Explore the Highlands of Kerry on Horseback!
The trail provides an unequalled opportunity to explore the highlands of Kerry, the majestic McGillicuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. Ride on country lanes and mountain tracks and some of the beaches at Waterville and on the magnificent 6.4k.m.(4 miles) stretch of golden sand at Rossbeigh. The Iveragh Peninsula, with many places of archaeological and historic interest stretches Southwest from Killarney for nearly 40 miles and is highlighted by the world renowned Ring of Kerry.
About Killarney Riding Stables
Located about a mile west of Killarney Town and known locally as "O'Sullivan's", Killarney Riding Stables were established in 1968 by Donie O'Sullivan and is still very much a family business with Donies wife Noreen, their two daughters Lorraine and Aoife, and son William all involved. Approved by the Irish Tourist Board and the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, the Stables are home to some 70 horses who have been pampered even more than usual with the recent completion of new stables constructed to the very highest standards.
About Killarney
Killarney town is situated in South-West Ireland; County Kerry. This county boasts some of the finest scenery in the world. It is an inspiration of the poet and artist with its high mountain ranges, its inlet studded coast, its woods, lakes, waterfalls, the ever-changing drama of its skies, and the eloquence of its people. It is the delight of the antiquarian and archaeologist, rich in Bronze Age tombs, ring forts, standing stones and early Christian monastic ruins.
This trek departs every Saturday from 8th May 2010 to 3rd October 2010. It is important to note that a minimum of 2 riders is required for the trek to depart.
Riding Ability
We require that all riders participating on the Trial Ride are able to walk/trot and canter competently in an English saddle. We advise western riders to take some English Style lessons before participating on this trip in order to familiarise themselves with English tack and style of riding.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday: Day of arrival/ check-in for all riders
There are no formal plans and no riding on this day as riders will be checking in at different times throughout the day. (check-in before 6pm, if later you must advise the Stables). All clients are required to check-in at Killarney Riding Stables to meet with one of the O’Sullivan Family, to discuss exp level and general trail ride information’s. You will then be taken from the Stables to you overnight accommodation in the Killarney area. We try to keep all rides at the same location each night so if you don’t bump into any others on Saturday you will easily identify then people in riding clothes at breakfast on Sunday morning.
Day 2, Sunday: Assemble and Trek to Glenbeigh
- With riders, horses and all luggage ready for transfer, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, where the first days ride starts. When horses and riders have been introduced, the ride heads off, and up over the Windy Gap, viewing the splendour of Caragh Lake and the valley beyond. The ride then continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain, followed by a scenic ride over an Irish Bog, finishing for the day at our stable in Mountain Stage.
The overnight stop for Sunday and Monday nights is by the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). Surrounded almost entirely by mountains, Glenbeigh offers a famous friendliness and humour. The beauty of the area is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. History is evident throughout the locality and such a destination as Winn’s Folly Castle is well worth a visit.
Day 3, Monday: Rossbeigh Beach
After breakfast riders are collected at their accommodation and returned to the stables of the previous evening to begin Monday’s ride. The day is spent on Rossbeigh beach, galloping along stretches of golden sand. Pass by a tower built more than a century ago, which guide marks for ships entering Castlemaine Harbour. The panorama of Dingle and the Iveragh Penninsulas to the North and South. Lunch on the beach. Afterwards some more galloping, returning from the beach via the Cliff Road.
Day 4, Tuesday: On through Caherciveen
Breakfast. Riders are collected at their accommodation. Luggage ready for transfer to Waterville. A morning ride takes horse and rider from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, taking in some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surrounds. Lunch is served alongside a nearby forestry. After lunch continue on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley. Finishing for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods.
The overnight stop for Tuesday and Wednesday is spent by the coastal village of Waterville. Waterville (the little whirlpool), nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and Atlantic Ocean, in the very centre of south-west Kerry. Situated as it is between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, the area has many interesting routes to offer and many fine beaches. The first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near Waterville. These beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the archaeological remains such as those found on Church Island, at Derrynane Abbey or Skellig Micheal, giving the area a wealth of history.
Day 5, Wednesday The Tulligane Woods & Waterville
Breakfast. Collection from your accommodation. Wednesday brings an adventurous morning spent in Tulligane Woods. Lunching alongside the Inny River. Afterwards, a scenic ride into Waterville via the Old Glencar/Waterville road, along the shores of the famous fishing lake, Lough Currane.
Day 6, Thursday Waterville Beach and Transfer back to Killarney
Breakfast. Collection from your accommodation. Luggage ready for transfer to Killarney for final accommodation move. The day begins with a brisk ride to Waterville Beach, spending the morning enjoying some exciting gallops. The panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay conjures up the afternoon ride in Waterville. Afterwards, both horses and riders are transferred back to Killarney.
Day 7, Friday Departure
Breakfast & Departure. If you need to arrange transfers etc or need bus or trail times its best do all this on check-in on the previous Saturday.
Please note that times for Monday and Thursday rides are unpredictable to tell until the evening before due to tidal conditions.
What You Need to Know:
Trail Itinerary & Times
Our trail ride itinerary will remain the same. But please note the itinerary, and ride start times each day may change and vary for reasons out of our control at short notice; due to tides, weather and unforeseen circumstance.
Accommodations/ Rooming
We use small family run hotels and Bed & Breakfast accommodations along the route. All rooms will have a private shower & toilet with towels.
Food/ Dining
Breakfast is at Accommodations; full Irish or continental style breakfast.
Lunch: Picnic style out on Trail (bread, fruit, meat, cheese etc.), Tea/Coffee/Water.
Dinner is not included; all villages and towns have a selection of Pubs & Restaurants, serving food
Arrivals/ Departures
Check-in for the Trail is on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm. It is necessary to advise us of approx. arrival time so that there will be a member of the O’Sullivan family here to meet with the client. Additionally, if arriving after 6pm, we need to be advised.
Clothing/Equipment
Riding Helmets are obligatory in Ireland. For the Trail Ride, current European standards apply:
Your helmet will need to meet one of these standards.
EN 1384:1996 PAS 015:1998 SNELL E2001
ASTM F1163 BSEN 14572 BSEN 1384: 1997
Suitable footwear and pants to be worn. We do not advise riding in denim jeans unless you are used to doing so as they may chaff your legs. Riding breeches/jodhpurs with chaps or long boots are recommended. Footwear must be supportive of the ankle and have a heel.
Weather varies but does not go extremes in either hot or cold. Layers are best, and clients can pack some in their saddlebags each day. Sun block is recommended. Gloves are recommended. Ponchos / cycling capes are not permitted.
Waterproof clothing is recommended. Rain Jacket, and rain pants that fit over riding clothes. If you have a full length rain coats, please ensure that it can be secured around their legs so as not to flap in the wind.
Riding Ability
We require that all riders participating on the Trial Ride are able to walk/trot and canter competently in an English saddle. We advise western riders to take some English Style lessons before participating on this trip in order to familiarise themselves with English tack and style of riding.
Saddle Bag
Each horse is fitted with a saddle bag, so riders may carry personal items with them, such as; rain clothing, water bottle, camera, Sun block etc.
Safety For Riders
Please listen to Guides instructions and respect them. Please ask for clarification if you do not understand any instruction from your Guide
Trail Riding involves long and hard hours on both Horses and Riders. It is up to the Guide to dictate the pace and at no time is anyone allowed to pass the leader or set the pace. Any person behaving in a manner likely to cause an accident or disregarding the instructions of the Guide(s) will be removed from the ride. Do not hold your horse back so you can trot/canter or gallop to catch up to the rest of the group.
Tack
All horses have English saddles, and bridles. The saddles we predominantly use is the ‘Swiss Ranger’ saddle, made by Peter August Spirig (Switzerland). These saddles are designed for comfort for the long distance rider and their horse. So extra gel pads etc. are not necessary, but if riders wish to bring them, they are more than welcome to.
Horses
The horses we use for the trail are a mixture of Irish Drafts, Irish Cobs, Percheron Crosses
Insurance
Killarney Reeks Trail/Ring of Kerry Trail Rides recommends that all clients take out personal accident as well as baggage insurance, as Killarney Stables can in no way be held responsible for accident, loss, damage or injury to person or baggage. We also advise clients to take out Trip Cancellation Insurance.
