Horse Training Clinic and Irish Cultural Experience

Today our ride takes us on a quiet country road from the farmhouse at Curra, to a local forest that can only be described as a scene from a Harry Potter movie. As we weave our way through the narrow passages through the trees, we pass through the remains of a famine village deserted in the late 1800s. Continuing to a sand track, we have an opportunity to up the pace for a while to feel the fresh Connemara breeze blowing in your hair. We will pass the remains of Moycullen Castle and learn a little bit about the local history and culture, before returning to the enchanting woods where we’ll stop for a picnic. After returning to the farm and grooming the ponies down after the long ride, you will have a chance to relax, unwind, shower and change, before we visit the home of Connemara Marble and onwards for a Tour of Aughnanure Castle. Finally, we dine out in one of our local award-winning restaurants, to enjoy gourmet dining at its very best, using the finest local ingredients and produce.

Today we pack our bags, horses, and tack, and make the onward transfer to our second accommodation, the wonderful Clifden Station House Hotel. En route, we’ll visit the hidden treasure of Glengowla Silver Mines, where we descend over 120ft into the mine shaft to witness the hardship of the mining industry that many locals endured centuries ago. The owner, Keith, will take you on a tour of the onsite “Klondike” film set before he gives us a fascinating working sheepdog and turf-cutting demonstration. From here, we’ll stop at Peacocke’s Hotel, situated right at the central crossroads of Connemara, for some lunch and a visit to the gift shop. Each October, a street fair is held here, giving Connemara natives the last chance, before the long winter sets in, to sell their livestock: ponies, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, you name it, it’s there! Next, we’ll travel on through the spectacular scenery between the Twelve Bens and Maamturk mountain ranges, before checking in at the Clifden Station House Hotel. We’ll pay a visit to the old-style Blacksmith’s Forge in Lettermullen, on the south coast of Connemara, where our master farrier will give us a taste of times gone by, as he keeps the traditional craft of the blacksmith alive. We’ll even get to try it out for ourselves and create our own piece of blacksmith art to take home. As we travel back to our hotel, you’ll get to savour the spectacular evening Connemara views and breathe in the fresh wild Atlantic sea air; what better way to work up your appetite for a beautiful evening meal?

Today we’ll load up the horses for our trip through Clifden town, where you’ll have an opportunity to stroll around the town, pay a visit to the Connemara Pony Museum, and drop into some of the local Gift shops and Art Galleries, before enjoying another beautiful ride at the wonderful Omey Island, a tidal island situated near Claddaghduff, right along the western edge of Connemara. From the mainland, the island is inconspicuous and almost hidden but at low tide, it’s possible to ride, drive, or walk across the large sandy strand to the island, following the arrowed signs. Again, you’ll get to choose the pace of this ride and if you’re feeling brave enough, you can even swim with your horse before stopping at the local pub to enjoy spectacular views of the island, and sample a delicious bowl of chowder, or some freshly caught crab claws. Dinner on our final evening will be served at the hotel.

After a hearty breakfast and 7 awe-inspiring days of activity, it’s time to say goodbye to the ponies and horses and Curra Farm, your home for the past 7 days, as you board your private coach from the Station House Hotel back to The Park House Hotel in Galway City for your onward journey.