Clew Bay Trail
This trail is expertly hosted by three generations of the Foy family who have been breeding horses here since 1970.
Riders will explore small villages, country lanes, mountain paths, various sea and off-shore islands and, of course, the beautiful sandy beaches. This is a progressive ride with the pace varying from slow to fast depending on terrain and weather conditions.
You need not be an expert to ride this trail as great care is taken to ensure that each rider is matched with a suitable horse, however you should be able to ride securely and confidently at a walk, trot and canter in open country.
- Ride along Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, exploring sandy beaches, offshore islands, mountain tracks and quiet country lanes.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain.
- Canter and gallop on beautiful beaches, including the stunning Carrowniskey Beach.
- Discover local history and heritage, from ancient homesteads to megalithic burial sites.
- Ride with the experienced Foy family, who have been breeding horses in the area since 1970.
itinerary
Day 1
On arrival to Westport, check in to your accommodation which is where you will be staying for the duration of the trail. Explore the vibrant and bustling town with dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 2
Transfer to Drummindoo Stud to meet your host Padraic Foy, your horse and the other riders. After an assessment ride in the indoor arena, riders and horses are transferred to Brackloon to take the Skelp Ride which bring us towards the east side of Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s Holy mountain which has been a site of worship for over 3,000 years). This mountain path gives us a great view of Clew Bay. We ride through Prospect and picnic near the ruins of a homestead which dates back to pre famine times. Then on to Teevnacroagha where we ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint) before returning to Brackloon.
Day 3
Today we start in the village of Culeen on the west side of Croagh Patrick for the Culeen Ride. This ride takes us through quiet country lanes on to the bog roads at Boris where we will have some long canters. We picnic at the Ballakip River and finish the day at Culeen.
Day 4
Today we start at Furmoyle for the Feenone Ride. This takes us over a mountain pass, close to a megalithic burial site, though the Carrowniskey River and on to the bog roads at Feenone. Clare Island (Grainne Uaile, Ireland’s famous Pirate Queen resided there in the 1500’s and controlled all the waters of Clew Bay) and Inishturk Island can clearly be seen. We then head for Carrowniskey Beach where we can canter and gallop before returning to base at Furmoyle.
Day 5
For the final day or our trail we start again at Furmoyle and make our way to EmlaghPoint, then on to Doughmakeon Strand, Carrowniskey Beach crossing the Carrowniskey River and then on to Cross Strand where we can see the coast of Connemara in the distance. There are ample opportunities to gallop today. We picnic next to Clapper Bridge (the bridge with the eyes). After we make our way along the beach again before returning to Furmoyle where you willbid a fine farewell to your equine companion during the trail. In the evening enjoy a farewell drink inone of Westport’s Pubs.
Day 6
Checkout after breakfast for onward travel.
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Clew Bay Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
Participants should be reasonably fit, we recommend you go riding a couple of times a week before coming on the trail. The weight limit is 90kg.
You will be guided by Padraic Foy who personally leads out all of the trail rides and is a qualified instructor as well as an accomplished horseman.
The maximum number of riders in a group is 8.
The majority of trail horses have competition experience and have been started by your hosts on their stud. Featured breeds include Connemara ponies, Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts and Irish Cobs. Heights range from 13.2hh to 16.2hh. All the horses used for this ride have friendly temperaments and excellent stamina, making them ideal horses for the trail.
All the horses will have their own individual English saddle and bridle fitted to them.
Price includes
- 4 days of riding (3-4 hours per day)
- 5 nights guesthouse accommodation
- Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 6
- 4 picnic lunches
- Daily transfers between accommodation and start of trail
- Services of guide
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Evening meals
Accommodation
During the trail you’ll be staying in a traditional Irish guesthouse in the bustling and vibrant town of Westport. Each morning you will be collected from your accommodation and driven to the start point of that day's trail. All guesthouse bedrooms are en-suite and various breakfast options are available including Full Irish and continental. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
As the accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis this gives you the opportunity to choose from the many fine, award-winning restaurants in Westport for your evening meal. Picnic lunches on the trail consist of sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks etc. and can be tailored to individual needs.
Clew Bay Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Single room supplement - £260
Non rider sharing - £435
Small group supplement - £245 (if less than 4 riders booked for that date)
Flights & Airport transfers
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.
The closest airport is Knock. Transfers are also available from Shannon or Dublin airports.
Return Airport Transfers Per Vehicle (up to 8 people)
Dublin : €1200
Shannon : €750
Knock : €250
Complimentary transfers from Westport Train Station and Bus DepotTrain from Dublin (Heuston) direct to Westport.
Visit: www.irishrail.ie
Bus from Dublin, Shannon, Knock. Visit: www.buseireann.ie