A Trail Ride in Donegal

Trail-riding in Ireland is something of an iconic image I think. Braving the Irish elements on horseback, exploring exposed and dark bog landscapes, trekking mountainous paths that overlook a dramatic Atlantic coastline far below, or galloping a lonely sandy beach, waves crashing beside you on the shore. It sounds dreamy, almost other-worldly doesn't it? There must be people all over the world who would give anything for an experience like this! What I can never understand is why we in Ireland aren't all out there doing this in our free time. We live in a place where opportunities like this abound all along the West Coast.

The Connemara Trail, the Galway-Clare Burren Trail, the Ring of Kerry Trail, all gorgeous! But if you really want to experience something truely unique in Ireland, you might need to consider heading up to Donegal. The natural beauty of this region is unparalleled and still somewhat of an state secret. Trail-rides at Dunfanaghy Stables at Arnold's Hotel have been attracting horseback adventurers from around the world for years and is it any wonder why - just look at that photo! Their 5-day trail includes accommodation, gourmet evening meals and packed lunches so you can have the best of both worlds - a challenging trek by day followed by a relaxing evening (indoors) with some good mates. Log onto www.arnoldshotel.com/Dunfanaghy-Stables for more details.

Ravensdale Lodge, the Cooley Mountains and a good eye.

If you haven't been to Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian and Trekking Centre in Louth, you're missing out on one of Ireland's most scenic riding spots. Treks in the area against the backdrop of the Cooley Mountains are stunning. I was speaking to Niall [Connolly], Ravensdale proprietor, recently and complimented him on the imagery he uses on his website (http://ravensdale-equestrian-centre.com/), he must have a good eye I said! He quite rightly replied, "I have a good eye I suppose but any gobshee could have a good eye around here, in fact if you couldn't get good images here there'd be something very wrong!" I couldn't agree more.

Niall kindly agreed to allow us access to some of his images to help promote the region under a new Discover Ireland campaign promoting the region that falls within an hour's drive of our Capital. Here's an example of one of the ways Nialls images from Ravensdale are helping us get the message out there that a world class equestrian experience is right on your doorstep. The image speaks for itself!

You can find out more about Ravensdale Lodge and other equestrian centres in Ireland on www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian.

Equestrian Twitter

Its a bizarre thing Twitter but it seems everyone is doing it and we're nothing if not sheep! For exciting horse-riding holiday ideas or racing festival up-dates why not follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HorseIreland. By the way the Dublin Horse Show is coming up soon (August 5-9) so if you're planning a city break with an equestrian edge this is the perfect opportunity to get the best of both worlds. Book your accommodation soon though and for tickets log on to http://www.dublinhorseshow.com/.

The Curragh Derby Festival

The home of Irish flat racing and the largest horse training centre in the country, the Curragh has been host to all the great names in racing such as Alamshar, Galileo, and High Chaparral. And who could forget the famous but ill-fated Shergar?

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day is the highlight of the racing calendar. Taking place on Sunday 28th June, it is an infectiously exciting social occasion of great glamour and electric atmosphere. The moment you arrive you know that this day is going to be special. Featuring some of the finest racehorses in the world, owned, trained and ridden by the world’s finest trainers and jockeys, let yourself be swept away by the thrill of this world-class racing. For more information on the event or on the Curragh itself log on to www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian or www.curragh.ie.

Greyhound Racing and Horse Racing - A Dual Race Day at Dundalk Stadium on July 12th

For a really unique day out you should consider heading to Dundalk Stadium's Dual Race Day on Sunday 12th July with the Best Dressed Lady Competition taking place in that afternoon.

Dundalk Stadium will host a 7 race horse card commencing at approximately 2.15pm followed by 12 greyhound races commencing at 7.45pm which includes one of the biggest events of the year, the Dundalk International 2009. This race is one of the richest one-off events in the UK and Ireland with some of the top Irish and English greyhounds being invited to take part.

All ladies should register in advance on: www.dundalkstadium.com and there is a programme of entertainment to delight kids and adults alike throughout the afternoon. Its shaping up to be great day out. Did you know Dundalk Stadium is Ireland’s first floodlit all-weather horse track?

Where to find the really detailed information...

I forgot to mention that if you are looking for really detailed information on horse-drawn caravans you should check out www.irishhorsedrawncaravans.com. There are only four operators in the country and they are all listed on this site. You'll find them in Mayo, Wicklow, Laois and Galway - really beautiful parts of the country.

If however its horse racing that gets you going you should have a look at www.goracing.ie. There are 26 racecourses all over Ireland and well over 300 race meetings a year so this is a must on any trip with an equestrian edge. The Galway Races are fantastic by the way if you can manage to get down there for them you wont regret it and Galway City itself, unforgettable.

Equestrian Holidays Ireland offer a residential riding experience and represent about 20 of some of the best operators in the country. Have a look at www.ehi.ie for more information. Talk to you soon!

For All Things Equestrian...

Over generations horses and Ireland have been synonymous. The country has a deep tradition in equestrian matters which is anchored in our reputation for excellence in horsemanship, breeding and training, as well as our countryside and our affinity as a people with horses. Overseas visitor numbers engaging in equestrian activities has been steadily increasing over the past number of years and in 2007, 50,000 overseas tourists took the time to find out for themselves why Ireland is known as Land of the Horse.

With 48 equestrian tourism centres scattered all over Ireland, it has never been easier to find a horseback activity to suit your needs. From a gallop across a sandy beach in Donegal to a lazy trek through the Wicklow hills, horse riding has something for everyone. Trail-riding through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland like the Burren, Connemara and Kerry offer challenges and great rewards to the more experienced rider. However if you are looking for something a little more luxurious than a cross-country trek there are residential riding centres all over Ireland where you can relax in gorgeous accommodation, enjoy fine food and take a more leisurely approach to your riding. Horse riding in Ireland is a holiday with a difference. Chill out or break free.

There are plenty of unique experiences awaiting the equestrian tourist in Ireland, none more so
that a break in a horse-drawn caravan. What better way to see rural Ireland than with a trusted friend in your own covered wagon. Take your horse and caravan down lonely country roads and get back to basics. Each caravan is beautifully equipped with a kitchen and comfortable beds. Stay at a different farm site each night and explore the countryside at your own pace.

If however you are looking for something a little less hands-on, maybe a day at the races is more your thing. Did you know there are 26 racecourses in Ireland and over 300 race meetings every year? An estimated 1.4 million people went to the races last year making a day at the races one of Ireland’s most popular pastimes.

So whether you are looking for your first riding lesson, a family break with an equestrian edge, a gallop on the beach at dawn, a trip to the horse show or a day at the races, you’ll find all the information you need on one website - www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian