This trail provides an unequalled opportunity to explore the highlands of Kerry with the majestic MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. Ride on country lanes and mountain tracks and some of the beaches at Waterville and on the magnificent four mile stretch of golden sand at Rossbeigh. The Iveragh Peninsula, with many places of archaeological and historic interest stretches south-west from Killarney for nearly 40 miles and is highlighted by the world renowned Ring of Kerry. The holiday includes accommodation in Killarney, Glenbeigh and Waterville with luggage moved to each accommodation and lunch each day. At all times the trail is accompanied by an experienced guide and special care is taken of nervous riders.

The Southwest Mountain & Beach Trail Ride including 6 days riding, horse & guide; 7 nights accommodations,& luggage transfers; breakfast and packed lunch is $1235.

-- Arrival and departure transfers and dinners are additional. --

Itinerary

The trail operates from April to October and assembles at Killarney Riding Stables on Saturdays. With riders, horses and all luggage ready for transfer, the day begins with a short trip to the base of Seefinn Mountain, where the first day's ride starts. When horses and riders have been introduced, the ride heads off, and up over the Windy Gap, viewing the splendour of Caragh Lake and the valleys beyond. The ride then continues on to Coomasaharn Lake enclosed by Horseshoe mountain, followed by a scenic ride over an Irish Bog, finishing for the day at our stables in Mountain Stage.

Sunday/Monday

The overnight stop for Sunday and Monday nights is in the quaint village of Glenbeigh. (Glenbeigh comes from Gleann Beithe, the Glen of the Birch Trees). Surrounded almost entirely by mountains, Glenbeigh offers a famous friendliness and humour which is nowhere better found than in this tranquil and charming region of Kerry. The beauty of the area is breath-taking, with the River Behy and Rossbeigh Strand close by. History is evident throughout the locality and such a destination as Winns Folly Castle is well worth a visit. After breakfast on the second day the riders return to the stables of the previous evening and begin Monday's ride. The day is spent on Rossbeigh beach, galloping along stretches of golden sand and exploring magnificent sand dunes, returning from the beach via the Cliff road.

Tuesday/Wednesday

On Tuesday, while the luggage is transferred to Waterville, a morning ride takes horse and rider from Kells Station through the bogs of Cnoc Bawn and on to Liss Bawn, taking in some spectacular views of Caherciveen and its surrounds. Lunch is served alongside a nearby forestry. After lunch we continue on through Island Boy and the Inny Valley. Finishing for the day alongside the Tulligane Woods. The overnight stop for Tuesday and Wednesday nights is spent in the coastal village of Waterville. Waterville, the little whirlpool, nestles on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean, in the very centre of south-west Kerry. Situated as it is between the seashore and the impressive mountains and headlands, the area has many interesting routes to offer and many fine beaches. The first Celtic invaders are reputed to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, coming ashore near Waterville. These beginnings of the Gaelic Nation are echoed by the Archaeological remains such as those on Church Island, at Derrynane Abbey or Skellig Michael, giving the area a wealth of history.Wednesday brings an adventurous morning spent in Tulligane Woods, riding through the Inny Valley and lunching by the Inny River in an old School House. Afterwards, a scenic ride into Waterville via the old Glencar/Waterville road, along the shores of the famous fishing lake - Lough Currane.

Thursday/Friday

On Thursday the final accommodation transfer is made. The day begins with a brisk ride to Waterville beach, spending the morning enjoying some exciting gallops. The panorama of Hoggs Head and Ballinskelligs Bay conjures up the afternoon ride in Waterville. Afterwards, both horses and riders are transferred back to Killarney.

The final day's riding follows routes through some of the 19,400 acres of woodland and mountains and lakes of Killarney's National Park. Riding along the shores of Lough Lein, with extraordinary views of the 16th century Ross Castle, Ross Island. Lunch is served once back at the stables and the afternoon is left free for shopping and extra sight-seeing.

The price of the The Southwest Mountain and Shore Trail Ride Package is $1235USD per person - double occupancy.