Synonymous for Its Warm & Genuine Hospitality Or Céad Míle Fáilte (One
globetrot
Moschino S/S 2020
written by Laura Lamb of Ireland Equestrian Tours Synonymous for its warm & genuine hospitality or Céad Míle Fáilte (One Hundred Thousand Welcomes), Ireland is also known as the “Land of the Horse” for the Irish’s long-standing affinity for their cherished equines. When you put these two together, you are destined to have one fantastic riding adventure! There are few things more exhilarating than a swift gallop down a long beach; wind in one’s hair and ocean spray on one’s face. Add the colorful backdrop of the crystal blue waters of the mighty Atlantic, the vibrant green fields of the Irish countryside, and it becomes a surreal experience. Let’s go!
photo Castle Leslie Estate
| S20 2 globetrot
The Merrion Hotel
Tourism Ireland Day Two – The Iconic Causeway Coast After breakfast, you will be transported to County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Today’s route is a rolling slideshow of historic castles, quaint fishing villages and an ever-changing canvas of landscapes: endless beaches, hidden verdant valleys, rugged coastlines & majestic cliffs, all overlooking the wild Atlantic! With over 120-miles of breathtaking scenery, it is no wonder this coastal route is lauded by National Geographic as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Spend the afternoon at the farm of your riding hosts where you’ll meet the horses and enjoy quintessential Irish hospitality: warm smiles, hot tea, fresh-baked scones with strawberries and cream, homemade lemon cakes and great conversation. Today’s horseback ride takes place high up in Slieveanorra Forest to the summit of Orra Mountain. Here you will experience some of the most breathtaking panoramic views Ireland has to offer---from the Inner Hebrides off the Scottish Coast, all the way to the Mourne Mountains in County If you are looking for an epic riding vacation filled with Down. excellent cuisine, luxurious accommodations, iconic sites, and The day ends at the Award-winning, Bushmills Inn. Your home lively evenings full with traditional Irish music and friendly for the next three nights, Bushmills Inn was originally a Coaching locals, you will love the bespoke itinerary: ‘Dublin City, Country Inn from the 1600s. Steeped in history with a myriad of places to Estates and The Iconic North Coast’ offered exclusively by explore; from roaring turf fires to hayloft snugs, and a pub still lit by Ireland Equestrian Tours. original gas lights, Bushmills is a guest favorite. This 6- Night itinerary includes: 1 Night Dublin City, 3 Nights Bushmill Inn The creative cuisine sourced from local farmers and fisherman, in County Antrim, and 2 nights at Castle Leslie Estate in County makes dining at the Bushmills Inn a culinary treat. The menu Monaghan. showcases the finest Irish produce in the country with an extensive Day One – Dublin City wine list to appeal to all tastes. With luxurious four-poster beds adorned with crisp white linens & Escape the bustle of the Dublin Airport to the luxurious oasis of snugly duvets, well-appointed bathrooms with free standing tubs The Merrion Hotel, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. and Elemis toiletries, it is guaranteed you’ll sleep like a baby in Popular with art lovers, The Merrion contains the largest private preparations for tomorrows epic riding adventure. collection of 19th and 20th century art in Ireland, including works by Post-Impressionist painter Paul Henry and Impressionist William Leech. Unwind in The Merrion Spa and Health Club which includes an 18-meter swimming pool or enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the hotel’s landscaped gardens before heading out to explore the area. The Merrion sits on the steps of St. Stephen’s Green, the National Museum of Ireland and nearby Grafton Street, Dublin’s premiere shopping district. Spend the evening dining in the famous ‘Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud’, one of Ireland’s two- Michelin-starred restaurants which is situated in No. 21 of The Merrion, before retiring for the evening.
| S20 5 by William Murphy globetrot
by Art Ward Day Three – If your bucket list includes ‘galloping a horse on miles of white sand beach’ today is the day! Benone Beach, Mussenden Temple, Day Four – Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Castle, The Giants Causeway Binevenagh Mountain Your ride begins at Whiterocks beach, named after the gleaming white chalk cliffs and caverns that flank this picturesque beach. The west end of the beach is The day begins at Downhill Beach where you’ll ride under the adjacent to the seaside town of Portrush and backs up to the grassy links of the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Course. Whiterocks beach looks out over towering basalt cliffs towards Mussenden Temple. Inspired by the the Skerries (a small group of islands off the coast of Portrush) and iconic Dunluce Castle, Donegal and the Western Isles of Scotland. Roman Temple of Vesta in Rome, Mussenden Temple is regally From here, ride towards the mighty Dunluce Castle, regally perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Take a tour of the ruins while learning a bit of the castle’s perched some 120-feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Once the summer history. While the horses graze in fields beside the castle, enjoy refreshments & epic photo opportunities before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site: library for Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of The Giants Causeway. Bristol, Mussenden Temple sits behind the ruins of the Earl’s 18th Crossing the River Bush and following an old train track across sand dunes past the stately Runkerry House, arrive at the Giant’s Causeway in grand fashion. century home, Downhill House. Dismount and head to the Visitor Centre to discover a story that’s close to the heart of this world-famous site. The star of the show is Finn McCool– an Benone Beach is perfect for long canters or fast gallops. You’ll ride Irish giant who picked a fight with Scottish big man Benandonner. Legend has it that the giants loathed each other. One day after enduring insults from across miles of flat open beach crossing the river onto Benone strand, Benandonner, Finn built a path to use as stepping-stones to reach Scotland, which was then ripped up by Benandonner. The result was the Giant’s Causeway. riding on white sands before arriving at Magilligan Point. Afterwards, As you stand on the hills that gently arc this precious place, look down on the thousands of basalt columns tumbling down into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an head over sand dunes and stopping to view the waterfalls cascading of epic sight, with a whopping 40,000 or so of these hexagonal-shaped pillars, which dates back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago. the majestic cliffs of Binevenagh mountain. Leaving the beach, sneak through the Bishops Gate, once the main entrance to Downhill House towards the seaside town of Castlerock for lunch. The afternoon is spent at Binevenagh Mountain for a leisurely ride through the forest to Binevenagh Lake. This secluded lake rests on a picturesque plateau with panoramic views over the North coast to Lough Foyle, Donegal to Derry city and the Antrim Hills and beyond.
all by Art Ward
| S20 6 globetrot
all the amenities you’d expect from Ireland’s best horse-riding facility: pristine Irish countryside, 300 cross-country jumps including ditches, banks, and a water complex, 21 miles of meandering bridleways, and a mile-long all-weather galloping track. On arrival, you’ll meet the equestrian team & horses, head out for a picturesque afternoon ride around the magnificent estate – enjoy woodland trails and miles of manicured paths. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch site of the large herd of Sika Deer that live on the estate. This evening enjoy dinner in the estates 2 AA Rosette Restaurant: Snaffles. Signature dishes are cooked with superb locally sourced food prepared and presented with imagination and flair. Full of flavor, the diverse courses make Snaffles Restaurant one of Monaghan’s top restaurants. Castle Leslie Estate
Day Five – We’re ready for Castle Leslie Nestled on 1,000 acres of the undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Considered to be one of the finest castles Ireland has to offer, Castle Leslie is the epitome of Irish aristocracy and a magical setting for riding enthusiasts. Known as one of Europe’s finest equestrian playgrounds—riders can spend the afternoon on a leisurely estate trek with picnic on the castle’s expansive grounds or take an exhilarating cross-country ride. The Equestrian Centre combines the authentic charm of a country estate with
| S20 9 globetrot
Tourism Ireland
Cutting Edge Helicopters Day Six – Castle Leslie Estate Non-Horsey Activities Breakfast at Castle Leslie plays a big part of the dining For guests traveling with a friend or partner who doesn’t fancy the experience! Choose from an array of delectable breakfast dishes horse adventure, Ireland offers several other options to keep them created from locally sourced ingredients. From the traditional entertained while you ride: Fishing, Golf, Sightseeing Tours, and Full Irish Breakfast to Eggs Benedict, you’ll love the breakfast even pub crawls! affair at Castle Leslie. For golf enthusiasts, the Emerald Isle is home to some of top golf This morning ride out on the estate grounds or practice some courses in the world. For this itinerary, Royal County Down Golf x-country jumping! You’ll get the opportunity to have your Club in Newcastle & The Royal Portrush Golf Club are among picture taken in the famous lake in front of the castle -A perfect guest favorites. keepsake of your castle stay and riding holiday. Other activities to experience: The afternoon is on your own -- relax with a deep tissue massage • Private Helicopter Tour of the Causeway Coast in the Victorian Treatment rooms or indulge in Afternoon Tea in the Blue Room. • ‘Beyond the Bridge’ experience at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge • Bushmills Whiskey Distillery Tour Day Seven - Departure • Scullion Hurls Économusée Museum Your driver will collect you from Castle Leslie and transport you • Walking Food Tours to the Dublin Airport for your return flight home.
Castle Leslie Estate • Guided Photography Tours • Spa Experiences: Seaweed Baths & Sea Salt Therapy
Dalriada Kingdom Tours Ready To Say ‘BUCKET’ and Book? Mention for this EXCLUSIVE Itinerary designed for our readers. Luxury Ireland Iconic Package* Includes: 1 Night Dublin Merrion hotel, 3 Nights Bushmills Inn, 2 Nights Castle Leslie (Lodge), Daily Full Irish Breakfast Lunch at local eateries & pubs on the North Coast Picnic/Refreshments on North Coast North Coast Riding Transfers Riding x 5 (3 full days North Coast + 2 days Castle Leslie – Estate Trek or XCountry) Horse Hire + Tack + Guides *Itinerary does not include airfare Rates are based on occupancy, availability and door to door transport options. Call Laura at Ireland Equestrian tours directly for more information. (405) 550-5758 [email protected] Ireland Equestrian Tours LLC is a bespoke travel booking service which plans private itineraries for personal or group travel to Ireland. Options are limitless and pricing varies. B&B rates are also available at lowered costs for this itinerary. Visit irelandequestriantours.com for booking and information
| S20 10