12 Reasons to Take an Ireland Riding Holiday

If you love riding and traveling, an Ireland riding holiday is in order. My first trip to the Emerald Isle was in the late 1990s when a friend and I set off on an adventure, riding horses miles across County Sligo from one bed-and-breakfast to another for a week.

More recently, in 2021 and 2022, I rode at Clonshire Equestrian Centre in the beautiful village of Adare. Both times we had groups of women with various riding backgrounds and skill levels, and it was so fun. As I look back on my pictures, I’m smiling in every one!

Reasons to Ride Horses in Ireland

1. Irish horses have good brains and are surefooted. You will fall in love with them.

It was really cool to have a chance to ride horses very different from my sensitive Thoroughbred. I loved how chonky some of the Irish horses were–thick legs and large hooves–wide backs, like couches.

2. Validation as a horse lover and equestrian.

Realize that you are not a weirdo for being so passionate about horses, as the whole country teems with horsemen and horsewomen. If fact, riding horses, racing horses and horse vacations comprise a huge industry. If you have time for half-day excursion outside of Dublin, check out the Irish National Stud with beautiful gardens, retired racing legends and an interactive exhibit The Irish Race Horse Experience which was a total hoot!

Read about my Irish National Stud Day Trip here.

3. Riding adventure options abound.

In Ireland you can go on various types of horse riding adventures from beach riding to trekking across the countryside to schooling at equestrian centers to fox hunting and more. I have a friend who is a fearless rider who goes fox hunting annually in Ireland. I did not foxhunt (I’ve heard too many hair-raising tales of how crazy it is and watched too many YouTube videos of Irish fox hunts), but I did get to ride on a hound exercise and the huntsmen were kind enough to dress the part so we felt as though we were riding to hounds.

4. Riding in the green open spaces is a treat.

For some equestrians, urban sprawl has taken over horse country, and it is not a given that riding trails are nearby. One of the new friends I made during my first stint horse riding in Adare commented after we rode around on the farm property and a neighboring estate, “We don’t have anything like this by us.”

5. Charming villages.

During my time at Clonshire, I stayed in Adare in the darling yellow thatched cottage in that picture below. It was within walking distance to restaurants and a shop which had the best scones I’ve ever tasted in my life. It was also on the same block as a chocolate store. What’s not to love about that?

6. Make new friends who also love horses.

The first time I rode at Clonshire, I didn’t know any of the other women in the group. It was easy to connect with them all because of our common love for horses. If you can’t round up a pal to ride with you, but you want to take an Ireland riding holiday, sign up and go on your own. You will have a blast.

7. It’s never too hot to ride.

I have ridden in Ireland in spring, summer and fall, and it’s always comfortable. We rode in the rain last spring, and it was a chance for us California riders to toughen up. lol And the gray, overcast skies are beautiful.

white and brown horses grazing in an Irish field

8. Grow in confidence as a rider.

Having the chance to ride been-there-done-that horses is priceless. I am not a super confident rider, especially with jumping, but I felt safe and grew in my bravery riding at Clonshire Equestrian Centre. Read this blog post Horse Riding in Ireland: 5 Days to Braver Riding, to get the scoop. Solid jumps scare me but check out this video. That’s me jumping a small XC jump in a schooling session. I didn’t cry and I didn’t die.

9. An Ireland riding holiday is cheaper than buying another horse.

No explanation needed.

10. You might stumble across a new horse you should buy.

When I did the bed-and-breakfast ride years ago, my friend and I were told it was not uncommon to have people fall in love with their horse for the week and then buy it to take home to America. I enjoyed riding a few of the mounts I met in Adare so much that the thought was tempting (but the timing is not right).

11. Plenty to see and do for non-riding family members.

History lovers who like exploring ruins and castles, golfers, cyclists and even yoga enthusiasts will enjoy time during your Ireland riding holiday. There’s a lot of history, myriad photo op spots, and unique experiences at every turn. My niece’s husband was the brave male who joined our group of horsey women during our last trip. He enjoyed a few fields trips on his own while we rode, but also came along to the equestrian center a few times as moral support for our riding and took pictures.

12. Friendly locals.

How darling is this gray cob? But really, besides friendly horses, the locals are outgoing and fun to chat with. While in Adare, we went to one particualr restaurant with delicious food, and the owner was so personable and fun, we kept going back. When it was our last dining experience there he gave us hugs as we said goodbye. When I returned the next year he remembered me! I guarantee if and when I have a chance to return, I will stop by again to dine and say hi!