Drumgooland House Equestrian Clinic
Mountains of Mourne Trail Riding Holidays
Seaforde, Downpatrick, Co. Down

At Drumgooland House and Equestrian Centre, the McLeigh family welcome their guests to a unique taste of country living. Set in 60 acres with its own trout stocked lake, this large country house has been fully modernized yet still retains its splendid 100 year old character. The guest at Drumgooland House is perfectly placed to appreciate the beautiful and varied landscape; a trek through forests of the Mourne Mountains or a gallop along the beach of the Irish Sea, this part of Northern Ireland has to much to offer.

Each bedroom has en - suite facilities, central heating, double glazing, color TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The meals are as delightful as the surroundings, with large Irish breakfasts, picnic lunches and elegant four course dinners.

The fresh air, active days, plentiful meals and the occasional visit to the local Irish pubs, assure that all has good night sleeps.

All of the riding packages are provided with experienced and trained staff. Guides carry mobile phones and special care is taken of nervous and inexperienced riders and the mounts are good natured Irish horses. There are over 40 horses, so you’ll find a mount to suit your need. The centre caters for all experience levels. Western saddles are available.

Available are the 3 & 6 day riding clinic or trail riding holidays, starting at $767.USD. inclusive of accommodation, riding and meals.

Drumgooland Self Catering Cottages

Seaforde, Downpatrick, Co. Down

These 200 year old cottages have been fully modernized while maintaining original character. Wooden tiled floors throughout, open fires in living room and bedroom and magnificent views of the rolling countryside.

Each cottage has two bedrooms ( sleeps four) with fully equipped kitchen, bathroom utility room with clothes washing facilities. Each cottage has oil-fired central heating, color television, flood lit patio and ample car parking.

The guests of Drumgooland are perfectly placed to appreciate the beautiful and varied landscape that this part of Northern Ireland has to offer.

Saddle up on the trail rides and pass through forest parks and nature reserves, over hill and mountain slopes, along sandy beaches and country lanes and tracks.

The experienced and trained staff of the Equestrian Centre take special care of nervous and inexperienced riders.

(Western saddles available)

Itinerary

A Taste of Northern Country 6 day & 3 day Trail Ride Holiday

The 6 day and 3 day inclusive holidays have accommodation provided in Drumgooland House, Castlewellan and Newcastle. Two price ranges are available, depending on your accommodation preference - Farmhouse, Town & Country House or Bed & Breakfast. The trail ride is accompanied by an experienced guide who will take special care of nervous or inexperienced riders. The trails will take you through forests, mountain lanes & tracks, nature reserve & a golden sandy beach.

Day 1 - Saturday
Arrive at Drumgooland House in time for dinner ( airport or rail transfers available).

Day 2 - Sunday
After breakfast, you will go to the other facility at Castlewellan& meet up with the horses which have been chosen for you. Then go out on the trail to Annesley’s Estate, riding over the Slieve Na Slatt Mountain, which overlooks the majestic Castle and adjoining lake. During your ride, pass along Crow’s Lane from where you get a good view of “Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the Sea”.

Day 3 - Monday
The trail takes you to the foot of the Mourne Mountains passing through the Nature Reserve at Murlough to the golden sandy beach at Newcastle. Spend some time cantering on this beautiful beach and splashing through the Irish Sea waves. The trail will take you through the ancient village of Maghera before returning the horses to their stables for the night.

Day 4 - Tuesday
Trek around forest and mountain lanes to the forest at the bottom of Slieve Donard, viewing the waterfalls and unspoiled scenic views seen from the look out point in Tollymore forest. This trail will take you to about 1500 feet above sea level. This is a very pleasant trail and depending on the season you will see many different types of trees & shrubbery.

Day 5 - Wednesday
After breakfast, the guests of the 4 night trail ride say farewell and depart ( airport & rail transfers available). The guests of the 6 day holiday go for a short ride around the lanes & grass tracks which were the roads before the introduction of motor vehicles. The afternoon is free to go shopping or sightseeing to the ancient town of Downpatrick, where the patron saint is buried, or a shopping trip to Belfast.

Day 6 - Thursday
The trail takes you through the picturesque village of Bryansford (seat of Roden Family), winding your way along Trassey Pad, used by smugglers in bygone days. Then on wind your way to Hare’s Gap, which has a breathtaking view over the Drumlins of County Down.

Day 7 - Friday
Leave Castlewellan passing close to the seaside resort of Newcastle, making your way to the sandy beach at Dundrum, for a last canter on the beach. If you are lucky, you may get a sighting of the seals basking on the sand close to the mouth of Keel Point waterway. On the way home, stop for lunch at the ruins of the 14th century norman Castle. The trail will continue on and finish close to Kilmegan Parish Church.

Day 8 - Saturday
Depart after breakfast and say farewell to your hosts at Drumgooland House (Airport & rail transfers available).