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.
Guide and 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.
Tips
Tips are appreciated but not expected. You should give what you feel is appropriate and you feel comfortable with.
Packing list
We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and layers of clothing to cope with changing weather conditions. Hard hats which we can supply and boots with a heel must be worn to comply with insurance regulations.
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
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 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 - 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
- Small plastic bags for your 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!