Rider posing for the camera in Ireland

Ring of Kerry

A horse riding holiday in County Kerry in South-West Ireland, offers some of the finest scenery there is, from high mountain ranges, lakes, waterfalls and a wonderful rugged coastline. This riding trail provides an unequalled opportunity to explore the sights and enjoy canters along the sandy beaches as well as leisurely country trails.
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Trail Riding
7 days/ 5 riding
From £1,909

From the horse’s mouth

  • Ring of Kerry
    September 2019 Elaine Mary aged 71
    This was a fantastic experience. Delighted with the trip and everything about it. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes to ride and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. Clive was a great horse. He was responsive and all his gaits were comfortable.
  • Ring of Kerry
    September 2019 Catherine Anne aged 62
    We just returned from the Ring of Kerry ride in Ireland and could not have had a better trip. Our group was 6 friends and family aged 56 - 71 yrs and we were well taken care of by the owner of the Kilarney Stables Donie, and excellent guides Orla, Caitrina, and Erica. Horses were well matched to riders, steady and... Read all
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Itinerary

Highlights

- See some of the finest countryside with mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, lakes and waterfalls
- Enjoy the Irish hospitality staying in small hotels and B & B's along the way
- Evenings are free to explore the area and soak up the atmosphere of the Irish pubs
- There will be opportunities for some canters and gallops along beaches
- See the majestic McGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range
- Visit many places of archaeological and historic interest along the route


  • Day 1 1: Fly to Cork or Shannon- Killarney

    Foleys Townhouse Guesthouse
    You can fly to either Cork or Shannon Airport. You will need to transfer by bus from the airport to Killarney (approx 2hrs 30 from Cork and 2hrs from Shannon, you may also transfer by train if the train times allow). This transfer is not included and at your own cost, but we are happy to help organise this.

    You will be collected from the bus or train station and taken to the Killarney riding stables to meet with your hosts. You will discuss your previous riding experience and be briefed on the general trail ride information. You will then be taken from the stables to your overnight accommodation in the Killarney area.
  • Day 2 2: Seefinn Mountain - Lake Caragh - Glenbeigh - 4 - 4.5 hours

    Towers Hotel
    You will be collected from the accommodation after breakfast at around 10:00 am (you should be in your riding gear with your luggage ready to go with you). A short transfer to the base of Seefinn Mountain where the trail begins, you will be allocated your horse. You will then ride over the Windy Gap with views over the splendour of Caragh Lake and the valley beyond. Ride to Coomasaharn Lake which is enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain followed by a scenic ride over an Irish bog, finishing for the day at stables in Mountain Stage.

    Sunday and Monday nights are spent in the quaint village of Glenbeigh. The village is almost surrounded by mountains, and the area is famous for its friendly people and their humour. The scenery is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. The area is full of history and Winns Folly Castle is well worth a visit.


  • Day 3 3: Rossbeigh Beach - Glenbeigh - 4 - 4.5 hours

    Towers Hotel
    After breakfast you will be driven back to the stables to begin today's ride. The day is spent on Rossbeigh beach, galloping along stretches of beautiful golden sand.
    Pass by a light house built more than a century ago which guides ships entering Castlemaine Harbour. You will have a great view of the panorama of Dingle and the Iveragh Penninsulas to the North and South.
    You will stop for a picnic lunch on the beach before enjoying more riding along the long stretches of sand. Return from the beach via the Cliff Road.
  • Day 4 4: Kells Station - Waterville - 4 - 4.5 hours

    After breakfast you will be collected from your accommodation and taken to the stables, your luggage will be transferred onto Waterville - which is your stop for both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. This coastal village nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and Atlantic Ocean, in the very centre of south-west Kerry.
    A morning ride takes horse and rider from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, taking in some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surrounds.

    A picnic lunch is served alongside a forest. After lunch continue on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley, finishing for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods.

    Accommodation at the Golf Link, Butler Arms or similar.
  • Day 5 5: Tulligane Forest - Inny Valley - Waterville - 4 - 4.5 hours

    Depart on Wednesday morning from the Old School House for a forestry ride, leaving the Inny Valley behind and crossing over to Derriana, to take the old road to Cahersavane. Lunch, with views over Lough Currane. Afterwards continue a scenic ride into Waterville.

    Accommodation at the Golf Link, Butler Arms or similar.
  • Day 6 6: Waterville - Killarney - 4 - 4.5 hours

    Foleys Townhouse Guesthouse
    Your final day begins with either a brisk ride to Waterville Beach spending the morning enjoying some exciting gallops or a trip around the panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay (the tide dictates which way around this done). After the ride, bid farewell to your horses before being transferred back to Killarney to overnight.
  • Day 7 7: Departure

    You will be transferred to the bus station in Killarney for your bus or train back to Cork or Shannon Airport. Return flight to London. A late afternoon flight is advised.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination are not included. The meeting point is in Killarney, which does not have an international airport. We recommend you fly to Cork or Dublin and then take a train or bus from there - this is not included either, although we can help.

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

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 12 international riders, plus guides. 

- Please note that in the event of only one rider being booked for the full trail, we can arrange a two-day trail ride plus a three-hour trail ride in Killarney National Park. The balance will be refunded for the other two days (Wednesday and Thursday).

- 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. €250/£220/$265. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date. 

- Your transfer to Killarney is not included. Transfer bus to Killarney for all airports: http://www.buseireann.ie

- It is also possible to organise group transfers from the Kerry, Cork or Shannon airport.
Kerry airport to Killarney €50 / c. £45
Cork airport to Killarney €160 / c. £140
Shannon airport to Killarney €230 / c. £200
Prices subject to change - pleae check with us at the time of booking.

- Rider weight limit: 110 kg / 242 lbs / 17.3 st (experienced riders). Heavier riders please contact us.

- A "mini trail" option is also available (3-night/2-day trail): see "Ring of Kerry mini-trail"

- Last-minute bookings: usual accommodation may not be available, especially in the high season due to high demand for rooms.

- Non-riders are welcome on this trail.
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

2 English-speaking horse guides

Logistic

1 vehicle and driver

Inland transports

Private bus for 10 riders

Accommodation

Double or triple room in Bed and Breakfast

Meals

Breakfasts and lunches (pack lunch) from day 2 to day 6 + breakfast on day 7

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Dinners on day 1,2,3,4,5 and 6
Beverage and personal extra

Transports

Other transfers between the airports of Cork, Shannon, Kerry and Killarney (train, bus or private transfers)
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team
Park, museum and tourist sites fees

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Private transfers from Kerry Airport, Cork Airport or from Shannon Airport
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Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are a mixture of Irish Drafts, Irish Cobs and Percheron crosses. All horses are ridden in English saddles which are specifically designed for long distance riding and are comfortable for both horse and their rider.

Guide & local team

You will be accompanied by local Irish guides. Foreign volunteer students may also accompany some of the rides as back up guides and usually speak German or French.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Riders should be able to walk, trot and canter in open spaces while keeping their distance from other horses.

Rider weight limit: 110 kg / 242 lbs / 17.3 st (experienced riders). Heavier riders please contact us.

Pace

The pace of the ride will be dictated by terrain and is overall moderate. There will be opportunities for canters and a gallop along the beach. Please expect a large percentage of the riding to be on small, remote tarmac roads.

Tacking ability and participation

Everyone's help is required for grooming, tacking and untacking of the horses. You can also help with the distribution of food and water.


Trip conditions and Requested experience

This ride is not particularly difficult.
Trail ride experience over several days is a plus but not essential.

Equestrian equipment

English saddles
Small saddlebags are provided.

Helmets are mandatory and we recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Accommodation along the route is in small family run hotels and guest houses, the aim is for everyone to be accommodated at the same place. All rooms have a private shower and toilet with towels provided.

Please note the listed hotels are for informative purposes, depending on availability these may be changed for a different hotel of similar standards.


Meals

- Irish breakfast (beans, toast, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, bacon, black pudding...)
- Picnic lunches (basic sandwiches)
- Dinners are not included. There is a good selection of restaurants and pubs in each town and village.

Special diets can be accommodated upon request.

Climate

The weather in Ireland is similar to that in the rest of the British Isles, although it is more likely to rain. April is usually a bit drier. You should always be prepared with a good quality raincoat and dress in layers as you might enjoy a glorious sunny day followed by one which is rather more wet and cold.

Tips

Tips are not mandatory but very welcome if you are pleased with the service provided.

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
- 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)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use
- 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!

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.

Did you know?

On the blog

Equus Journeys’ team member Iris has been fascinated by Ireland for as long as she can remember. Countless trips around the island and almost two years living in Co. Kerry later, she has listed five reasons why you should consider Ireland for your next riding holiday. See "five good reasons to ride in Ireland" on the blog. 

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Elaine Mary aged 71 ACAMPO 1 trip
    September 2019
    This was a fantastic experience. Delighted with the trip and everything about it. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes to ride and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. Clive was a great horse. He was responsive and all his gaits were comfortable.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Catherine Anne aged 62 DUBLIN, OHIO 43017 1 trip
    September 2019
    We just returned from the Ring of Kerry ride in Ireland and could not have had a better trip. Our group was 6 friends and family aged 56 - 71 yrs and we were well taken care of by the owner of the Kilarney Stables Donie, and excellent guides Orla, Caitrina, and Erica. Horses were well matched to riders, steady and... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide