Compare Ireland Horseback Riding: Killarney Reeks Trail by Adventure Women vs Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel

DAY 1 - Arrival in Shannon, Ireland and Leisure Time

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight at Foleys Townhouse in Killarney

Arriving this morning into Shannon Airport, we are met and transferred by our coach for the 1½-hour private coach ride to the Irish town of Killarney and check into our hotel, Foley's Guesthouse. We spend this afternoon wandering around the fun, colorful, and historic town of Killarney. It's a walking town, and every trail is a history lesson.

One of the town’s most popular attractions is, in fact, the town itself. Killarney, meaning “church of the sloes,” is located at the Gateway to Killarney National Parklands.

It is the largest town in County Kerry, Ireland with a population of over 14,000. Although in saying this, the town center is compact and easily manageable on foot for the best experience. Stroll around the picturesque town and discover it’s beautifully maintained and colorful shops. It offers many distractions, with a choice of art galleries, traditional craft shops, elegant boutiques, award winning restaurants and lively pubs. Sit outside a little café and people watch, watching the world go by and study the locals.

While walking around the town you will notice how clean and tidy it is. The locals take great pride in their pretty little town and have been award winners in the renowned Tidy Towns competitions for many years. With beautiful flower arrangements and freshly painted shop fronts gleaming proudly from every street. The people of the town are welcoming and friendly, always eager to help and give advice to any visitor.

After a day of rest and leisure to recover from our travels and jet lag, we celebrate the beginning of our horseback riding trip in Ireland with a Welcome Dinner, introductions, and orientation at our hotel in Killarney.

DAY 2 - Ride to Glenbeigh

Meals:  Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: For the next two nights, we overnight at the Towers Hotel.

This morning we assemble at the riding stable and outfitters and guides match the appropriate horse to the personality and skill level of each rider. With our luggage ready for transfer to Glenbeigh, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, then up over Windy Gap to view the magnificent Caragh Lake and the valley beyond. Our ride then continues to Coomasaharn Lake, enclosed by Teermoyle Mountain (Horseshoe Mountain), followed by a scenic ride over an Irish bog. We finish our day at the Killarney Stables in Mountain Stage, and overnight in Glenbeigh.

The quaint village of Glenbeigh (the name Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees) is surrounded almost entirely by mountains. The beauty of the area is breathtaking, with the River Behy and Rossbeight Strand close by. Glenbeigh offers the famous friendliness and humor of the charming region of Kerry.

Dinners during the week are on your own, with many fun options for restaurant and pub meals, or staying at your hotel for dinner after the ride.

DAY 3 - Gallop on Rossbeigh Beach

Meals:  Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight Towers Hotel, Glenbeigh

This day's glorious ride includes a gallop along the four-mile stretch of golden sand on Rossbeigh Beach. It is said that this particular ride outstrips all the glories of the previous day, roaring into free flight for the first time! The rider shares the horse's muscular motion, yet the ride is as smooth as the back seat of a Rolls-Royce. For those who do NOT want to gallop on the beach, another group will ride at a slower pace.

There are magnificent dunes to explore on the beach, and we return to Glenbeigh via the Cliff Road.

DAY 4 - Scenic Ride To Waterville

Meals:  Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: For the next two nights we stay at the Butler Arms Hotel.

After breakfast, our luggage is packed and transferred to Waterville. Our morning ride takes us from Gleensk Viaduct up through Coomshanna Forestry, through the glorious mountain scenery and spectacular views of Dingle Bay and Mount Foley. We continue through the virgin bogs of Cnoc Bawn and to Liss Bawn, stopping for lunch beside a nearby forest, where wild flowers proliferate. After lunch we ride through Tir nah Ailte, Island Boy, and the Inny Valley, finishing our ride along the Tulligane Woods.

Dinner and overnight is in Waterville, where we stay Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The coastal village of Waterville (the little whirlpool), nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean, in the very center of southwest Kerry. Due to its location between the sea and the mountains, this area has wonderful riding routes and beaches. The first Celtic invaders of Ireland are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near Waterville. Archeological remains of the beginnings of Ireland's Gaelic Nation can be found on Church Island, Derrynane Abbey, and Skellig Michael.

DAY 5 - Ride Through Tulliglane and Along Lough Currane

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight Butler Arms Hotel, Waterville

Today we head out to gallop through Tulliglane Woods, riding through the Inny Valley and lunching alongside the Inny River. Our afternoon ride is more relaxing (!), as we take the old Glencar/Waterville Road back into Waterville, riding along the shores of the famous fishing village lake, Lough Currane.

DAY 6 - Waterville, Hoggs Head, and Ballinskellings Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Foley's Townhouse in Killarney

Our luggage is transferred this morning to Killarney, and we begin our day with an exhilarating ride on Waterville Beach, enjoying some exciting gallops. The breathtaking scenery of Hoggs Head and Ballinskellings Bay dominates the view during our afternoon ride in Waterville before we and the horses are transferred back to Killarney for our special Farewell Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 7 –Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After our last Irish breakfast, we depart for Shannon Airport, arriving by 9 a.m. for our flights home. OR, you may choose to stay on and do more sightseeing in the area, or in another part of Ireland

Day 1 Belfast

Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

Day 2 Giant's Causeway / Belfast

Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a rather big argument between rival giants! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.

Day 3 Galway

This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.

Day 4 Aran Islands / Galway

Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.

Day 5 Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney

The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.

Day 6 Ring of Kerry / Killarney

Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.

Day 7 Dublin / Cork

Travel by train to Cork and take a city tour led by your leader. Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, so grab a bite before boarding another train this time bound for the real, proud capital of the Republic of Ireland - Dublin. Spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.

Day 8 Dublin

As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).