arena. Declan and Eugene, the trail guide, spend the next hour or so evaluating horses and riders and their compatibility before the short “get acquainted” ride through the surrounding pastures. After a light lunch ride to Knocknarea mountain and climb to the summit to the grave of one of Ireland’s greatest warriors, Queen Maeve (circa 3500 b.c). From this vantage point one can really appreciate the beauty of this corner of the Emerald Isle. Overnight Glasshouse hotel. After dinner (on your own) you may have an option to go to a local Irish pub to hear some traditional Irish music and sample the famous Irish craic. Most riding during the week will start at 10.30 AM.

After a leisurely breakfast you will have some time to explore Sligo before being picked up for the ride around 12.30 PM. Today’s ride takes you from Carrowmore through Union Forest and along of forest paths into Markree Castle estate. Ride through the castle grounds and to the stables where the horses will spend the night. Transfer back to Sligo to your accommodations.

The morning ride takes you around the grounds of Markree Castle where you can see the remains of the old houses where the Irish peasants lived in the times when the English ruled. Have a short lunch at the castle stables before riding back to Carrowmore through Ballygawley forest where you might spot some wild deer grazing. Transfer back to Sligo for overnight.

Have a large breakfast this morning as there is no lunch stop today. Before riding, take an escorted tour through the megalithic cemetery, circa 4000 b.c. Today’s ride is an exhilarating beach ride across Cumeen Strand to Coney Island, a small island in Sligo Bay (population 7). Accommodation in Strandhill.

Today is a chance to relax and to visit places of interest and historical significance of this ancient corner of Ireland, including a visit to Parkes castle, a 14th century castle restored by the Irish government and Yeat’s grave in Drumcliff. There is also time to see the beautiful town of Sligo and do some shopping. For those who wish, a trip to the famous Celtic seaweed baths in Strandhill can be arranged (an out of pocket expense). After dinner (on your own), visit a local Irish pub if you have energy left.

The final day’s riding is spent mostly on beaches so starting time will depend on the tides. Ride around the Knocknarea Peninsula from Kelly’s town to Culleenamore beach along the strand at Strandhill onto Cumeen Strand and across to Carty’s beach. This is a fantastic ride along the beaches, very exilarating but also physically challenging. Lunch is taken at the famous Strand Bar in Strandhill, a surfing village. As it’s your last night meet after dinner for a final Guinness and a chance to reflect on your week’s adventure.

After breakfast you are driven back to Sligo or Dublin airport for your onward journey home.