Kinnitty Castle Trail Ride

Horseback Riding Vacation in Ireland

For hundreds of years, Kinnitty Castle has stood in the foot hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains as one of the three fortresses guarding the lands of the powerful O'Carroll family. Now, Kinnitty Castle is one of the best appointed hotels and equestrian centers in Ireland.

Kinnitty Castle has all the luxuries of modern life within a mansion of historical and architectural importance. Each bedroom is large with its own bathroom and views of either the great lawn or Kinnitty Forest. There is a modern health club and tennis courts on the premises, along with a beautiful dining room and two very comfortable pubs.

Each day you will mount your horse and venture out into the vast 60,000 acre preserve called Kinnitty Forest. The forest is filled with deer, pheasants, badgers, song birds and foxes. You will ride through heavily forested areas, wide open meadows and across streams. Kinnitty Forest consists mostly of pines and hard woods with many interesting trails cut through the lush vegetation. Riders will find trails wide enough for brisk and exciting gallops. A slower pace will reveal the natural beauty of the ancient forest. This is Ireland much as it was a thousand years ago. As you travel along the Shannon River you can imagine what it was like in Ireland during the Middle Ages.

You may also travel to the fascinating Leap Castle, "the most haunted castle in Ireland" and may even hear the famous owner play his tin whistle. You may also travel to the ruins of Saint Kierans Abbey which dates back to the year 839.

After horseback riding, it is back to Kinnitty Castle for a hot bath or shower, a refreshing drink in the warm and cozy library, a delicious meal in the dining room and perhaps a stroll around the grounds. Entertainment is frequently provided by traditional Irish musicians who sing songs of brave deeds and lost loves.

For the non-rider, there is golf at nearby courses, shooting, fishing, tennis, shopping and sightseeing.

The ride above is just a sample of past rides available.

>> View our entire list of full rides available now.