Clew Bay Ride

Sunday: Arrival in Westport in the afternoon, group pickup is at 5PM from the Westport bus/ train station. Check into your accommodations at Lurgan B&B. Its about a 10 min walk into the town center from the outskirts of town.

Monday: A hearty breakfast is served at the B&B every morning starting at 8AM. Pickup from the accommodations is at 8.45 most mornings. Transfer to the outfitters stud to get to know the horses and talk about the week ahead. After an assessment ride in the indoor arena transfer to Brackloon to take the Skelp Ride which bring you towards the east side of Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s Holy mountain which has been a site of worship for over 3,000 years). This mountain path gives us a great view of Clew Bay. Ride through Prospect and picnic near the ruins of a homestead which dates back to pre-famine times. Then on to Teevnacroagha where you ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint) before returning to Brackloon.

Tuesday: Today the starting point is the village of Culeen on the west side of Croagh Patrick for the Culeen Ride. This ride takes you through quiet country lanes on to the bog roads at Boris where you will experience your first few canters. Picnic at the Ballakip River and finish the day at Culeen.

Wednesday: Today saddle up at Furmoyle for the Feenone Ride. This takes you over a mountain pass, close to a megalithic burial site, through the Carrowniskey River and on to the bog roads at Feenone. Clare Island (Grainne Uaile, Ireland’s famous Pirate Queen resided there in the 1500’s and controlled all the waters of Clew Bay) and Inishturk Island can be seen on a clear day. Then head for Carrowniskey Beach where you can canter and gallop before returning to base at Furmoyle.

Thursday: For the final day of the trail start again at Furmoyle and make your way to EmlaghPoint, then on to Doughmakeon Strand and Carrowniskey Beach crossing the Carrowniskey River and then on to Cross Strand where you can see the coast of Connemara in the distance, on a clear day.  There are opportunities to gallop today. Enjoy  picnic next to Clapper Bridge (the bridge with the eyes- Padraic will share its story) at the lunch stop.  Afterwards make your way along the beach again before returning to Furmoyle where you bid a fine farewell to your equine companion. In the evening enjoy a farewell drink in one of Westport’s Pubs.

Friday: Depart after breakfast with fond memories of your ride.