Ireland’s Mount Juliet estate offers riders an opportunity to train under British Horse Society certified instructors, enjoy trail rides along the 14 miles of trails on the state, catch a fresh trout in the River Nore, shoot sporting clays or play golf on Mount Juliet’s excellent Par 72 Jack Nicklaus designed course, which has hosted the Irish Open in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2002 and the American Express World Golf Championships in 2002 and 2004.
The estate also boasts other fun activities such as tennis, archery, a heated pool, a health club and a full service spa. This is a fantastic vacation for all riders but especially those who travel with a non-riding companion or with the entire family.
Unlike some sporting resorts, Mount Juliet takes riding seriously, it is not just something added as an afterthought. The estate has been home to the Kilkenny Hounds since 1920 and the Ballylinch Stud has been operating on the grounds of Mount Juliet since 1915. In fact, during foaling season, guests may request to be present at the birth of a foal. The hotel staff will even awaken guests (if requested, of course) if the birth takes place at night. The birth of a foal is a sight that everyone who loves horses should see at least once.
Riders can take lessons in cross country jumping, hunt seat, show jumping and dressage or just go out for a hack along the beautiful estate grounds. In season, capable riders may be able to join in foxhunting with the Kilkenny Hounds. Because the facilities at Mount Juliet are so adaptable, you can devise your won riding program to give yourself more time to ride or enjoy the other amenities of this wonderful estate.
Built over two hundred years ago by the Earl of Carrick, the hotel is one of Ireland’s finest with 32 rooms, two excellent restaurants and two bars. Each room has an ensuite bathroom but retains much of the grandeur of the original mansion. No two rooms are alike but all are comfortable. After a long day of sports, relax in the spa, have a massage, a steam bath or take a dip in the heated pool.
Package includes 6 nights accommodation in the The Hunter’s Yard, 5 days of riding with 3 hours of daily riding to include lessons, trail riding or a combination of both OR 1 round of golf, all meals, horse, tack, instructor/guide and tax.
Dates: Arrive any day, open all year.
Rates:
Jan. 1 – Mar. 31 & Nov. 1 – Dec. 18:
$1,885.00 USD per person in shared room (Single Supplement: $415.00 USD)
April 1 – June 18 & Sept. 21 – Oct. 31:
$1,985.00 USD per person in shared room (Single Supplement: $515.00 USD)
June 19 – Sept. 20 & Dec. 19-31:
$2,165.00 USD per person in shared room (Single Supplement: $695.00 USD)
This is a WPSimpleViewerGallery
Testimonials:
We just returned from the Mount Juliet Estate in Ireland. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on this trip and cannot wait to make a return visit. We have experienced many grand hotels and castles across Europe on other equestrian vacations, and this intimate and personal residence genuinely exceeded our expectations. The view of the river, surrounded by endless pastures of thoroughbreds, was reason enough to sit down for breakfast every morning. Having the opportunity to ride through these perfect fields and forests was a fantastic way to spend any day.
The horses were great; calm, collected, energetic, yet easily managed by all in our group. Having not taken formal riding lessons in some time, I was able to learn so much from my instructor Eleanor. She was very patient and encouraging, yet able to literally “fix” many problems I had developed under past instructors. The training center is the best I have seen and I encourage others to take a private lesson.
All of the facilities were simply fabulous; the spa, the golf, the food at any of the restaurants and a great nights sleep in the intimate accommodations. The visit to Mount Juliet was the highlight of our visit to Ireland. Thank you again for helping make another great memory.
Douglas Korn
Lexington, Kentucky