Europe > Northern Ireland

North Coast Explorer

On this horseback holiday, you will be exploring the North Coast of Ireland. Ride along endless beaches and visit popular sights while enjoying the unique atmosphere that Ireland has offers. This holiday is ideal for any rider looking for an opportunity to get to know the Irish Coast and immerse themselves in traditional Irish hospitality. This holiday can also turn into a relaxing retreat if you opt for the 4* hotel & SPA
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Centre based holidays
6 days (4 days riding)
From £2,395
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore the Dunluce Castle and learn about its intriguing history.
- Ride on Northern Ireland’s famous UNESCO world heritage site - the Causeway Coast!
- Visit Rathlin Island and enjoy its quaint atmosphere.
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  • Day 1 1: Home – Dublin airport – North Coast - No riding

    Fly to Dublin airport. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request.
    You will be transferred from the airport to the accommodation (not included, see “dates and prices”) or we can you arrange public transport to the starting point of the ride. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure. You may stay and relax in your room, or go on a walk to get acquainted with your surroundings.

    Overnight at the B&B.

    Please note that dinner is not included.

  • Day 2 2: North Antrim Hills - Approx. 4/5 hours riding

    After breakfast, you be transferred to the stables where the local team will welcome you and give you a full tour of the premises. After choosing your horse and undergoing a brief riding assessment, you will set off on your first adventure.
    Today you will be riding out into the wilderness of the North Antrim Hills, and enjoying the landscapes of the Irish countryside. After stopping for a picnic lunch, you will ride past an old peat bank which you may explore before making your way back to the stables.

    Transfer to the B&B and freshen-up before heading to town to have dinner.

    Please note that dinner is not included.

  • Day 3 3: White Park Bay & Ballintoy - Approx. 6/7 hours riding

    Today your adventure begins on the coast of Ballintoy. After taking up your horse, you will follow the amazing views of the seaside, which will lead you to the Whitepark Bay beach. The white sand invites you to trot, or canter along the shoreline and, if possible, you may even dip your feet in the ocean. After a great morning spent at the beach, you will make your way to a local pub to have lunch.
    In the afternoon, you will ride in the hills above Ballintoy, overlooking Ballintoy Harbour. Game of Thrones fans will recognize this location as the setting for the Iron Islands and Lordsport in the Isle of Pyke.
    To finish the day off, you will ride towards Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, from where you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the North Coast.

    Transfer to the accommodation.

    Please note that dinner is not included.

  • Day 4 4: Loughareema - Approx. 6/7 hours riding

    Today you will ride in expansive lands, often taken over by swirling mists until reaching Loughareema. This area, also known as Vanishing lake, is surrounded by Irish myths and legends. After hearing a few stories about this location, you will make your way towards the McBride family farm. Follow the Carey river until the edge of the Glen of Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim.
    After exploring the historic route, you will head to the harbour town at the mouth of the Glendun, another of Antrim’s 9 Glens.
    Before calling it a day, you will be riding along a beautiful section of the ocean.

    Transfer to accommodation.

    Please note that dinner is not included

  • Day 5 5: Rathlin Island - No riding

    Today there is no riding instead you will be visiting the idyllic Irish island of Rathlin. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and explore the quaint village. This island hosts one of the greatest bird sanctuaries plus, if you are lucky, you may even spot killer whales or dolphins off the coast.

    Please note that dinner is not included.

  • Day 6 6: Whiterocks Beach – Dunluce Castle - Approx. 4h riding

    After breakfast, you will set off to explore the Whiterocks beach where you will be able to enjoy some splashy trots and canters. The landscape provides you with great views of the iconic Dunluce castle, Donegal and the Western Isles of Scotland.
    After a great beach ride, you will arrive at the castle ruins in Dunluce. Enjoy a tour of the castles and learn about its intriguing history. You will have a snack before following an old tram trail which will lead you to Northern Ireland’s famous UNESCO world heritage site – the Causeway Coast. This riding holiday comes to an end as you help load up the horses.

    Enjoy a relaxing meal at the Causeway hotel before returning to the accommodation.
    Transfers to the airport are not included (check “Dates&Prices” tab)

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.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 10 international riders, plus guides. The ride may go ahead with 2/3 riders upon the payment of a supplement - €330/£295/$365 per person.

- Rates are per person sharing a double room. 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. €305/£350/$335. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.
There are upgrades available to both 3* hotels, or 4* hotels and spas, please enquire to know more.

- Transfers from/to Dublin airport are not included but can be arranged upon request for an extra €770/£680/$850, per car (4pax), return rate.
- Transfers from/to Belfast airports are also possible for an extra €125/£280/$125, per car (4pax), return rate.
There are other ways of getting to the North Coast (bus/train), please enquire to know more.

- Non-riders are welcomed and have a special discounted rate of £230 per day (includes accommodation, transfers to ride locations so they can be explored by foot, breakfast and lunch).
Extra activities are available - Yacht tour, golf courses, fly fisinhing, SPA treatments, Whiskey tour - please contact us for detailed rates.

- Accompanied young riders are welcome from 7 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.

Rider weight limit is 95kg/15 st/209 lbs. If you are over this limit, please contact us.
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

Accommodation

Double room - Bed and Breakfast

Meals

Breakfasts and lunches from day 2 to day 5 + breakfast on day 6 (dinners excl.)

Additional equipment

Saddle bags

Extras

Boat trip to Rathlin Island

Price doesn't include

Meals

Dinners are not included in the price

Transport

International flights
Return airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details

Insurance

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

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
Accommodation upgrade - 3* hotels, or 4* hotels & spas available
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    28/04/2024 03/05/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    12/05/2024 17/05/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    26/05/2024 31/05/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    09/06/2024 14/06/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    23/06/2024 28/06/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    14/07/2024 19/07/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    28/07/2024 02/08/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    11/08/2024 16/08/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    25/08/2024 30/08/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    08/09/2024 13/09/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    22/09/2024 27/09/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    13/10/2024 18/10/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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    27/10/2024 01/11/2024 £2,395 €2,754 $2,970
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Equestrian info

Horses

There are around 60 horses available on this riding holiday. They are a mix of Irish Cobs, Irish Drafts, Sport Horses and Connemaras. All horses have a good temperament and are both fit and surefooted.

There are both horses and ponies available, ranging from 12hh to 16.2hh.

Guide & local team

The local guides are experienced and professional. They are very familiar with all the trails and take great care of the horses and guests.

Please note that all guides have first aid training.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

To take part in this holiday, you must be an intermediate rider or above. You are able to walk, trot and canter comfortably and also mount/dismount with the help of a mounting block.

Rider weight limit is 95kg/15 st/209 lbs

Pace

There will be walking, trotting and cantering – especially at the beach.

Tacking ability and participation

You are very welcome to help groom and tack/untack the horses during the trail ride.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You should be comfortable at all three paces.
The terrain is diverse, but mainly smooth and pleasant, giving you the opportunity to ride free from strain and enjoy the scenery.

Equestrian equipment

English tack. Saddlebags are provided.

Please note that during the riding periods, the use of a helmet is mandatory (if necessary, the local team will provide each rider with one).

Travel info

Comfort

On this riding holiday, you will be staying in B&Bs. The selected B&Bs are based on quality guest house style accommodation in coastal locations. They are all owned by local families.
There are upgrades available to both 3* hotels, or 4* hotels and spas, please enquire to know more.

Meals

Breakfast will consist of traditional full Irish Breakfasts, alongside cereals and continental options. Lunch is a mixture of picnics (sandwiches, traybakes, crisps, fruit, scones, tea, coffee) and meals in local restaurants. Please note that dinners are not included.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for, please let us know at the time of booking.

Climate

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

Tipping is not compulsory but will be very much appreciated if you enjoy the services provided by the team.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is mandatory. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat: cap for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

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 (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm Goretex-style jacket (water-proof and breathable)

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or long leather trousers
- 1 change of trousers (riding trousers or jeans)
- 1 pair of waterproof over trousers)
- A swim suit may be useful (if upgrading accommodation)
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)

Hands and feet
- 1 pair Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- 1 pair of sandals
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Other useful items
- Small bumbag to be worn whilst riding
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not to be worn whilst riding. Everything should be kept either in pockets or in a bumbag : lip balm, sun screen, small camera, glasses, rope etc.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Toiletries
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery

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

General information
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride

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!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals

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.