Services
About Our Trail
The Clew Bay Trail Ride takes small groups of experienced riders along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way through new and ever-changing landscapes of small villages, breathtaking sandy beaches, sea and off-shore islands, country lanes, mountain tracks and local heritage sites, stopping for a picnic along the way.
Your host Padraic Foy is a Qualified Riding Instructor, a Monty Robert’s Certified Instructor and an accomplished Irish horseman whose family have been involved with horses in the locality for generations. This combined with the spectacular Clew Bay region, quality Irish horses and excellent accommodation ensures is a horse riding adventure holiday you will cherish forever.
ITINERARY
6 Nights / 5 Day Full Trail
Day
On arrival to Westport, check in to your accommodation which is where you will be staying for the trail.
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 the village of Aughagower for the Aughagower Ride. This takes us through the villages of Curvey, Lankill and Knappagh Beg where we picnic on the shores of Knappagh Lake, then on to Drumhill before returning to Aughagower. After riding there is a chance for riders to visit the round tower and monastic site which dates back to the 7th century.
Today we start at Cloona just outside of Westport and take the Skelp Ride which brings 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 holmestead which dates back to pre famine times. Then on to Teevnacroagha where we ride in the footsteps of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint) and Brackloon before finishing the day at Cloona.
Today we start at the village of Culeen for the Culeen Ride. This ride takes us to the west of Croagh Patrick, through quiet country lanes at Kilsallagh and Kinnock and then to bog roads at Dereen where we will have some long canters. We picnic on the bog and get to see the harvesting of the bog peat at close hand. We then return via a river crossing at Bellakip to finish the day at Culeen.
Today we start at Formoyle for the Feenone Ride. This takes us over a mountain pass, close to a megalithic burial site (one of many in the area), through 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.
For the final day of our trail we make our way to Doughmakeon and to ride the beach at Carrowniskey before crossing the Carrowniskey river and on to Cross Strand. There are ample opportunities to gallop today. We picnic next to Clapper Bridge (the bridge with the eyes). We can see the coastline of Connemara in the distance. There are many standing stones in the area dating back to megalithic times. We ride along Cross Strand and Carrowniskey beach again before returning to our base where you will say goodbye to your equine companion.
In the evening enjoy a farewell drink in one of Westport’s pubs.
Depart after breakfast with fond memories of your equestrian adventure.
Note: The Itinerary of The Clew Bay Trail Ride may change slightly due to circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather, tidal variations etc. and we reserve the right to change this without prior notice.
Our Horses
Ireland is known as The Land Of The Horse. A temperate climate and good soil conditions make it an ideal place to raise horses. An ability to cross any country has ensured that the Irish Horse is surefooted and looks after it’s rider. The Irish people have a natural affinity with the horse and this is evident in the horses they have. The majority of our trail horses have competition experience and have been started by us.
Riding Ability
You need not be an expert to ride our trail as we take great care 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.
Please Note: In the interests of safety and enjoyment you will be required to submit a recent short video of your riding ability along with details of your age, height and weight before we can confirm a booking.
Once a booking is confirmed we will send you a payment link for a 25% deposit (refundable if cancelled four months before the start date). The remainder will be due one month before the start date.
Requirements:
Accommodation
The guest house accommodation for our trail has been carefully chosen and is located either in or close to Westport Town. They are approved by the Irish Tourist Board and provide a quality personal service. The bedrooms, which are en-suite are both comfortable and relaxing. 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.
How to Get Here
Distance from Airports
Belfast : 306 kms, 190 miles, 4 hours by car
Dublin : 267 kms, 165 miles, 3 hours and 35 minutes by car
Shannon : 201kms, 125 miles, 2 hours by car
Knock : 55 kms, 40 miles, 50 minutes by car
Return Airport Transfers Per Vehicle (up to 8 people)
Dublin : €1225 Shannon : €775 Knock : €275
Train from Dublin (Heuston) direct to Westport. Visit: www.irishrail.ie
Bus from Dublin, Shannon, Knock. Visit: www.buseireann.ie
Free collection from Westport Train Station and Bus Depot
Clew bay trail
2025 Dates
Clew bay trail
Month
April 6th to 12th
April 13th to April 19th
April 27th to May 3rd
May 11th to May 17th
May 18th to May 24th
May 25th to May 31st
June 8th to June 14th
June 15th to June 21st
June 22nd to June 28th
June 29th to July 5th
July 6th to July 12th
July 13th to July 19th
July 20th to July 26th
July 27th to August 2nd
August 17th to August 23rd
August 24th to August 30th
August 31st to September 6th
September 7th to September 13th
September 14th to September 20th
September 21st to September 27th
September 28th to October 4th
September 29th to October 5th
October 5th to October 11th
2025 Rates
Trail
Duration: 6 Nights / 5 Day Full Trail
Rate: €2,395 pps
April, May, June, July, August, September, October 2025
Single Room Supplement : €325 (Please note that there are a limited number of single rooms available)
The Above Rates Include: 6 nights bed and breakfast guest house accommodation + 5 days trail riding (4+ hours per day), horse, tack and guide + 5 picnic lunches and all transfers during the trail. The above rates do not include: evening meals, arrival or departure transfers.
Duration: 6 Nights / 5 Day Full Trail
Rate: €500 pps
April, May, June, July, August, September, October 2025
Single Room Supplement : €325 (Please note that there are a limited number of single rooms available)
The Above Rates Include: 6 nights bed and breakfast guest house accommodation. The above rates do not include: evening meals, arrival or departure transfers.
Note : Extra nights before and after the Trail can also be booked. Please contact us with your requirements.
TESTIMONIALS
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