Horse riding
Take to the saddle on the island of Ireland and enjoy views from a different perspective, with horse riding experiences suitable for all levels
- Horse-riding for all levels
- Equestrian accommodation centres
- Trail Riding
- Trekking
- Beach Riding
- Cross Country
- Hacking
- Jumping/Dressage
- Indoor Arenas
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Horse-riding for all levels
The island of Ireland's countryside exerts a powerful hold on the imagination and its breathtaking beauty will never disappoint. Picture the verdant greens of the rolling Wicklow hills and valleys, the magnificent forested scenery of the Mourne Mountains or the deserted white sandy beaches of the West and North Antrim Coast – all from a perfectly placed position on horseback, of course!
From horse-riding youth camps, English classes while you learn to trot, trekking, point-to-pointing or even cross-country, the idyllic landscapes around the island of Ireland have all you need for pure enjoyment. Even if you have no experience in the saddle, across the island you'll find a range of equestrian centres that are happy to take on beginners.
Regardless of whether you're an old hand or a complete novice, you'll appreciate the comfort and hospitality of the accommodation on offer around the island. And at the end of the day, you can rest your weary bones in a cosy pub while swapping pony tales with your fellow travellers and locals alike.
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Equestrian accommodation centres
To make the most out of your equestrian holiday in Ireland, why not stay onsite or nearby your equestrian centre? Many centres include accommodation as part of their packages, from basic but comfortable to utterly luxurious.
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Trail Riding
Take a break from the humdrum of everyday life with a trail ride off the beaten track. Experience the great outdoors from the saddle while you take in the breathtaking scenery of places like Connemara, Tollymore National Park, the Ring of Kerry, the Wicklow Mountains, or The Burren.
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Trekking
From short rides for the children to a whole day propped up in the saddle, trekking is a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable way to enjoy all the charms of an unspoilt countryside.
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Beach Riding
The experience of beach riding in Ireland is truly unparalleled. The sound of crashing ocean waves – combined with the power of a horse beneath you – will leave you with a renewed appreciation of nature. Take it at your own pace with a gentle walk, or go for a lively gallop across beaches in locations that are justly famous for their natural coastal vistas, such as Mayo, Kerry and Antrim.
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Cross Country
Cross-country riding in Ireland is a thoroughly rewarding holiday; indeed, nothing beats the thrill of your first jump on horseback. How often can you look back on your day and say you did something challenging, inspiring and fun?
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Hacking
If a casual horse ride at a relaxed pace sounds like your style, then hacking may be just the activity for you. It’s ideally suited to group outings as even the least experienced of riders can keep up with the tempo.
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Jumping/Dressage
Show jumping and dressage are designed to showcase the grace of the horse and the skill of its rider. If you’re up to the challenge, you’ll experience the strong bond that forms between horse and rider as you learn to guide it through its paces. Learn for yourself or simply admire from afar in Ireland, the land of the horse.
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Indoor Arenas
The island of Ireland’s indoor arenas provide the perfect refuge for horse-lovers on rainy days. If you’re chomping at the bit to get outdoors, but the weather won’t permit it, try equestrian romps under cover, from basic riding lessons to the spectacle of dressage and show jumping, with arenas offering excellent views of these magnificent creatures in action.
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Official Links
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Discover Ireland Equestrian
Fáilte Ireland’s official equestrian website
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Equestrian Holidays Ireland
Ireland's best horse-riding holidays
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Irish Horse Drawn Caravans
A unique equestrian experience in Ireland.
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Association of Irish Riding Establishments
Regulators of Riding Establishments around Ireland
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Northern Ireland Horse Board
Supporting Northern Ireland horse breeders and maintaining the Irish Horse Register in Northern Ireland.
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British Horse Society Northern Ireland
Promoting equestrian activities in and offering professional qualifications
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Irish Horse Board
Promoting Equestrian Tourism & Equestrian Education
What else to explore
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Irish National Stud
Welcome to the Irish National Stud website
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Goresbridge Sales
Europe's leading and largest auctioneers of sport horses
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Goffs
Goffs Bloodstock Sales
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Racing Breaks
Racing breaks along Ireland's East Coast
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Tattersalls
Tattersalls bloodstock auctioneers, shows and events
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Horse Racing Ireland
Detailed information on all racecourses and meetings
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Irish Thoroughbred Marketing
Impartial and unbiased advice and support when buying a horse or pony in Ireland
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Horse Sport Ireland
Promoting and developing breeding, sport and leisure aspects of the Irish sport horse industry
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Horse Riding Ireland
Horse-riding holidays in Ireland
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Sweet Wall Stallions
Sweet Wall Stud
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Ballinteggart Stud
Breeding and producing top class horses and ponies
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Laurel View Stud
BHS approved riding, livery and competition centre
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Maddybenny Riding Centre
Indoor Riding Arena
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The Meadows Equestrian Centre
Equestrian Centre with Indoor Arena in County Armagh

