This estate is home to 300 cross country jumps (including PLENTY of water obstacles) to leap, ping or pop over on your Irish Sport Horse. Kilometres upon kilometres of bridle trails (yep, that’s what they call trails in Ireland!) are sprawled across the 1000-acre grounds, flanked by ancient forests and open grazing pastures. The Castle and surrounding estate is awash in history, and is one of the LAST great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family.
Back to the equestrian wonderland, the indoor arena (let’s face it, this is a MUST in Ireland) has show jumping courses that will make your eyes water with excitement. We also love the flexibility of this holiday: non-riders will be welcomed with open arms (they can clay target shoot, kayak, fish, walk the numerous trails, enjoy a hot air balloon ride, a horse and carriage ride, or relax at the on-site spa) and riders of all abilities are welcome, too, from beginners through to advanced riders. There are a number of instructors and guides, so if you’re not up for a cross country scoot, you can always opt for an estate ride or a dressage lesson.
Now when you’re out of the saddle, you’ll feel like part of the royal family, staying at the castle’s Lodge (which overlooks the equestrian centre). It’s known as one of the finest castle hotels in Ireland – so much so that former Beatle, Paul McCartney, and model Heather Mills got married at the Castle back in 2002.
For any globetrotter who has a desire to visit Ireland and ride their revered horses, THIS ride is the perfect fit.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A herd of 27 riding horses to choose from including Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts, Thoroughbreds, cobs and ponies. *Please note, you can expect to ride a variety of horses throughout the duration of your stay.
- Pace:Variable - depending on the program you choose, you will have the choice of dressage, show jumping, cross country and estate rides. There will be walking, trotting and cantering each day.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles.
- Seasons:The equestrian program is available all year round.
- Group size:Variable, but you can expect to ride in a group of no more than 6 people each day, often less.
- Time in Saddle:A scheduled 3 hours per day. Guests have the option to book additional ride hours at an additional cost (subject to availability).
- Riding Ability:Beginner to advanced - there are programs available to suit all riding abilities and interests.
*Please note that for health and safety reasons, all guests must complete a brief practical riding assessment regardless of level and ability. Guests MUST be deemed safe and capable before they will be allowed to jump. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:One of the highlights of this entire itinerary is the ancient castle and the surrounding 1,000 acre estate. As a globetrotter, you will be staying in The Lodge, which overlooks the stables (both are subject to availability). The guest rooms in The Lodge are chic, country-house boutique, each offering blissful king size bed or twin-bed accommodation, a free-standing Victorian roll top bath, and separate walk-in shower. The lodgings are said to be some of Ireland’s finest. *Insert squeal of excitement HERE.
- Ride Length:There are 5 day, 5 night and 3 day, 3 night itineraries are available. *Please note: 4, 6 & 7 day custom equestrian itineraries are available upon request.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all accommodation, 3 hours riding per day, breakfast and dinner.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol or transfers to and from the estate.
Lunch is also NOT included in the riding package, but after eating an Irish breakfast, you normally don’t need to eat anything until evening. However, if you do become peckish, Conor’s Bar (on-site) is open for lunch.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Please note: Solo travellers are required to pay the single rider price, unless we can find another guest willing to twin share.
Child rate applies to children aged between 7 to 11 years only.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all accommodation, 3 hours riding per day, breakfast and dinner.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does NOT include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol or transfers to and from the ride.
Lunch is also NOT included in the riding package, but after eating an Irish breakfast, you normally don’t need to eat anything until evening. However, if you do become peckish, Conor’s Bar (on-site) is open for lunch.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Important Itinerary Notes
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Castle & Estate Ride

Emily Price
‘From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was in a magical dream! Walking through the tranquil grounds, a sense of peace and calm comes over you. You can take pictures, but nothing truly captures the lushness and beauty. The horses were the highlight; they were friendly and responsive and knew and loved their job! The lessons build on each other each day, and by the end, I felt a huge confidence boost and improvement in my riding. There is a great selection of food and cocktails and the village is great to walk through. I am already saving to come back next year!’

Kellie Paul
‘The Castle and Estate Ride was just fabulous. I was a solo rider in a foreign country, yet it felt like I was meant to be there. The staff, estate and horses are all incredible. If you love amazing food, wonderful people, stellar horses and instructors, this is the ride for you! They even arranged a private cross country ride for me because I was a bit intimidated – I did it, and it was epic!’

Heather Snider
‘The Castle & Estate Ride was my dream vacation, and it did not disappoint! The facility, grounds, horses and staff were all phenomenal. I felt so comfortable, safe and at home during my trip. I had never jumped cross-country before and was a bit nervous, but with the training from the staff and feeling so confident in the horses, it was no problem. I had an amazing time. I can’t wait for my next Globetrotting trip!’

Patricia Faust
‘I booked this ride as a graduation gift for my daughter, but it was postponed twice due to Covid, so it was hard to believe it was actually going to happen. Nonetheless, the trip exceeded our expectations. My daughter was so happy and smiling the entire time, proclaiming it the best vacation ever! The horses and instructors were fantastic and the accommodations and food were top notch. We met some other wonderful people who share our love of horses and feel like we made friends for life! Can’t wait to return!’

Debbie Walker
‘Just imagine riding through ancient, magical, emerald green countryside as you breathe the soft Irish air and spot deer, cows, sheep, hawks and swans. Imagine flying over increasingly higher jumps on all weather trails as you build confidence in your ability to jump cross-country on well looked after, well trained, soft-mouthed, responsive horses. Imagine galloping up the rolling hills at the end of another super day on brave, fast and happy steeds. All this along with absolutely superb accommodation and fabulous food in an ancient castle and estate. Every day was a dream come true.’

Christina Sandel de Labouchere
‘Sunny Ireland! Cross country riding throughout the beautiful estate was a time for contemplation while walking through the woods, and a fabulous sense of freedom while cantering across the green, green fields! I enjoyed all the horses I rode, and it was a good experience to try different characters and styles. They were all well mannered, safe and wonderful. The staff were attentive, kind and filled with Irish sparkle and charm. Hanna and Orla were fantastic guides with an incredible eye to help each of us learn and have a fabulous ride. Each day had something special.’

Nancy Berg
‘Laura from Globetrotting really went the extra mile for me to make sure I got the right ride for my experience level, and this was a truly magical trip! I rode Charlie, TJ, Eric and Bumble. Our guides and instructors all took great care of us, catering to a few different levels of expertise. I hadn’t jumped in years and although she was big, Bumble did not make the jumps feel big, and packed me reliably over everything we were pointed at. What a sweetie! If any of the pictures you see of this ride look appealing, multiply the appeal a hundred times! Save your pennies and go!’

Moira Fisher
‘Thank you, Globetrotting, for this amazing experience! My sister, mum and I spent three incredible horse-filled days on the Castle and Estate Ride in Ireland. I am home now, but still not down from the high of this amazing holiday! Everything was incredible. Wonderful staff, guides, accommodation, food, scenery and of course the beautiful horses! I rode Arnie, Russell, Blueberry, Bumble and Charlie. I loved them all, especially Russell and Charlie. To be able to ride over cross country jumps was not something I thought I would ever do again, but I did, and what a thrill! I’m definitely hooked and will be back for more!’

Rachel Jones
‘My husband and I had the most wonderful time on the Castle & Estate ride! It exceeded all of our expectations. The accommodations were so luxurious, the food was excellent, the horses and instructors were wonderful, and the estate itself was unbelievably expansive and beautiful! I rode out seven times, and on every single ride I saw a new section of the estate. I had so much fun flying over jumps on Domino and galloping through the woods on Robin. I literally couldn’t help but laugh because I was having so much fun. I only wish we could have stayed longer!’
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