Ride Overview
County Wicklow, often referred to as “the Garden of Ireland” due to its spectacular views of the Irish Sea and the many green hilltops and mountains, is your base for the week. You’ll thoroughly love this equestrian vacation as it will take you over diverse countryside, along river banks, over rugged mountains and through huge pine forests.
This is one of the most historically important areas of Ireland. The many lakes and shores in the valley are magnificent during the day – but at night, when the fog rolls in, the ghosts of ancient Celts seem to rise out of the dark blue waters.
Accommodations are in local ****4 star hotels and include Full Irish breakfast as well as packed lunches daily. Dinners can be taken at any of the pubs in town or in the hotel dining room.
Dates: April to November, every Sunday based on availability.
Rates: $1,835.00 USD per person. No Single Supplement.
Included
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 5 days of riding
- Full Irish Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, daily snacks, water, etc on the rides
- Horse and all tack
- All local taxes
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Transfers to/from the airport
- Transfers to/from the trail head daily
- Dinners
- Gratuities for the team at the end of the stay
Day 1
Sunday: Arrival to your ****4 Star Hotel (independant) and dinner at leisure.
Day 2
Monday: Meet your horse • Trail Ride 1 – Glenealy to Carrick Mountain
The holiday kicks off at 10am from from the farm in Glenealy Co. Wicklow. All accommodation is within a fifteen-minute drive, the group amalgamates on farm and after a quick introduction you will meet the mounts. All the horses our family raised, although all different shapes and sizes each horse is handpicked for being comfortable, trustworthy and suited to the trekking terrain in Co. Wicklow.
An introductory trek to acquaint riders and horses follows the farm boundary and neighboring Coillte forest. Once everyone is happily mounted and we’re riding comfortably as a group we depart immediately for the stunning neighboring Carrick Mountain.
You will trek across the picturesque village of Glenealy to begin the ascent of Carrick. The winding forest trail takes us through Beech trees and sand trails – perfect for a canter if you like. You will ride to the summit, 360m above sea level, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Glenealy hinterland, Wicklow town and the East Coastline.
Lunch is eaten on track close to one of the many natural springs. A total of four hours in the saddle, undulating scenic terrain and a welcome return to the farm will serve to whet your appetite for what is to come!
Day 3
Tuesday: Ride Glenealy to Laragh
This is an unforgettable day! We set out for Laragh, passing briefly through Carrick to reach the hinterland. You will view the picturesque village of a Laragh from the summit of Trooperstown Hill. From the Trooperstown plateau you will see the monastic settlement of Glendalough with its well known tower, the Glenmalure Valley and the breath taking Wicklow Way Mountains.
Set firmly in the heart of the “Garden of Ireland”, Laragh offers amongst the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. You will be truly spellbound, as we are every time we ride this exquisite land.
We have a hearty lunch in Laragh village where the horses will stay overnight. You will have the evening to stroll to Glendalough, stay and enjoy the Irish Pub craic in Laragh or return early to rest up and consolidate the memories.
Day 4
Wednesday: Ride Laragh to Glenmalure
Your ride today starts from the village of Laragh where the horses have stayed overnight. We trek steadily towards the historic Glenmalure glacial valley, passing through wooded trails and across vast open mountainsides.
Glenmalure is most famous for the 1580 Battle of Glenmaulre, in which an English force unsuccessfully tried to take an Irish rebel chieftain with the loss of over 500 men. A commemorative boulder is inscripted on the single road entering the valley.
Although not guaranteed this trail is often a good viewing site for natural wildlife as wild Irish deer moving frequently visits us between forest areas.
The four hour ride finishes in the Glenmalure valley from where you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Lodge Inn and be transported directly back to your accommodation.
Day 5
Thursday: Ride Glenmalure to Glenealy
The return ride from Glenmalure to Glenealy offers an alternate view of the stunning Wicklow Mountains. We follow the Avonbeg River, which leads us through the beautiful vale of Clara. A favorite area for both those seeking solace and artists we cross the old stone bridge over the Avonmore River. The old Irish Church at the water crossing sets the backdrop for this unique vale.
We ascend the vale towards Glenealy traversing mixed forestland and undulating terrain. Lunch is eaten on route as we aim to arrive back at the farm within five hours.
Day 6
Friday: Brittas Bay Beach ride • Castletimon Wood
Brittas Bay is our location for the penultimate ride and the crown of the week. After an early wake up call we mount by the dunes and climb steadily over the sand to ascend to one of the most beautiful beaches Ireland has to offer! You will then ride the sandy shoreline at a comfortable pace as we splash in and out of the low tide. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush you will have the opportunity to gallop the 4km shoreline – truly a ride dreams are made of!
We depart the beach for the infamous Castletimon Wood. Famous for all the wrong reasons, no trip to the locality would be complete without a trek through!! The wood is surrounded by both the Potters River and the Aghutruha River so is truly water locked. You will ride past the old Chapel ruin and the ancient wooded graveyard. Despite its rather unusual history, Castletimon serves as an excellent trek – beautiful Irish forestry and numerous springs flowing to the surrounding rivers.
The ride finishes by the coast on Brittas Bay where our early start means you’ll have four hours in the saddle before lunchtime! Many guests spend the afternoon in the scenic locality however you are free to depart on your journey as we take the horse’s home for a well-earned weekend off.
****This is the end of the program. Please let us know if you’d like for us to reserve an extra night at the hotel.
