Galway + Connemara IRELAND EQUESTRIAN TOURS - THE CONNEMARA COAST TRAIL
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IRELAND EQUESTRIAN TOURS
THE CONNEMARA COAST TRAIL
- A 7- NIGHT COASTAL CONNEMARA RIDING HOLIDAY -
Galway + Connemara
www.IrelandEquestrianTours.com
THE NEW YOU
ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
If you've ever dreamed of riding on the beaches of Connemara, you are going LOVE this itinerary!
Spend 7-nights exploring Galway City & the Connemara coast & countryside. This trail crosses
some of the the most beautiful terrain & white sand beaches that Ireland has to offer.
Your adventure through Connemara will be guided by legendary horseman, Willie Leahy. Willie is
the largest breeder of Connemara ponies in the world and the Field Master of the
famous Galway Blazers Hunt.
This coastal itinerary takes you into the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way! Enjoy salty breezes from
the stunning blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean as you ride through the contrasting landscape of
the Connemara Coast in County Galway. A land of contrasts, its backdrop of the Twelve Bens and
bog complex, multiple peninsulas and inlets, and its unique islands, all steeped in age-old Gaelic
culture and tradition symbolize the essence of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Riding is available from April through September.
- THIS IS A POINT TO POINT RIDE -
THE NEW YOU
CONNEMARA, COUNTY GALWAY
County Galway is synonymous with rolling hills & fields divided by a latticework of
stone walls and quiet country roads.
Famous for its spectacular scenery, Connemara is a land of timeless, wild beauty. Known for its
contrasting landscapes, dramatic mountains, silent lakes, and a kaleidoscope of
rust coloured bogs.
The Coast and Islands are renowned for stories and folklore that highlight the unique landscape
attributes, the resilience and vibrancy of coastal and island life, and the ways in which this area
has been a source of artistic inspiration for centuries
County Galway
m a r a
C onne
C i ty
ay
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- ACCOMMODATIONS -
For this itinerary, guests have the choice of staying in guesthouses or hotels. Both Hotel or
Guesthouse accommodations have been carefully selected to provide guests with personal service,
comfortable en-suite bedrooms, and a daily full Irish breakfast. Ideally located along the trail route,
they are the perfect end to a day's ride!
- meals -
All meals are included Day 2 - Day 7 (see itinerary)
Start the day right! Begin with a range of side items such as oatmeal, fruit, yogurt,
granola/meusli, brown bread, and cereals. Enjoy a hearty full Irish breakfast complete with bacon,
sausage, eggs, toast, hot tea, coffee and juices.
Lunch is picnic style on the trail. Picnics consist of a variety of breads, cheeses, cold cuts, lettuce,
tomatoes, cucumbers, cookies, and a range of sodas, tea, coffee and water.
Evening meals are available at the B&B's or hotel's restaurant -- Typically 4-courses with a
variety of entree choices.
Vegetarian or Gluten Free can be accommodated with advance notice.
HOW TO GET HERE
This itinerary takes place on the West coast of Ireland in County Galway. Guests can fly into
Dublin, Ireland or Shannon, Ireland.
Shannon, Ireland is approximately 1.5 hours from Galway. Dublin, Ireland is approximately
2 hours from Galway.
We can arrange private transport to Galway from either Dublin and Shannon Airport. For those
that prefer public transportation, there is a bus and train service to Galway from Dublin.
Additionally, we can arrange, either via private driver or public transport, return transport to
Dublin or Shannon.
- THE HORSES -
Your host maintains approximately 200 horses, each very fit and well suited for the terrain. Irish
Hunters and Connemara ponies of varying sizes are known the world over for their fantastic
jumping ability, gentleness, intelligence and stamina. There is a horse to suit every riding ability --
from novice to advanced. The outfitter knows his horses well and is profficient at
matching rider to horse.
The horses are not groomed as they live outside during the summer. You are welcome to bring a
small brush if you wish to groom before riding.
- TRAIL INFORMATION -
You will be riding in English tack. There are no saddle bags available, however you are welcome to
bring your own. There are D-Rings on the front of the saddle providing loops for a small saddle
pack or strings to tie your jacket. Water is not provided on the trail --we suggest that a waist
pouch with a water bottle be worn (see packing list).
The first day will take at least an hour to select horses and get organized due to the size of the
group. After gathering the horses, riders are asked to select a bridle and spend a brief time
speaking with the outfitter about the size, temperament and preferences for a mount. Once a
horse is chosen for the rider, you will be asked to lead the horse to the tack trailer, select a
saddle, saddle the horse and check the stirrup length and girth tightness. At lunch stops, the
horses are untacked and are released to graze. After lunch, the horses are caught and tacked up.
In the mountains riders are advised to follow the guide rather than their own path.
The mountains can be boggy and rocky and the guide has years of experience in seeking a trail
through them. The same applies on the beach, you will be asked to stay behind the guide so that
they can set the pace and route.
For guests wishing to brush up on their jumping skills, this itinerary includes a day of (optional)
cross country jumping at the Dartfield. This course was professionally designed to accommodate
riders and horses of all levels from novice to advanced. An international Three Day 2** Event has
been held at the Dartfield since 2004 attracting riders from all over the world.
Those not wishing to jump can ride through the farmland around the museum and beyond
into the surrounding area.
THE NEW YOU
- DAY ONE -
(sunday)
Welcome to Galway -- the City of Tribes!
Steeped in history and filled to the brim with old-fashioned pubs, independent shops, excellent
restaurants, and world-famous street performers -- Galway just may be Ireland’s
most charming city!
Standing proudly on the famous Eyre Square, your accommodation for the evening is an iconic
Galway landmark! Perfectly positioned and within strolling distance of all the best amenities that
Galway has to offer – from pubs and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you’re right in the
center of Galway’s bohemian social scene.
Overnight: The Hardiman Hotel, Galway City
- DAY TWO -
(monday)
This morning, meet up with other riders in the lobby of the Hardiman Hotel. Here you are
introduced to your guide and the back-up team who are on hand to move luggage, bring the picnic
and help with the horses.
The ride begins at Toombeola from where we ride over Cashel Hill and have lunch overlooking the
sea near Bolgers where there was once a shop and pub. After lunch we ride along the road for about
15 min until we turn into a side road where we pass the Zetland Hotel. After another hour we leave
the horses in Willie’s mountain in Shannadonnell for the night.
Overnight: Carna Bay Hotel or Guesthouse
- DAY THREE -
(tuesday)
Drive up on Willie's mountain to catch and tack up the horses. Then ride along beautiful lakes and
enjoy the stunning views of the landscape and vegetation. After we cross over the mountain, which
takes about 1.5 hrs, we will we have lunch by a quiet lake.
THE NEW YOU
Afterward, make our way off the mountain towards the sea, where depending on the tide, we
either ride to Mweenish where we may leave the horses for the night, or ride out
to Mweenish Island!
Overnight: Carna Bay Hotel or Guesthouse
- DAY FOUR -
(wednesday)
Depending on the tide, we ride out to Mweenish Island this morning and explore the different
beaches here or alternative we ride to Finish Island -- either way, both are spectacular! When we
return to shore, enjoy lunch Willies beach house. Afterwards, enjoy cantering on the beach and
explore the sea side around Carna Village.
Overnight: Zetland Hotel at Cashel Bay or Guesthouse
- DAY FIVE -
(thursday)
We ride from Mweenish into Carna village along little lane ways where we get over mountains
with beautiful lakes and overlooking the sea. We will have lunch at the water tower before riding
up a quiet high mountain overlooking Kilkerrin and salmon farm. This brings us down to a road
where we have to ride for about an hour to get to the townland of Derryrush.
Overnight: Zetland Hotel at Cashel Bay or Guesthouse
- DAY SIX -
(friday)
After breakfast, we'll take the coastal route from Derryrush to Rosmuck village. Enjoy an early
lunch and a long ride over the beautiful mountain which overlooks Screebe Lodge, one of Ireland's
finest Victorian country houses and it's famous Screebe Fishery.
At the end of the day, riders will be transported to Loughrea for their evening accommodations.
Overnight: Loughrea Hotel or Guesthouse
- DAY SEVEN -
(saturday)
You will be collected from you accommodations in the morning and brought to Dartfield, Willie's
Equestrian and Heritage Centre. After a warm welcome with hot Port or whiskey you'll tack up and
enjoy trekking through the 350-acre estate.
The ride goes through woodland and across fields and there is the option to jump around on the
Xcoountry Course -- home of an annual international 3* Horse Trial. Enjoy lunch in the Dartfield
cafe, visit the Irish Horse Museum, and take a browse through the Tack and Gift Shop.
The afternoon spent riding at Dartfield -- Head out for a leisurely hack or XCountry jumping before
saying good bye to your four legged friend!
Overnight: Loughrea Hotel or Guesthouse
- DAY EIGHT -
(sunday)
Depart Galway for Dublin or Shannon.
(Optional Overnight Available - Not included in package price)THE NEW YOU
- 2021 CONNEMARA COAST DATES -
(Overnight Accommodations: Sunday - Saturday)
APRIL 25 - MAY 2
MAY 9 - MAY 16
MAY 23 - MAY 30
JUNE 6 - JUNE 13
JUNE 20 - JUNE 27
JULY 4 - JULY 11
JULY 18 - JULY 25
AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 8
AUGUST 15 - AUGUST 22
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 5
SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 19
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 3
- Groups are limited to 14 riders -- 2021 PRICING -
The rates below include:
7- Nights Accommodation (sharing)
Daily Full Irish Breakfast x 7
Daily Picnic Lunch on Trail x 6
Nightly Dinners on Trail x 6
6 Full Days Riding
Horse, Tack, and Experienced Guides
Ride Transfers on Connemara Trail
HIGH SEASON
(July & August)
hotel - $2,400 per rider
guesthouse - $2,275 per rider
LOW SEASON
(April, May, June, September)
hotel - $2,330 per rider
guesthouse - $2,200 per rider
HOTEL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $365
GUESTHOUSE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 300
DEPOSIT: $900 per person
- FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE IN FULL 45 -DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL -
(See Complete Terms & Conditions)IMPORTANT INFORMATION
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Airport Transfers*, Lunch on Day 1 in Galway city, Evening Meal on Day 1 in Galway City, Travel
Insurance, Airfare, Discretionary Tips, Return Airport Accommodation
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION:
Guests should plan to arrive in Ireland on Sunday, the ride begins on Monday.
Guests should plan to depart Ireland on Sunday or Monday. IET can arrange Sunday night
accommodations at a Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport hotel (Guest to pay on own) for
Monday departures.
Please discuss flight itinerary with IET prior to booking airline ticket.
TRAIL & RIDER INFORMATION:
The pace of this trail is moderate: W, T, C. Riders must be able to gather, catch, tack and untack the
horses, mount and dismount unassisted.
Riders can expect walks, long trots, brief canters and short gallops. Riders will ride up and down rocky
hills, for approximately 5-6 hours a day.
Although led by experienced guides, we ask riders to be independent as there is little direction or
instruction given while on the ride.
Be flexible; the outfitter does not run on a strict schedule.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSE AVAILABILITY:
Hotel & Guesthouse accommodations are on a first come, first serve basis. In the event a
hotel/guesthouse listed on the itinerary is not available, we will arrange accommodations at an
alternate hotel/guesthouse.
*We do not include ground transportation on our itineraries, as some of our guests prefer to rent a car, use public
transportation, or hire private transport.
We will provide airport transfer quotes on request from Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport to Galway or assist with
arranging transport via train and/or bus service.
Whatever your preferred mode of transportation, we will manage all the logistics so your riding
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