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West Donegal

8 days - Sligo to Sligo

The North West corner of Ireland, Donegal, is the wildest and most romantic of all the Irish counties. Its austere melancholy is unforgettable! Pass by dark blue lakes, ride through boggy hills and valleys and across chocolate brown marshland. Trot along the rugged coastline, past rocky cliffs and gallop on miles and miles of sandy beaches.

This unguided ride is ideal for the adventurous rider, who is experienced in looking after their own horse and wishes to ride without an escort. You will need to find your own way across rugged mountains, along country lanes, through bogs and forests and be ready to gallop along deserted beaches. You will be provided with a detailed map and be given a full briefing before setting off. The route is way marked but you will need to be comfortable about map reading.

The ride does not have vehicular back up, so everything you need has to be packed into your saddlebags. You need to be prepared to take the minimum of luggage and if you want to ride as much off road as possible, confident in your map reading skills. The ride will enable you to discover an untouched Ireland and experience the legendary Irish hospitality.
Day 1
Make your own way to Ireland and the farm which is situated a short drive from the town of Sligo (transfers from Knock Airport can be arranged). Ensure that you arrive by midday so you have time to meet your horse and have a short trial ride to become acquainted with each other. You will receive your saddlebags and maps. Overnight in a nearby guesthouse.
Day 2 (B)
Spend the morning readying your horse and preparing for your ride. After an induction about the route you will be boxed into County Donegal to the starting point. Follow the yellow arrows and check the route on your map from time to time. Depending on how fast you ride you will arrive at your night's accommodation after a lovely trek across bog land and through forests.
Day 3 (B)
You will start the day with an opulent breakfast, which gives you the strength for a day's riding, long and full of excitement. The trail goes through the Blue Stack Mountains - secluded, majestic, wild and romantic. You will enjoy picturesque views and impressive scenery. The only living souls you meet along the way are sheep and birds. Enjoy the tranquillity and the wind, which accompanies you on your way. High up in the mountains it needs a bit of courage to follow the signposted trail, which crosses boggy terrain. Don't worry, though, the horses are familiar with the area and will carry you safely across. Riding down the mountain you will pass an impressive waterfall and arrive at the welcoming Glen Tavern. Allow the horses to relax while you enjoy some lunch. After lunch there are few hours of riding still ahead of you before you arrive at your overnight stop.
Day 4 (B)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast. Yours hosts will be glad to discuss the route with you before you leave. At the beginning you follow an old railway line, which is not used anymore, then you ride along the road until reaching the shores of beautiful Lough Finn and into the Gaeltacht area.
Day 5 (B)
Today you will have the chance to decide what you like better - riding in the mountains, through forests or on the beach. This tour offers a wide variety of scenery, new perspectives and exciting views.
Day 6 (B)
A chance for a further beach ride before riding through picturesque mountains. You have time to stop en route, pause for a moment above Lough Laragh and take a look back to Gweebarra Bay and enjoy the lovely view.
Day 7 (B)
Today it is especially important to be in top form since this is the day with the longest ride of the week. Bogland as far as you can see - dark muddy water and green grass. The scenery looks totally different again. Make the most of your last day, which ends at Cloverhill House, by the beach, at Inver.
Day 8 (B)
After breakfast you and your horse will be collected and transported back to the farm near Sligo.
We are also able to offer a week's unescorted ride of South Donegal.
Ireland
  • Cost per Person:

    24 Apr to 29 Jun 2008 £560

    03 Jul to 23 Aug 2008 £625

    24 Aug to 02 Nov 2008 £560

  • Includes: 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation. Hire of the horse with all equipment and saddlebags and transportation back to the farm.
  • Single Supplement: This ride is based on a minimum of 2 people riding and traveling together.
  • Departure Dates: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 26 April to mid November.
  • The Accommodation: Accommodation throughout the ride is in comfortable guesthouses and/or farmhouses, with a field provided for your horse. Rooms normally have ensuite facilities.
  • Food & Drink: A substantial Irish Breakfast is included in the holiday cost. Lunch and dinner are paid for locally. At lunchtime you could stop at a local pub (although taking snacks or arranging for your overnight stop to provide a pack lunch allows you greater freedom) and in the evening you can arrange for your host to provide an evening meal or try a pub.
  • Laundry: You may need to hand wash underwear and socks each night. Soap powder is not provided.
  • Children: Children of 12 plus are welcome but they must be accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.Ireland

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