Cross Country in Tipperary, Ireland

Firstly, let’s just linger on our ride location for a moment, globetrotters…

Any equestrian worth their salt understands the significance of County Tipperary in Ireland {think Coolmore Stud}. Horses and Tipperary are inextricably linked – the county has produced some of the world’s most famous racehorses. So what better backdrop to hone, learn and up-skill than on a bowling green-esque cross country course in the equestrian heart of Ireland? On top of this, you’ll have top-level coaching on tap and be mounted on schoolmaster Irish Sport Horses.

It’s drool-worthy – and we’re speaking from experience. In 2018 we were fortunate enough to test out the coaching, horses and cross country course during the day while retiring to our luxurious estate house of an evening. And we’re STILL buzzing from the experience. Both coaches, Mark Molloy and Noel Quinn, have over two decades of coaching experience and take the time to know each rider individually. You’ll slip into a daily rhythm of hitting the cross country course in the morning, wandering back to the house for a delicious lunch, then enjoying another jumping session in the afternoon.

Now when you’re not in the saddle, you’ll be hosted by the Egan family – think Irish country hospitality on steroids. Inch House will be your home-away-from-home: an impeccably furnished, two-story luxury manor house. We’ve thrown in a non-riding day in the middle to give you time to rest your body and enjoy some local sight-seeing, ending with a home-grown fiddle performance that only the locals (and now you!) know about!

We’ve worked super hard to develop an itinerary that takes in the VERY BEST of Tipperary, both in and out of the saddle. Say YES!

Fast Facts

Horse Breed:A mixture of Irish Sport Horse, Irish Hunter, Irish Draught and Thoroughbred horses.
Pace:The pace will vary on a daily basis. You’ll be enjoying show jumping and cross country lessons each day, so there will be plenty of trotting and cantering.
Weight Limit:Maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
Type of tack:English all-purpose and jumping saddles.
Seasons:October.
Group size:A maximum of 9 guests.
Time in Saddle:On average between 4 to 5 hours per day.
Riding Ability:Intermediate to experienced riders. No previous jumping experience is required, as you’ll be given every opportunity to learn throughout the week. If you have a solid seat and a desire to learn to jump, then this is the ride for you.
Accommodation:One of the highlights of this entire itinerary is the magnificent Georgian Mansion you get to call home for the week, enjoying the lifestyle of a bygone era. Inch House is located in County Tipperary and has been lovingly restored to its former 300-year-old glory by its owners, John & Nora Egan. With 6 luxury en-suite guest bedrooms, it is beautifully appointed with antique furnishings and original features throughout including a double oak staircase, marble fireplaces, double height stained glass windows and a William Morris style drawing room. You will feel like a Lord or Lady of the land as you wander around this fine establishment. *Insert squeal of excitement here!
Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights, with 4 riding days and 1 day of local sightseeing.
Inclusions:All riding activities, all transfers, accommodation in a Georgian Mansion, breakfast each day, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and admission fees at local attractions.
Exclusions:International or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol (BYO is welcome), 2 dinners, and 1 lunch (on the sight-seeing day).

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Total

14th Oct 2019

20th Oct 2019

3 spots left

€1,910 EUR ?Tour costs €1,910 EUR which is approximately $3,059 AUD - Twin Share ?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender.		Book
€2,430 EUR ?Tour costs €2,430 EUR which is approximately $3,891 AUD - Single Rider ?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room.		Book
€1,080 EUR ?Tour costs €1,080 EUR which is approximately $1,730 AUD - Non Rider		Book

*Please note, there are 3x twin share rooms and 3x single rooms available. These will be assigned by preference on a first come, first served basis.

Non-riders are welcome to join their riding partner on this ride (subject to availability). Please note however, the non-rider rate DOES NOT include lunch each day since the riders will be enjoying this at the local equestrian centre. We recommend non-riders hire a car so that they have the flexibility to explore the surrounding area during the day.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
All riding activities, all transfers, accommodation in a Georgian Mansion, breakfast each day, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and admission fees at local attractions.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
International or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol (BYO is welcome), 2 dinners, and 1 lunch (on the sight-seeing day).

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments.

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

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*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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Day 1

With bubbles of excitement and anticipation, you’ll arrive in Ireland today, globetrotters, where breathtaking landscapes and fascinating, friendly people abound. You’ll need to fly into Dublin Airport by 2pm, where a mini-bus will be waiting to transport you to your home away from home for your week ahead: Inch House.

History is everywhere in Ireland, and this 300-year-old Georgian Mansion has plenty of stories to tell as you settle in and relax in your lavish surroundings. Owners John and Nora Egan have lovingly restored this mansion to its former glory, and you’ll marvel at its architecture, beautifully appointed furnishings and surrounding estate as you spend some time exploring.

Dinner will be a mouthwatering affair this evening as you’re treated to a heavenly five course meal cooked by your hosts, John & Nora, who ran an award-winning restaurant for some 25 years. Make sure to dress in your evening finery, as you’ll be enjoying all this in Inch House’s elaborate dining room, which has seen many an exciting dinner party in its time.
Day 2

Today you’ll wake up and feast on a full Irish Breakfast which is so elaborate and filling you will wonder how on earth you’re going to get on a horse after it. But you certainly will, because today you’re heading to a neighbouring equestrian centre (about a 10 minute drive) to enjoy a full day of jumping.

As riders, we’re always learning, so there is nothing better than being in a small group on capable horses with knowledgeable instructors. Upon arrival at the equestrian centre, you’ll be greeted with morning tea (yep, MORE food!) before you mount up and enjoy your morning training session, whether it be fine-tuning your jumping position in the sand arena or heading out into the fields over the cross country course. A stomach-filling lunch will be enjoyed in the dining room following the morning’s activities, before you venture out yet again for the afternoon’s riding training.

Dinner will be a self-served buffet back at Inch house at around 7pm.
Day 3

Another exhilarating day ahead, now that the nerves have well and truly abated and the smell of horse sweat, the thrill of jumping, and the intoxicating Irish landscapes have you trembling with excitement. You’ll be heading back to the equestrian centre to continue on from yesterday’s training out on the cross country course. This is what Globetrotting dreams are made of: scooting over logs, through brush and splashing through water in an equestrian wonderland.

Tonight’s evening meal will be enjoyed at a local establishment in the town of Nenagh (this meal is not included in the ride price and will be at your own expense).
Day 4

Just another day waking up in a 300-year-old Georgian Mansion – say what?! But instead of saddling up today, globetrotters, you’re going to be venturing off into County Tipperary for a day filled with local sightseeing goodness. We’re talking the creme de la creme of the area: the Rock of Cashel, the Glen of Aherlow and of course Cahir Castle. Pick up any guide book on Ireland and these three are always noted as the real crowd-pleasers in Tipperary and surrounds.

The Rock of Cashel, also known as St Patrick’s Rock, is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and a fabulous archaeological ruin of Ireland’s rich monastic past. It contains one of the most remarkable collections of medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe, so let your mind create historical reimaginings as you explore the site and feast on the history before your eyes.

Up next, you’ll take a drive through the Glen of Aherlow, where you’ll stop to take photos at various points along the route. Everything you’ve heard is true: Ireland is breathtaking, and it’s not hard to see why as you drive through this glen!

The final stop for the day is Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest and best preserved castles. An imposing 13th-15th century structure, the state-of-the-art defensive castle appears to grow from the actual rock on which it stands and has been the scene of sieges and bombardments for centuries. With your minds teeming with history and your eyes widened by the spectacular countryside you’ve glimpsed today, you’ll head back to Inch House in the late afternoon.

*Please note, lunch isn’t included in the price today, but you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat at your leisure when the bus stops in Cashel.

Tonight is set to be a night you’ll remember (or then again, maybe you won’t if you like a pint or two!) because you’re off to Ireland’s Best Pub! Yep, it lay claim to that title in 2015. Jim O’ the Mill opens only one night per week (Thursday) and is the stuff of legend. It’s the beating heart of Ireland’s culture of music and storytelling, with all the ‘trad’ (traditional Irish music) and craic (pronounced ‘crack’, it’s Gaelic for ‘fun’) packed into this one evening, often until 5am! Not bad for a watering hole with just one beer tap serving exclusively Guinness (bottled beer, wine and liquor are also available for purchase). The music session normally gets going around 9-10pm, so you’ll stop off for a meal in Thurles before heading out to Jim O’ the Mill (dinner tonight is at your own expense). While it might be a late night, you’re certainly in for a night of FUN – the music is raucous, earthy and exciting and you’ll find yourself toe-tapping along on the stone floor of the original kitchen in this 200-year-old farmhouse. I guarantee nothing will beat the craic found at Jim O’ the Mill – ENJOY!
Day 5

After another huge breakfast, you’re back on the horses for another day of cross country fun at the nearby equestrian centre. You’ll continue working on your position and accuracy as you jump the different lines and obstacles scattered around the fields, with a huge range of styles and sizes ensuring that you’ll never tire of the courses, no matter your ability.

Dinner will again be a self-served buffet at Inch House (delivered once again by the Inch House fairies). No doubt after the late night you enjoyed yesterday, you’ll head to bed early this evening to get your beauty sleep so you’re ready for your last day in the saddle tomorrow.
Day 6

The last day of riding – BOO! But the good news is you’ll be going out with a BANG as it’s a full day of fun in the sun (well, fingers crossed – it is Ireland after all) out on the cross country course. It’s today that you’ll put everything you’ve learnt throughout the past few days to good use as you scoot around the course, jumping arrowheads and banks, splashing through water obstacles and pushing through brush fences.

With an adrenaline-filled day done and dusted, you’ll say goodbye to the beautiful Irish steeds who have seen you safely over the many obstacles you’ve jumped throughout the week and head back to Inch House for one final, grand dinner in the mansion’s formal dining room. Remember to pace yourselves, globetrotters – you’ve got five courses of Irish goodness to pack into your bellies tonight. And after much fun and laughter, you’ll retire upstairs for your final night’s sleep in your boudoir fit for a king and queen.
Day 7

After your last hearty breakfast, you’ll bid a fond farewell to John and Nora, who have opened their hearts and their grand home to you throughout the week, and depart for your onward travels, no doubt promising to return again one day… perhaps for the hunt season!

Departing flights can be booked from Dublin Airport after 2pm today.
Transfer Information

Transfers to/from Dublin Airport are included in the ride price on the first and last days of the itinerary only. It’s approximately a two hour drive each way. In order to connect with this transfer service, please ensure your flight arrives no later than 2pm on day one of the itinerary. Departing flights can be booked anytime after 2pm on the final day.
Your Instructors

MARK MOLLOY
Mark is the owner and manager of the equestrian centre where you will be riding, and he has developed the facilities over the past 28 years on what has been the family farm for the past five generations. He has focused on teaching cross country over the years, as well as successfully breeding and training steeplechase horses. His passion is all for the jumping, and he enjoys helping riders and horses develop their skills and confidence around a cross country course.

NOEL QUINN
Noel has been the head instructor at the equestrian centre for the past 20 years, so his knowledge of all the horses and facilities knows no bounds! He’s an experienced and talented horseman, breaking in his home-bred horses to compete in dressage, show jumping and cross country at the highest level.