Riders on a trail ride in Ireland

Ring of Kerry mini-trail

This mini trail riding holiday in County Kerry in South-West Ireland is a short very of our longer mobile trail. This is a great choice for riders looking for a quick equestrian getaway, or for those who would like to integrate a few days in the saddle into a non-riding holiday in Ireland. Experience beautiful mountainous landscape, an exhilarating canter down Rossbeigh beach, and the warm Irish welcome!
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Beach Ride
4 days/ 2 riding
From £952
Open to non-riders
  • Rossbeigh beach, Ring of Kerry
    Enjoy the views at Rossbeigh beach, on the Ring of Kerry
  • Trail riding in Ireland on Irish horses
    This is a wonderfully scenic trip in Ireland
  • Riders on a trail ride in Ireland
    Up and down along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland
  • Trail riders riding on an Irish beach in Kerry
    Trail riding in the south west of Ireland
  • Riding holiday in Ireland
    Riding across the rural Irish countryside
  • Riding an Irish cob on a beach in Ireland
    Discovering Ireland from the best seat in the house!
  • Ring of Kerry trail ride
    Enjoy the wilderness of the Ring of Kerry
  • Riders on a trail riding holiday in Ireland, Ring of Kerry
    Experience the dramatic scenery of south-western Ireland in the saddle
  • Rossbeigh beach and Dingle bay on horseback
    Riding towards Rossbeigh beach, overlooking Dingle Bay

Itinerary

Highlights

- 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
- See the majestic McGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range
- Experience the thrills of a beach canter along Rossbeigh beach.


  • 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 Peninsulas 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: Departure

    Breakfast. Check out after breakfast.

    Taxi for Killarney is €50 for up to 3 persons and €60 from 4 to 8 persons. Alternatively bus for Killarney departs at 8.05am and 12.20pm.

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. 

- 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. €125/£110/$135. 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. Transfer back to Killarney is not included: Taxi for Killarney is around €50 for up to 3 persons and €60 from 4 to 8 persons. Alternatively bus for Killarney departs at 8.05am and 12.20pm.

- 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 longer version of this trail exists, with 5 days in the saddle. Please see "Ring of Kerry 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 holiday.
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 horse equipped with saddle and bridle
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) during the trail

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Dinners to your own account
Beverage and personal extra

Transports

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

Extra

Tips to local team
Park, museum and touristic 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. Some of the riding is 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. This is a good introduction to trail riding if you have never been on a riding holiday.

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.