Trail Itinerary

The Trail Ride Package includes accommodation in Killarney, Glenbeigh and Waterville, luggage transfer to each accommodation, lunch each day, horse, tack and guide. The trail is led at all times by an experienced guide(s) and we take special care of nervous riders.

Our trail operates from April to October with arrival for the 6 night / 5 day trail on Saturday and departure Friday. If you are participating on the 3 night / 2 day trail ride arrival is also on Saturday but departure is then on Tuesday.

On Sunday morning with horses, riders and all luggage ready, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, (about 20 minutes’ drive) where the first day’s ride begins. Once we have introduced horses and riders, the group heads off, and up over the Windy Gap, taking in panoramic views and the splendor of Caragh Lake and the valleys beyond. Once the Windy Gap has been conquered, the ride continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain, followed by a scenic ride over an Irish Bog. The first day finishes for at our stables in Mountain Stage.

Sunday and Monday nights are spent in the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). The village is almost entirely by mountains, and the area offers a famous friendliness and humor which is nowhere better found than in this tranquil and charming region of Kerry. The scenery is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. The area is full of history and such a destination as Winns Folly Castle is well worth a visit.

After breakfast on Monday the riders return to the stables of the previous evening to begin the second day of the trail ride. Today is spent on Rossbeigh beach, galloping through the water’s edge and along stretches of golden sand. The day finishes with the ride taking the old Cliff road back to the stables with stunning views of Dingle Bay and the Dingle Peninsula.

Tuesday morning brings the next move, so riders need to have all luggage packed and down stairs for when they are collected. Today is a relaxing trail, giving horses and riders a chance to recover after the last two days and get ready for the next two. The morning ride takes the group from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, with some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surrounds. It then continues on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley and finishes for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods, where we have an Old School House dating back to 1915.

Tuesday and Wednesday nights are spent in the small coastal village of Waterville (meaning the little whirlpool). The village nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean, right in the heart of south-west Kerry. Its location between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, gives the area many interesting scenic points and fine beaches. By all accounts, the first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near the village. The beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the Archaeological remains on Church Island, Derrynane Abbey and Skellig Michael to name but a few, thus giving the area a wealth of history.

On Wednesday riders are brought back to the Old School House and the group has an adventurous morning in Tulligane Woods, riding through the Inny Valley and lunching back at the School House alongside the Inny River. The afternoon ride takes a scenic route into Waterville along the old Glencar/Waterville road, with splendid views of the famous fishing lake – Lough Currane.

Thursday is the final day of riding on the trail and also the day the last accommodation transfer is made. The morning begins with either a brisk ride to Waterville beach, enjoying some exciting gallops or a trip around the panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay (The tide dictates which one we do first) Once we finish riding for the day, it’s time for riders to say good bye to their horses and guide(s) before everyone and everything is transferred back to Killarney. This last night is spent in Killarney accommodation.

And finally, Friday brings everyone’s departure, check-out after breakfast.
Deposits are fully refundable, if notification in writing is received at least 60+ days before departure date. If you require additional nights in Killarney (beginning or end of holiday) just take a look at our links page for suggested accommodations. Visa, MasterCard all welcome. Killarney Reeks Trail and The Ring of Kerry Trail Ride reserve the right to change any detail or price without prior notice.

*Please note that ride start times each day may change and vary for reasons out of our control at short notice due to tides, weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Also be aware this is not a fixed Itinerary and may be subject to change at short notice due to other circumstance outside our control.

The Trail Ride Package includes accommodation in Killarney, Glenbeigh and Waterville

luggage transfer to each accommodation, lunch each day, horse, tack and guide. The trail is led at all times by an experienced guide(s) and we take special care of nervous riders. Our trail operates from April to October with arrival for the 6 night / 5 day trail on Saturday and departure Friday. If you are participating on the 3 night / 2 day trail ride arrival is also on Saturday but departure is then on Tuesday.

On Sunday morning

with horses, riders and all luggage ready, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, (about 20 minutes’ drive) where the first day’s ride begins. Once we have introduced horses and riders, the group heads off, and up over the Windy Gap, taking in panoramic views and the splendor of Caragh Lake and the valleys beyond. Once the Windy Gap has been conquered, the ride continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe Mountain, followed by a scenic ride over an Irish Bog. The first day finishes for at our stables in Mountain Stage.

Sunday and Monday nights

are spent in the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). The village is almost entirely by mountains, and the area offers a famous friendliness and humor which is nowhere better found than in this tranquil and charming region of Kerry. The scenery is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. The area is full of history and such a destination as Winns Folly Castle is well worth a visit.

After breakfast on Monday

the riders return to the stables of the previous evening to begin the second day of the trail ride. Today is spent on Rossbeigh beach, galloping through the water’s edge and along stretches of golden sand. The day finishes with the ride taking the old Cliff road back to the stables with stunning views of Dingle Bay and the Dingle Peninsula.

Tuesday morning

brings the next move, so riders need to have all luggage packed and down stairs for when they are collected. Today is a relaxing trail, giving horses and riders a chance to recover after the last two days and get ready for the next two. The morning ride takes the group from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, with some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surrounds. It then continues on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley and finishes for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods, where we have an Old School House dating back to 1915.

Tuesday and Wednesday nights

are spent in the small coastal village of Waterville (meaning the little whirlpool). The village nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean, right in the heart of south-west Kerry. Its location between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, gives the area many interesting scenic points and fine beaches. By all accounts, the first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near the village. The beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the Archaeological remains on Church Island, Derrynane Abbey and Skellig Michael to name but a few, thus giving the area a wealth of history.

On Wednesday

riders are brought back to the Old School House and the group has an adventurous morning in Tulligane Woods, riding through the Inny Valley and lunching back at the School House alongside the Inny River. The afternoon ride takes a scenic route into Waterville along the old Glencar/Waterville road, with splendid views of the famous fishing lake – Lough Currane.

Thursday is the final day

of riding on the trail and also the day the last accommodation transfer is made. The morning begins with either a brisk ride to Waterville beach, enjoying some exciting gallops or a trip around the panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay (The tide dictates which one we do first) Once we finish riding for the day, it’s time for riders to say good bye to their horses and guide(s) before everyone and everything is transferred back to Killarney. This last night is spent in Killarney accommodation.

And finally, Friday

brings everyone’s departure, check-out after breakfast. Deposits are fully refundable, if notification in writing is received at least 60+ days before departure date. If you require additional nights in Killarney (beginning or end of holiday) just take a look at our links page for suggested accommodations. Visa, MasterCard all welcome. Killarney Reeks Trail and The Ring of Kerry Trail Ride reserve the right to change any detail or price without prior notice.

01.

Accommodation

We use small family run hotels and Bed & Breakfast accommodations along the route. All rooms will have a private shower & toilet with towels provided. Request when booking which room type required.

Twin Room = 2 separate beds for 2 people Double Room = 1 bed for 2 people Single Room= 1 or 2 beds with 1 person only occupying the room.(The above single supplement will apply if a client requests a single room or they wish to share and we do not have another person willing to. Request upon booking if they wish to share, we cannot guarantee this will be possible but will check with all other single participants

02.

Food and Dining

Breakfast is at all accommodations; Full Irish or Continental style breakfast.

Lunch – Picnic style out on trail ride (bread, fruit, meat, cheese etc.) tea/coffee/water.

Dinner is not included, all villages and towns have a selection of pubs and restaurants serving food.

03.

Arrivals/Departures

Check-in for the Trail is on Saturdays from 8am to 5pm. 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 5pm, we ask to be informed. So to arrange that someone is available to check you in.

Transfer Fees if clients wish us to arrange transfers for them

The TRAIN can be taken from: Dublin to Killarney €67.98 (Return) and from Cork to Killarney €29.98 (Return) (these are prices for tickets bought on the day, cheaper ticket prices if bought online in advance) (Please note that these are approximate rates and may vary slightly) www.irishrail.ie

The BUS can be taken from: Bus from Shannon to Killarney €26.90 (Return) Bus from Cork to Killarney €30 (Return) (Please note that these are approximate rates and may vary slightly) www.buseireann.ie

– Upon reaching Killarney by bus or train, the client can telephone the stables and we will be happy to collect them free of charge.

All of these prices are subject to change

04.

Riding Ability

We require that all riders participating on the Trail Ride are able to walk to trot(post) 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.

05.

Saddle Bags

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.

06.

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.

07.

Tack

All horses have English saddles, and bridles. The saddles we use are the ‘Swiss Ranger’ saddle, made by Peter August Spirig (Switzerland). These 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.

08.

Horses

The horses we use for the trail are a mixture of Irish Drafts, Irish Cobs, Percheron Crosses.

09.

Insurance

Killarney Reeks Trail/Ring of Kerry Trail Rides recommends that all clients take out personal accident as well as baggage insurance, as the Trail 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.

10.

Money/Currency

Ireland has the EURO Currency. Visa, MasterCard, Delta, Maestro, Laser and American Express are accepted in the majority of pubs/bars and restaurants as well as gift shops and grocery stores.

11.

Time Difference

Ireland is at Greenwich meantime (GMT) i.e. same time as the UK. Please bear this in mind when trying to contact the office. Office hours are 8am-5pm 7 days a week. + 353 (0) 64 66 31686

12.

Emergency Contacts

Killarney Riding Stables can reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies purposes on + 353 (0) 64 66 31686. If we do not answer at once, it is because we may have another call, so keep trying.

13.

Mobile Phones

If clients have a tri-band phone, it will work in Ireland, depending on personal phone contracts. ‘Vodafone Ireland’ is our main mobile phone server. Reception is good, in almost all areas. In emergencies if someone needs to contact a client, and cannot get them on their mobile phone they can call the stables on + 353 (0) 64 66 31686, the phone is answered 24/7 and we can then forward on a message to them.

14.

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 you can pack some in your saddlebags each day. Sun Block is recommended. Gloves are recommended. Ponchos / cycling capes are not permitted.

Waterproof clothing is recommended, like rain jacket and rain pants that fit over your riding clothes. If you have a full length rain coat, please ensure that it can be secured around your legs so as not to flap in the wind.

15.

Extra Nights

If you wish to stay an extra night at the beginning or at the end of your trail, we will be happy to recommend local Hotels and B&B’s.

16.

Reservations

A 50% deposit is necessary to secure a reservation. Balance due 60 days prior to date of trip.

17.

Cancellation Policy

A 50% deposit is necessary to secure a reservation. Balance due 60 days prior to date of trip.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are fully refundable if notification is given in writing 60 days prior to departure.

60+ days – Full Refund

30-59 days – 50% Refund

0-29 days – No Refund

Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing.

Please note: We advise that one should take out Trip cancellation insurance

18.

Additional Riding in Killarney National Park

Killarney Stables operates guided trails into Killarney National Park for 1, 2 and 3 hour durations, 7 days a week, for further details please contact us at krs@eircom.net