Services
About Our Trail
The Clew Bay Trail Ride takes small groups of experienced riders along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way through new and ever-changing landscapes of small villages, breathtaking sandy beaches, sea and off-shore islands, country lanes, mountain tracks and local heritage sites, stopping for a picnic along the way.
Your host Padraic Foy is a Qualified Riding Instructor, a Monty Robert’s Certified Instructor and an accomplished Irish horseman whose family have been involved with horses in the locality for generations. This combined with the spectacular Clew Bay region, quality Irish horses and excellent accommodation ensures is a horse riding adventure holiday you will cherish forever.
ITINERARY
6 Nights / 5 Day Full Trail
Day
On arrival to Westport, check in to your accommodation which is where you will be staying for the trail.
Transfer to Drummindoo Stud to meet your host Padraic Foy, your horse and the other riders. After an assessment ride in the indoor arena, riders and horses are transferred to the village of Aughagower for the Aughagower Ride. This takes us through the villages of Curvey, Lankill and Knappagh Beg where we picnic on the shores of Knappagh Lake, then on to Drumhill before returning to Aughagower via Peggy’s Boreen. After riding there is a chance for riders to visit the round tower and monastic site which dates back to the 7th century.
Today we start at the village of Culeen for the Culeen Ride. This ride takes us to the west of Croagh Patrick, through quiet country lanes at Kilsallagh and Kinnock and then to bog roads at Dereen where we will have some long canters. We picnic on the bog and get to see the harvesting of the bog peat at close hand. We then return via a river crossing at Bellakip to finish the day at Culeen.
Today we start at Formoyle for the Feenone Ride. This takes us 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. Clare Island (Grainne Uaile, Ireland’s famous Pirate Queen resided there in the 1500,s and controlled all the waters of Clew Bay) and Inishturk Island can clearly be seen. We then head for Carrowniskey beach where we can canter and gallop before returning to base.
Today we start at Cloona just outside of Westport and take the Skelp Ride which brings us 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 gives us a great view of Clew Bay. We ride through Prospect and picnic near the ruins of a holmestead which dates back to pre famine times. Then on to Teevnacroagha where we ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint) and Brackloon before finishing the day at Cloona.
For the final day of our trail we make our way to Doughmakeon and to ride the beach at Carrowniskey before crossing the Carrowniskey river and on to Cross Strand. There are ample opportunities to gallop today. We picnic next to Clapper Bridge (the bridge with the eyes). We can see the coastline of Connemara in the distance. There are many standing stones in the area dating back to megalithic times. We ride along Cross Strand and Carrowniskey beach again before returning to our base where you will say goodbye to your equine companion.
In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your host Padraic in one of Westport’s fine restaurants.
Depart after breakfast with fond memories of your equestrian adventure.
Note: The Itinerary of The Clew Bay Trail Ride may change slightly due to circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather, tidal variations etc. and we reserve the right to change this without prior notice.
Our Horses
Ireland is known as The Land Of The Horse. A temperate climate and good soil conditions make it an ideal place to raise horses. An ability to cross any country has ensured that the Irish Horse is surefooted and looks after it’s rider. The Irish people have a natural affinity with the horse and this is evident in the horses they have. The majority of our trail horses have competition experience and have been started by us.
Riding Ability
You need not be an expert to ride our trail as we take great care to ensure that each rider is matched with a suitable horse, however you should be able to ride securely and confidently at a walk, trot and canter in open country.
Please Note: In the interests of safety and enjoyment you will be required to submit a recent short video of your riding ability along with details of your age, height and weight before we can confirm a booking.
Once a booking is confirmed we will send you a payment link for a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder will be due one month before the start date.
Requirements:
Accommodation
The guest house accommodation for our trail has been carefully chosen and is located either in or close to Westport Town. They are approved by the Irish Tourist Board and provide a quality personal service. The bedrooms, which are en-suite are both comfortable and relaxing. Various breakfast options are available including Full Irish and continental. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. As the accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis this gives you the opportunity to choose from the many fine, award winning restaurants in Westport for your evening meal.
Picnic lunches on the trail consist of sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks etc. and can be tailored to individual needs.
How to Get Here
Distance from Airports
Belfast : 306 kms, 190 miles, 4 hours by car
Dublin : 267 kms, 165 miles, 3 hours and 35 minutes by car
Shannon : 201kms, 125 miles, 2 hours by car
Knock : 55 kms, 40 miles, 50 minutes by car
Return Airport Transfers Per Vehicle (up to 8 people)
Dublin : €1225 Shannon : €775 Knock : €275
Train from Dublin (Heuston) direct to Westport. Visit: www.irishrail.ie
Bus from Dublin, Shannon, Knock. Visit: www.buseireann.ie
Free collection from Westport Train Station and Bus Depot
Clew bay trail
2024 Dates
Month
April 7th to 13th
April 14th to April 20th
April 21st to April 27th
April 28th to May 4th
May 5th to May 11th
May 12th to May 18th
May 19th to May 25th
May 26th to June 1st
June 9th to June 15th
June 16h to June 22nd
June 23rd to June 29th
June 30th to July 6th
July 7th to July 13th
July 14th to July 20th
July 21st to July 27th
July 28th to August 3rd
August 4th to August 10th
August 18th to August 24th
August 25th to August 31st
September 1st to September 7th
September 8th to September 14th
September 15th to September 21st
September 22nd to September 28th
September 29th to October 5th
October 6th to October 12th
Clew bay trail
2024 Rates
Trail
Duration: 6 Nights / 5 Day Full Trail
Rate: €2,245 pps
April, May, June, July, August, September, October 2024
Single Room Supplement : €325 (Please note that there are a limited number of single rooms available)
The Above Rates Include: 6 nights bed and breakfast guest house accommodation + 5 days trail riding (4+ hours per day), horse, tack and guide + 5 picnic lunches and all transfers during the trail. The above rates do not include: evening meals, arrival or departure transfers.
Duration: 6 Nights / 5 Day Full Trail
Rate: €500 pps
April, May, June, July, August, September 2024
Single Room Supplement : €325 (Please note that there are a limited number of single rooms available)
The Above Rates Include: 6 nights bed and breakfast guest house accommodation. The above rates do not include: evening meals, arrival or departure transfers.
Note : Extra nights before and after the Trail can also be booked. Please contact us with your requirements.
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