EQUESTRIAN TOURS THE WILD & RUGGED TRAIL - A 7- NIGHT CONNEMARA HOLIDAY - + Connemara

www.IrelandEquestrianTours.com ATBOHUET TNHEIS WITIN YEROAURY

If you have ever dreamed of riding in Connemara, you are going LOVE this itinerary! Spend 7-nights exploring Galway City & the Connemara countryside. This trail crosses some of the the most wild and beautiful terrain that Ireland has to offer.

Your adventure through Connemara will be guided by legendary horseman, Willie Leahy. Willie is the largest breeder of Connemara ponies in the world and the Field Master of the famous Galway Blazers Hunt.

This lovely Irish ride will introduce you to the Gaelic cultural richness of the Connemara countryside. You'll ride past small thatched cottages and villages built around castle ruins. Journey through the wild bog lands and rocky mountainside of the region, an area renowned for its fantastic landscapes that change with every passing cloud or ray of sunlight. Rivers, lakes, mountains and the coastal sea provide an unspoiled and beautiful contrast to the russet bog lands.

For over 30 years, the Leahy family have enjoyed introducing visitors to this very special part of Ireland. Their friendly care ensures that every rider goes home with special memories of a wonderful holiday!

Riding is available from April through September.

- THIS IS A POINT TO POINT RIDE -

CONNTEHMAER AN, CEOWUN YTYO GUALWAY

County Galway is synonymous with rolling hills & fields divided by a latticework of stone walls and quiet country .

Famous for its spectacular scenery, Connemara is a land of timeless, wild beauty. Known for its contrasting landscapes, dramatic mountains, silent lakes, and a kaleidoscope of rust coloured bogs. The countless shades of the landscape change constantly beneath the shifting sky. Bordered by the and steeped in Gaelic culture & tradition, it is a wilderness of extraordinary beauty!

ra nema Con ity ay C Galw - ACCOMMODATIONS -

For this itinerary, guests have the choice of staying in a guesthouse or hotel. Both Hotel or Guesthouse accommodations have been carefully selected to provide guests with personal service, comfortable en-suite bedrooms, and a daily full Irish breakfast. Ideally located along the trail route, they are the perfect end to a day's ride!

- meals -

All meals are included Day 2 - Day 7 (see itinerary)

Start the day right! Begin with a range of side items such as oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, granola/meusli, brown bread, and cereals. Enjoy a hearty full Irish breakfast complete with bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, hot tea, coffee and juices.

Lunch is picnic style on the trail. Picnics consist of a variety of breads, cheeses, cold cuts, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, cookies, and a range of sodas, tea, coffee and water.

Evening meals are available at the B&B's or hotel's restaurant -- Typically 4-courses with a variety of entree choices.

Vegetarian or Gluten Free can be accommodated with advance notice.

HOW TO GET HERE

This itinerary takes place on the West coast of Ireland in County Galway. Guests can fly into Dublin, Ireland or Shannon, Ireland.

Shannon, Ireland is approximately 1.5 hours from Galway. Dublin is approximately 2 hours from Galway.

We can arrange private transport to Galway from either Dublin and Shannon Airport. For those that prefer public transportation, there is a bus and train service to Galway from Dublin.

Additionally, we can arrange, either via private driver or public transport, return transport to Dublin or Shannon. - THE HORSES -

Your host maintains approximately 200 horses, each fit and well suited for the terrain. Irish Hunters and Connemara ponies of varying sizes are known the world over for their fantastic jumping ability, gentleness, intelligence and stamina. There is a horse to suit every riding ability -- from novice to advanced. The outfitter knows his horses well and is profficient at matching rider to horse.

The horses are not groomed as they live outside during the summer. You are welcome to bring a small brush if you wish to groom before riding.

- TRAIL INFORMATION - You will be riding in English tack. There are no saddle bags available, however you are welcome to bring your own. There are D-Rings on the front of the saddle providing loops for a small saddle pack or strings to tie your jacket. Water is not provided on the trail --we suggest that a waist pouch with a water bottle be worn (see packing list).

The first day will take at least an hour to select horses and get organized due to the size of the group. After gathering the horses, riders are asked to select a bridle and spend a brief time speaking with the outfitter about the size, temperament and preferences for a mount. Once a horse is chosen for the rider, you will be asked to lead the horse to the tack trailer, select a saddle, saddle the horse and check the stirrup length and girth tightness. At lunch stops, the horses are untacked and are released to graze. After lunch, the horses are caught and tacked up. In the mountains riders are advised to follow the guide rather than their own path.

The mountains can be boggy and rocky and the guide has years of experience in seeking a trail through them. The same applies on the beach, you will be asked to stay behind the guide so that they can set the pace and route.

For guests wishing to brush up on their jumping skills, this itinerary includes a day of (optional) cross country jumping at the Dartfield. This course was professionally designed to accommodate riders and horses of all levels from novice to advanced. An international Three Day 2** Event has been held at the Dartfield since 2004 attracting riders from all over the world.

Those not wishing to jump can ride through the farmland around the museum and beyond into the surrounding area. THE NEW YOU - DAY ONE - (SUNDAY)

Welcome to Galway -- the City of Tribes!

Steeped in history and filled to the brim with old-fashioned pubs, independent shops, excellent restaurants, and world-famous street performers -- Galway just may be Ireland’s most charming city!

Standing proudly on the famous Eyre Square, your accommodation for the evening is an iconic Galway landmark! Perfectly positioned and within strolling distance of all the best amenities that Galway has to offer – from pubs and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you’re right in the center of Galway’s bohemian social scene.

The day is yours to explore on your own – soak up the eccentric vibe only Galway has to offer!

Overnight: The Hardiman Hotel, Galway City

- DAY TWO - (MONDAY)

This morning, meet up with other riders in the lobby of the Hardiman Hotel. Here you are introduced to your guide and the back-up team who are on hand to move luggage, bring the picnic and help with the horses.

There is a short drive, out of the city (approx. 30 min) to the start point of the ride, at . Here you will have your first sight of the horse or pony which is to become your companion for the week. The horses and ponies are assigned to the riders, according to the rider's ability, weight, height etc. After tacking up the ride departs and heads straight into the mountains for a long ride that will finish at , the site of the famous October horse fair.

The trail takes the riders past the ruins of cottages abandoned since the famine, in the 1840's, which decimated the Irish population. As the trail winds its way through the spectacular scenery the view is magnificent, spanning the horizon is the vast expanse of , the largest lake in southern Ireland. THE NEW YOU After lunch the ride continues through the mountains, traversing the bogs and rocks and wading through streams. Way below the trail is the 'Quiet Man Bridge', made famous by the John Wayne movie. The day ends with the first of many canters along the abandoned Galway to railway line. At the end of the day the horses are turned loose into a lakeside pasture while the riders travel to their accommodation.

Overnight: Connemara Lake Hotel Oughterard or Guesthouse Accommodations

- DAY THREE - (TUESDAY)

Having spent the night at the lakeside pasture at Maam Cross the horses are refreshed and ready to begin the ride from Maam Cross to . The first stage of the ride goes through Willie's land at Maam Cross, where a path takes the riders alongside the beautiful Lough Sindle and past the remains of a long forgotten lime kiln, hidden in a grove of hazel trees. Some of the trees in the area are ancient, yet they remain tiny, bent by the harsh Atlantic winds that batter this area during the winter. Lunch is eaten on a small village green, while the horses graze.

After lunch it is back into the saddle for the final stage of the days ride, through silent woodlands and through the beautiful Inagh Valley. On a clear day riders can see right over the spectacular Connemara landscape to the coast at . The day ends with another canter along the old Galway to Clifden railway line, before the horses are turned out in a pasture at Ballinafad, before the riders return to their accommodation.

Overnight: Zetland Hotel in Cashel Bay or Guesthouse Accommodations

- DAY FOUR - (WEDNESDAY)

The horses are rounded up and saddled before the ride leaves Ballinafad. This morning the horses wade through a wide mountain stream before heading up into a short stretch of mountain above the ancient Ballinafad cemetery.

The riders then go through the grounds of Ballinahinch Castle, enjoying a long canter through the woodland. The castle was once the home of Richard Martin, founder of the humane society for the protection of animals. THE NEW YOU There is a long canter along the old railway line and the grassy track is great fun for cantering as well! The horses are set free on the edge of bogland close to the coastal town of Clifden while the riders eat lunch.

After lunch, it is back into the saddle for the afternoon ride which goes along a grassy track close to Clifden and then heads inland over the Roundstone Bog, site of the landing of the historic flight of Alcock and Brown, who piloted the first transatlantic biplane and the site of the Marconi wireless station. Then we follow the coast to the seaside pasture where the horses will spend the next few nights. The riders then head to their accommodation in Clifden where they will spend the next few nights.

Overnight: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel* or Guesthouse Accommodations

- DAY FIVE - (THURSDAY)

Today enjoy a full day on the fabulous Mannin Bay beach. With mile after mile of sandy beach, there are plenty opportunities to gallop or jumping over small stone walls and the sandy banks.

This is an unforgettable day. Riders are welcome to swim their mount in the clear water of the ocean. If you have never swam with a horse, you are in for a treat! The experience is like no other as your horse begins to swim under you. The horses will dry off and rest in a beach side pasture while the riders eat a picnic lunch on the beach over looking the ocean. Afterwards, it is back into the saddle for another ride along the beach to discover more of the wonders of this amazing coastline.

Overnight: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel* or Guesthouse Accommodations (*If Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is not available, guests will stay at Stationhouse Hotel Clifden)

- DAY SIX - (FRIDAY)

The ride begins at the sea and ends at , inland over the mountains! Following the coastline, passing small farmsteads, where generations of small farmers have lived and worked. The coastline is breathtaking and the ocean is often the color of the blue water found in the Carribean. The ride continues into Errisbeg mountain along an old grassy track before our lunch stop, which is eaten in the mountains, overlooking the pasture where the horses eat. Then they are saddled for the ride that takes us high into Errisbeg mountain above the seaside village of Roundstone. Watch out for the leprechauns that are known to inhabit this area. Below is the stunning scenery of Dogs Bay, which curves out into the Atlantic Ocean. The horses spend the night in a pasture at Toombeola while the riders travel back to for the evening.

Overnight: Loughrea Hotel & Spa or Guesthouse Accommodations

- DAY SEVEN - (Saturday)

You will be collected from you accommodations in the morning and brought to Dartfield, Willie's Equestrian and Heritage Centre. After a warm welcome with hot Port or whiskey you'll tack up and enjoy trekking through the 350-acre estate. The ride goes through woodland and across fields and there is the option to jump around on the Xcoountry Course -- home of an annual international 3* Horse Trial. Enjoy lunch in the Dartfield cafe, visit the Irish Horse Museum, Ireland's only museum dedicated to Irish horses & ponies, and take a browse through the Tack and Gift Shop.

The afternoon spent riding at Dartfield -- Head out for a leisurely hack or XCountry jumping before saying good bye to your four legged friend!

Overnight: Loughrea Hotel & Spa or Guesthouse Accommodations

- DAY EIGHT - (Sunday)

Depart Galway for Dublin or Shannon.

(Optional Overnight Available - Not included in package price) - 2021 PRICING -

The rates bel ow include: 7- Nights Accommodation (sharing) Daily Full Irish Breakfast x 7 Daily Picnic Lunch on Trail x 6 Nightly Dinners x 6 6 Full Days Riding Horse, Tack, and Experienced Guides Ride Transfers on Connemara Trail

HIGH SEASON (July & August)

hotel - $2,400 per rider guesthouse - $2,275 per rider

LOW SEASON (April, May, June, September)

hotel - $2,330 per rider guesthouse - $2,200 per rider

HOTEL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $365 GUESTHOUSE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $300

DEPOSIT: $900 per person

- FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE 45 DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL - (See Complete Terms & Conditions on Invoice) - 2021 CONNEMARA TRAIL DATES - (Sunday - Saturday )

MAY 2 - MAY 9 MAY 16 - MAY 23 MAY 30 - JUNE 6 JUNE 13 - JUNE 20 JUNE 27 - JULY 4 JULY 11 - JULY 17 JULY 25 - AUGUST 1 AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 15 AUGUST 22 - AUGUST 29 SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 12 SEPTEMBER 19 - SEPTEMEBR 26

- Groups are limited to 14 riders - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

Airport Transfers*, Lunch on Day 1 in Galway City, Evening Meal on Day 1 in Galway City, Travel Insurance, Activities Not Listed on Itinerary, Airfare, Discretionary Tips, Return Airport Accommodation

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION:

Guests should plan to arrive in Ireland on Sunday, the ride begins on Monday.

Guests should plan to depart Ireland on Sunday or Monday. IET can arrange Sunday night accommodations at a Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport hotel (Guest to pay on own). Please discuss flight itinerary with IET prior to booking airline ticket.

TRAIL & RIDER INFORMATION:

The pace of this trail is moderate with walks, trots, and canters. Riders must be able to gather, catch, tack and untack the horses, mount and dismount unassisted.

Riders can expect walks, long trots, brief canters and short gallops. Riders will ride up and down rocky hills, for approximately 5-6 hours a day.

Although led by experienced guides, we ask riders to be independent as there is little direction or instruction given while on the ride.

Be flexible; the outfitter does not run on a strict schedule.

HOTELS & GUESTHOUSE AVAILABILITY:

Hotel & Guesthouse accommodations are on a first come, first serve basis. In the event a hotel/guesthouse listed on the itinerary is not available, we will arrange accommodations at an alternate hotel/guesthouse.

*We do not include ground transportation on our itineraries, as some of our guests prefer to rent a car, use public transportation, or hire private transport.

We will provide airport transfer quotes on request from Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport to Galway or assist with arranging transport via train and/or bus service.

Whatever your preferred mode of transportation, we will manage all the logistics so your riding vacation is completely seamless.