Europe > Ireland

Clew Bay Trail Ride

On this six-day riding holiday, explore the Clew Bay in Western Ireland – a beautiful ocean bay overlooked by Croagh Patrick and the Nephin mountains. You will be riding through traditional Irish villages, sandy beaches, mountain tracks and country lanes while learning all about the local heritage sites along the way. This trail riding holiday is ideal for intermediate riders looking to experience the varied landscapes that the Irish countryside has to offer, take in the views and enjoy the local culture.
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Centre based holidays
6 days / 4 days riding
From £1,750
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore the Irish countryside and witness the rugged landscapes of Co. Mayo and the Wild Atlantic way on horseback
- Your guide Padraig is an experienced horsemanship and has spent his entire life in the area: he knows Ireland and Co. Mayo like the back of his hand.
- Ride local Irish Cobs and Connemara ponies, for a real Irish trail riding holiday experience!
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  • Day 1 1: Home – Knock Airport – Westport

    The closest airport you can fly to is Knock, however transfers can also be arranged from/to Shannon and Dublin airports (check “Dates & Prices” tab). Flights are not included but can be booked on request.
    Transfer to Westport where you will check in to the accommodation that will be your home for the coming days.

    Please note that transfers are not included in the price (check “Dates & Prices” tab).

  • Day 2 2: Skelp Ride - Approx. 4h riding

    After breakfast you will be taken to Drummindoo Stud to meet your host Padraic Foy, your horse, and the other riders in the group. After an assessment ride in the indoor arena, riders and horses will be transferred to Brackloon to take the Skelp Ride, which will lead you towards the east side of Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain which has been a site of worship for over 3,000 years. This mountain path will give you a great view of Clew Bay.

    Continue to ride through Prospect and stop for a picnic lunch near the ruins of a homestead which dates back to pre famine times.
    Then on to Teevnacroagha where you will ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint) before returning to Brackloon.


    Note: Dinner is not included.

  • Day 3 3: Culeen Ride - Approx. 4h riding

    Today’s ride begins in the peaceful village of Culeen, nestled on the west side of Croagh Patrick.
    You'll set off along quiet country lanes, soaking in the gentle rhythm of rural Ireland as you make our way towards the wild beauty of the bog roads at Boris. Here, the open landscape invite you to stretch out with some long canters.
    You will stop by the Ballakip River for picninc lunch before returning to Culeen.


    Note: Dinner is not included.

  • Day 4 Feenone Ride - Approx. 4h riding

    Today you will start at Formoyle. Ride over a mountain pass, close to a megalithic burial site (one of many in the area), through the Carrowniskey River and on to the bog roads at Feenone. Along the way you will be able to see Clare Island – where Grainne Uaile, Ireland’s most famous pirate queen, resided.
    Before finishing today’s ride, you will make your way to Carrowniskey beach where you will have the opportunity to canter.

    Note: Dinner is not included.

  • Day 5 5 : Connemara’s Coastline - Approx. 4h riding

    Today there are plenty of opportunities to canter.
    You will start from Furmoyle, and make your way to Doughmakeon and ride at the beach in Carrowniskey before crossing the Carrowniskey River. Continue to ride towards Cross Strand, from where you will be able to see the coast of Connemara in the distance.

    Stop for a picnic lunch next to Clapper Bridge.
    In the afternoon you will ride along Cross Strand and Carrowniskey beach again before returning to base where you will say goodbye to your horse.

    Note: Dinner is not included.

  • Day 6 6: Westport - Knock Airport - Home

    Transfer to the airport after breakfast.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2-3 riders on payment of a supplement of c. €280/£250/$330. Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €300/£265/$355. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.
Please note: There is a limited number of single rooms available.

- A transfer from/to the Westport bus or train station can be organised free of charge. Please see here or here for bus/train tickets and schedules.

- Airport transfers are not included but can be arranged from the following airports (return rate per vehicle, up to 8 people - rates subject to change):
> Knock - €275/£245/$335
> Shannon - €775/£685/$905
> Dublin - €1225/£1085/$1435

- Non-riders are welcome to join and benefit from a special rate of €450/£400/$525 (based on 2 people sharing the room - B&B)

- Accompanied young riders are welcome from 12+ yo, provided they match the riding requirements.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Inland transport

Internal land transfers mentioned in the itinerary
Transfer from Wesport Train Station to the accommodation

Accommodation

6 nights in a guesthouse - double or twin room

Meals

Breakfasts and picnic lunches

Additional equipment

Saddle bags

Price doesn't include

Meals

Dinners are not included

Transport

International flights
Private road transfers from/to the airport

Extras

Single room
Tips to the local team

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    26/04/2026 01/05/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    28/06/2026 03/07/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    05/07/2026 10/07/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    12/07/2026 17/07/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    19/07/2026 24/07/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    26/07/2026 31/07/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    09/08/2026 14/08/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    23/08/2026 28/08/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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    30/08/2026 04/09/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/09/2026 11/09/2026 £1,750 €1,995 $2,258
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Equestrian info

Horses

The majority of trail horses have competition experience. There are Connemara ponies, Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts, and Irish Cobs, all with good temperaments and stamina which make them ideal for the trails.

Their sizes range from 13.2hh to 16hh.

Guide & local team

The base for the Clew Bay Trail Ride is at Drummindoo Stud. This family business was founded by Paddy Joe and Patsy Foy in 1963. Some stallions that have resided here include the famous Connemara ''Carna Dun'', the Thoroughbred ''Fast Frigate'' and the Irish Draught ''Shuttlecock” to name but a few. Initially horses were bred, produced and sold worldwide. In 1979 they started to offer horse riding. The farm has been developed over time from a small stud to a modern equestrian facility.
Padraic Foy now leads the trails himself and his a competent, compassionate horseman, and a certified Monty Roberts instructors. When he is not riding on the trail Padraic is busy training horses and people as well as offering Horsemanship Courses and Clinics in Monty's Methods.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

To participate in this riding holiday you should be at least an intermediate rider. You should be able to ride confidently at all three paces. Overall, this trail does not present any technical difficulties, but you must be fit and able to control your horse in open spaces, and especially on the beach.

Rider weight limit: 90 kg / 14.3 stone / 200 lbs

Pace

This is a progressive ride and the pace depends on the terrain and weather. There are some opportunities to trot and canter along the way, but overall this is a moderately paced holiday, with a focus on the scenery and culture – with a fun canter down the beach!

Tacking ability and participation

You are welcome to help groom and tack/untack the horses.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You should be reasonably fit to cope with the long hours of the saddle. Riders who do not ride regularly should get back in the saddle before joining this holiday.

Equestrian equipment

English saddles and bridles. Saddlebags are provided.
Helmets are required for this ride, we recommend our riders to bring their own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

You will be staying either in or close to Westport Town. The locations are approved by the Irish Tourist Board and provide quality services. The bedrooms are standard en-suite twin rooms, both comfortable and relaxing.

Meals

Various breakfast options are available including Full Irish and continental. Picnic lunches on the trail can be tailored to individual needs and can consist of sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks, and more.
Dinner is at your own account. There are many options close to the B&B you will be staying at.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for, please let us know at the time of booking.

Climate

The west coast of Ireland has an oceanic climate which is changeable and can be wet. In Spring the temperatures range from 8-12c. April is particularly pleasant. In summer (May-July) the highest average temperatures are 18-20c, whilst in Autumn (Aug - Oct) the temperatures range from 14-18c. September is considered to be mild and temperate. The coldest months are January and February and sometimes temperatures drop below zero. Snow is rare, but there can be heavy rainfall at any time of year.

Tips

Tips are appreciated but not expected. You should give what you feel is appropriate and you feel comfortable with.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.

Head
- Riding helmet
- Sunhat: cap for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding

Upper Body
- Thermals in case of cold weather (long or short-sleeved T-shirts)
- Short or long-sleeved cotton shirts (to provide protection from the sun) or T-shirt in a quick-drying material
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Warm Goretex-style jacket (water-proof and breathable)

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or long leather trousers
- 1 change of trousers for the evening.
- 1 pair of waterproof over trousers
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)

Hands and feet
- 1 pair of comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves

Other useful items
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs (may be useful)

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Vitamin C tablets
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Painkillers
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.