We will be going to Ireland this summer and my husband had a friend who just raved about his horseback touring in Ireland, so he does not want to miss out on that.
I'm just wondering if anyone here has any personal experience with that or know anyone who has? I did a search here, but did not find anything.
We travel a lot by whim ( I can not believe it has almost been two years of traveling now) so are really open to any area that is beautiful and they do a horse thing.
WT. I am afraid I have had no recent experience of this. I used to go to the Ashtown Riding Centre for riding in Phoenix Park which was fun but perhaps you are looking more for a trekking from place to place thing with luggage being taken on for you?
This Riding centres might be a good place to start as you know they have been inspected for safety etc. and a lot of them do trail riding on a daily basis. Some may also do the holiday thing if that is what you are looking for. Also, failing someone coming in here with recent experience of this, once you have a name you can look on the internet for recent reviews. If I were looking for a nice place near Dublin (for example) I would head for the Callaighstown Riding Centre based on their reputation and the fact that they have lovely countryside around to ride through.
I appreciate the help. I am really not sure what exactly I am looking for and sadly we are no longer in touch with the friend who had the experience. Apparently, it made a big impression on my husband.
We ( um, actually my dh and dd) do some riding here ( run by an English lady) and I suppose you are right, if it is a lovely area there should be lots of choices.
Since you know the Callaighstown Riding Center has a good rep and it is lovely countryside, sounds like a good place to start!
I can't offer advice about hourse riding but you shoudl try and incorporate a visit to the National Stud (and Japanese Gardens nearby). Irish National Stud
I don't need to tell you how important horse breeding is to the country, and the Curragh and Co. Kildare are probably Europe's best breeding grounds.
Kildare is quite easy to reach from Dublin, excepting possible traffic congestion leaving Dublin. Enjoy your planning and holiday!
WT- Peter's comment about the National Stud has prompted me to tell you that if you are seriously into the 'gees-gees' there is nothing more fun that going to an Irish race meeting, my particular favourite being evening races at Kilbeggan racecourse and if you happen to be in Dublin in August, the big event is Dublin Horse Show - a haven for horse lovers, particularly show jumping fans.
