Horse Riding in and near Dublin

For horse riding around Dublin, visit the Calliaghstown Riding Centre, set in the idyllic foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The centre, close to Dublin, offers horse riding holidays for both children and adults on their well-trained horses, many of which were bred at the centre. This Dublin horse riding centre is also the base for the multi-day Wicklow Trail Ride.

Mullingar Equestrian Centre

Welcome to Mullingar Equestrian Centre, one of Irelands premier Equestrian Centres. The Fagan family extend a warm welcome to all horse lovers. We specialise in un-accompanied young rider residential holidays during the summer months. ... more

Spectacular scenery and wonderful trails make experiencing Ireland on horseback a must for any visitor comfortable in the saddle. The Irish are fanatical about their horses and a horse trek will be an authentic Irish experience to add to your itinerary.

Even if you've never had your feet in the stirrups before, you needn't miss out on the experience, as you'll be able to find a riding centre that offers safe, gentle horses and easy trails through beautiful landscapes. Whether it will be a quick hour-long ride on the beach or a multi-day trek into the countryside, horse riding in Ireland will be an unforgettable experience.

Horse lovers will delight in a visit to the Irish National Stud in Carlow, which has been used as a Stud Farm since 1900, and is home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds. The Stud's Horse Museum tells the story of the Horse in Ireland with artefacts, illustrations and displays, including a skeleton of the famous steeplechaser 'Arkle'.

County Wicklow is one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, green, beautiful and mountainous. It's the ideal area to explore on horseback, and the Calliaghstown Riding Centre is set in the idyllic foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, not far from Dublin itself. The centre offers horse riding holidays for both children and adults on their safe, well-trained horses, many of which were bred at the centre.

They offer a great option for experienced riders to venture out on the multi-day Wicklow Trail Ride, which explores the beautiful Wicklow Mountains and Glens, before finishing in the historic village of Glendalough. You'll walk, trot and canter along river banks, over craggy mountains, through dense pine forests and along tranquil lake shores, while friendly guides inform you about the myths, history and ecology of the region. You'll stop at comfortable guest houses along the way (your luggage is pre-delivered) so you can recover from the day's riding before heading off the following morning for some more exploration on horseback.

Birr in County Offaly has an excellent horse riding centre, Annaharvey Farm, which specialises in enjoyable equestrian holidays. They welcome horse riders of all abilities, from complete novices to experienced showjumpers. Their cross country routes cover fine farmland, and the centre also provides the opportunity to take a trail ride through the stunning Slieve Bloom mountains.

Clare Equestrian Centre in Ennis also offer treks across unspoilt countryside, and the length and difficulty of their trails can be varied according to the skill of the riders. For more experienced riders, there are fences and stone walls to jump along the routes, and water challenges to keep things interesting. Pre-trekking lessons are available for those who need to brush up on their horsemanship before hitting the trail.

In the scenic County Kerry is the Killarney Riding Stables, situated in Killarney's National Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country. The stables are the base location for the Ring of Kerry Trail, which takes riders through the Kerry highlands, along country lanes and on the glorious beaches of Waterville and Rossbeigh. Alternatively, you can experience shorter rides in the National Park, taking in views of Ross Castle, Ross Island, and the park's majestic mountains.

Did you ever think America's wild west would come to Ireland? At Five Oaks Ranch near Bundoran, you can experience Western Style riding on American Quarterhorses. The ranch offers lessons in this distinctive style of horse riding as well as trail riding through the mountains, forests and beaches of South Donegal. Western horse riding skills such as cow penning and barrel racing are also offered at the ranch.

As it is an island nation with a spectacular coastline, it is no surprise that many of Ireland's most popular and best riding stables are located by the ocean. Galloping through the surf on an unspoilt Irish beach is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Cleggan Beach Rides near Clifden offers a variety of beach treks, including an enjoyable three hour trek, done at low tide, across a vast beach all the way out to Omey Island.

County Sligo is also an ideal location for beach rides, and Island View Riding Stables near Sligo Town offers rides that take in the region's coastal splendour. Their rides on Trawalua Beach provide riders with beautiful views of Donegal Bay and Classiebawn Castle. Beginners can ride at a tranquil pace, while more experienced riders will delight in galloping along the golden sands.

Dingle Horse riding offers coastal trails that let visitors to explore the beautiful Dingle Peninsula on horseback. A six day trail ride allows keen riders to cross the whole peninsula, while staying over at villages along the way. Day, half day, or hour-long trail rides take you across the Dingle 's stunning beaches, where you can gallop in the surf and appreciate the dramatic scenery of cliffs, mountains and the crashing waves of the Atlantic.