Ride Overview

Ride Ireland’s Wild Side – this is your ride – built for confident, experienced riders, this is an all-out equestrian adventure along Ireland’s legendary Wild Atlantic Way.

Head deep into Ireland’s untamed west, where towering Benbulben, windswept beaches, rugged countryside, and the crashing Atlantic Ocean create a riding playground unlike anywhere else.  Spend 4–6 exhilarating hours in the saddle each day, covering wild and varied terrain that will put your riding skills to work. Gallop across seemingly endless stretches of pristine beach, pick your way through rugged countryside, climb open hillsides, and feel the Atlantic wind whip around you. Here, every ride brings a new view—and a new reason to have an ear splitting grin!

And then comes the truly unforgettable part… ride straight into the Atlantic surf before crossing tidal channels on horseback to privately owned islands. Yes, really!!!  With your experienced guide leading the way, you’ll splash through seawater, explore places few visitors ever reach, and experience Ireland from the back of a horse.  This isn’t any old sightseeing on horseback – it’s wild Ireland at full gallop!

2027 Dates:  Coming Soon!
Rates:  $3,440.00 USD (or €2,750) per person sharing.  Single supplement:  $450.00 USD or €360

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 5 days of guided riding
  • All meals except 1 dinner
  • Horse and all tack
  • Guiding services on the trail rides
  • Daily transfers to/from the riding
  • All Local Taxes

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Airport/Train Station transfers
  • 1 Dinner
  • Beverages
  • Gratuities for the team at the end of your stay

Day 1: Arrival (Monday)

Independent arrival and settle in.

Day 2: Assessment and Beach Ride

After an assessment lesson to match you with your horse, you’ll head out for a three-hour coastal and rural ride. The route includes Trawalua Beach, quiet laneways, and historic bog tracks at the foot of Benbulben, with opportunities for cantering on the moorland loop.

Days 3–6 – Long Rides

The order of rides is determined by weather and tidal conditions. Lunch will be either a picnic or a pub / tea room stop.

The days will be as follows (not necessarily in this order):

O’Connor’s Island Ride (4 hours)

Cross the lagoon to Streedagh Beach for exhilarating beach gallops before exploring the dunes of O’Connor’s Island. Seals and migratory birds are often spotted in the estuary.

Includes a pub stop and lunch.

Gleniff Horseshoe Ride (5–6 hours)

Our longest and toughest ride of the week, venturing inland into the dramatic Gleniff Horseshoe valley beneath Benwiskin Mountain. Steeped in history and legend, this ride offers breathtaking views, historic sites, and a picnic at the old barytes mill.

Alternatively, riders may opt for a rest day with sightseeing in Strandhill or Sligo.

Dernish Island Trek (4–5 hours)

Cross the Atlantic channel to Dernish Island and ride along expansive, untouched beaches.

Enjoy views of Classiebawn Castle and time to relax while horses graze on salty island grass. Picnic at the ruined O’Connor homestead.

Mullaghmore Coastal Ride (4–5 hours)

Ride along Trawalua Beach and the boundary of Classiebawn Estate to Mullaghmore Harbour.

Enjoy spectacular cliff views, the iconic castle, and a pub lunch overlooking the harbour.

Day 7: Departure (Sunday)

Departure after breakfast.

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