riding hols in Ireland

[Suzanne2]

I really fancy escaping for a long weekend (or could I get away with a week?) to do a riding holiday in Ireland. Has anyone got any recommendations of good places to go? Much obliged.

[loopyh]

Hi This might be a daft question but have you read the thread entitled "riding holiday recommendations UK/Ireland" can't remember if anyone recommended Ireland but if you haven't looked check it out. I have plenty of brochures if you have no luck but haven't actually managed to get away as yet. Will pass on any names though if your interested.

[Selle Francais]

We had a fabulous time a few years ago at Devils Glen, in Co Wicklow, not far south of Dublin, so easy to get to.

http://www.horse-riding-vacation.com/devils_glen.asp

I loved my wise old gelding who had been round many a block in his time, but was so careful of me, and OH met the lifetime love, a beautiful mare called Mara, who unfortunately went lame 2 days into our stay, and therefore remains a missed opportunity.

Good people, good horses - recommend it.

SF

[Lou-lou]

Hello - I haven't been on a riding holiday in Ireland per se but I do visit a fair bit and have done some wonderful treks.

If you're in Connemara (West coast - and you should to see all the Connemara ponies) at all you must visit Cleggan beach and do the Omey Island trek across the huge beach at low tide: http://www.clegganridingcentre.com/

And there's some great trekking in Donegal (North West) too, I can highly recommend Dunfanaghy Stables: http://www.dunfanaghystables.com/index.htm, they have gorgeous big cobby horses and the scenery is absolutely stunning.

You'll have a brilliant time - it's the horsiest country ever. :)

[Kadi]

Went to this place several years ago, only went out for a 2 hour hack with my daughter so can't comment on the riding holiday side of it.

It's just out side a place called Portumna in Co Galway.

http://www.flowerhill.net/

xxx

[Rips]

Theres a new place opening soon that looks fabby - Castle Leslie Equestrian centre. Big old castle on the side of a lake, loads of holiday packages.

[fitz]

Now thats one place I'd really love to go... Castle Leslie is cool, such an interesting place, and I'd say the equestrian centre is top notch... theres a cookery school there as well.
Is Jack Leslie still alive? He was in his 80s when the dance music thing was at its peak... He decided he was a big fan and visited Ibiza.. He knew Yeats and all the other interesting characters from the early 20th century.. Program on about them this week

[Denbenj]

Sorry OT and rather random..Just wondered if anyone new a Riding centre in Ireland I think its called Meadow something.. Owner a Lady called Sam..quite recently opened or takenover

Thanks

Denbenj x

[Suzanne2]

Thanks to all who replied, esp. Fits. Castle Leslie sounds like heaven. Horses, cookery and music. To my shame, I don't know who Jack Leslie is, but I wish I'd met him. Definitely one venue to check out when I find out where it is. See you there in the summer!

[fitz]

www.castleleslie.com
Just looked at the equestrian page... I want to go there now!!!!
Its a place that has always been on my must visit list, even without the equestrian dimension.

The program on Irish television was about one of the family who locked his wife and children out of the house so that his mistress could move in... not that long ago either.

Jack Leslie is still alive I think, and gives tours of the castle... He's in his nineties now... to meet someone who knew Yeats himself and the other Irish giants of literature would be awesome...

[funkybubbles]

Another vote for Castle Leslie - its gonna be FAB! I went years ago with my RS and we had the best time.

Hey it would make a great place to have a meet up sometime?! Make a weekend of it! Anyone interested?

[fitz]

I would.. depending on time and cost...

[funkybubbles]

I would.. depending on time and cost...

I don't know if I could do it this year - but sometime in the future, I was looking at costs and it looks very pricey - but could be worth saving towards - although in saying that, it is quite reasonable for a hack out xc - something like 35Euro for an hour.

[fitz]

I'd love to go on a riding holiday there, but would want to be riding-fit first in order to get the most from it.. And I couldnt afford it right now. I've been up on a horse three times since last August so I have lovely jelly legs atm...