Discover County Antrim, County Monaghan, the Causeway Coast, and Castle Leslie on Horseback

Dates:

Trips can begin any day and are year-round

Duration:

7 days / 6 nights

Difficulty:

Intermediate/Advanced

This North Coast riding holiday exemplifies County Antrim and County Monaghan - white sand beaches, enchanting forests, rugged coastlines, historic castles and villages, and of course, genuine Irish hospitality.

The Causeway Coast is known for its spectacular scenery, and this route includes iconic locations such as Giants Causeway, Dunlace Castle, Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge, and Mussendun Temple.

Finish off the trip with a stay at Castle Leslie Estate, a premier equestrian destination!

Horses

Ireland is known as the “Land of the Horse” for its horses’ reputation for bravery, agility, stamina, intelligence, and gentleness. Guests’ mounts will be Irish Sport Horses, Connemara Ponies, Irish Cobs, and Irish Draughts.

Riding

Intermediate-Advanced

Riders should be able to ride comfortably at all paces, and spend several hours in the saddle daily.

Accompanying non-riders are welcome!

What's my riding level?

Tack

Riders will ride English, and should be prepared for several hours in the saddle daily at all paces.

Accommodation

North Coast B&B accommodations have been carefully selected to offer riders personal service and comfortable en-suite bedrooms. Located in coastal villages along the Causeway Coast, they are the perfect base for this exciting North coast holiday.

Accommodations at Castle Leslie Estate are spacious en-suite rooms located in the Lodge, a cut-stone stable courtyard, lovingly restored and imaginatively decorated retaining its period features and original character.

Dining

Ireland’s vibrant and progressive food scene is exemplified by this itinerary, and riders will experience dishes created with locally sourced ingredients and fresh-caught seafood. Dietary requirements may be catered to with advance notice.

Itinerary

  • Arrive on the North Coast. Start with a riding assessment in the countryside, to the summit of Croaghan for a panoramic view towards the northernmost point in Ireland. Accommodations will be a B&B in County Londonderry.

  • Begin today’s ride at Castlerock Beach and then head to the white sands of Downhill & Benone Beach with views across the water to Scotland and Donegal. Enjoy a swift canter on miles of flat, open sand to Mussenden Temple, the summer library for the Bishop of Derry, which you can visit on foot along with the ruins of the Earl’s 18th century home, Downhill House. After lunch, ride to the top of Binevenagh Mountain. Accommodation in B&B in the coastal town of Ballycastle.

  • The day starts at Whiterocks beach, flanked by white chalk cliffs and caverns. Ride to the iconic Dunlace Castle, perched on the edge of the Atlantic, and then head towards the tiny harbor town of Portballintrae and the Giants Causeway. Accommodation in B&B.

  • From the village of Ballintoy and Whitepark Bay, ride across white sand alongside “sunbathing cattle,” and then up the dunes and farmlands to the small fishing village of Ballintoy (recognizable from Game of Thrones) for a traditional Irish tearoom lunch. Final destination of the afternoon will be Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Accommodation in a B&B.

  • Arrival at Castle Leslie - 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, woodlands, and lakes, considered to be one of the finest castles in Ireland and the epitome of Irish aristocracy (one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family). Named after Bartholomew Leslie, whose 11th century passion for horses was passed down through the ages. Spend the evening relaxing with a pint of exploring the grounds.

  • Delectable full Irish breakfast at Castle Leslie, and then spend the day exploring the estate on horseback. Head to the cross country course or enjoy miles of bridle paths, and take the horses swimming in the lake in front of the castle. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoy a spa service in the Victorian Treatment rooms. Take Tea in the Castle’s Blue Room. Gourmet dinner for your final evening.

  • Departure for Dublin Airport

Dates

Trips can begin on any day and run year-round.

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Price Includes:

  • All accommodations (4 nights B&B + 2 nights Castle Leslie)

  • Daily Full Irish Breakfast, lunch at local eateries, and afternoon tea

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment (4 days riding on North Coast + 2 days riding at Castle Leslie)

  • Admission to Giants Causeway and Dunlace Castle

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Ireland

  • Transportation to/from the airport and between trip locations

  • Evening meals

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas

  • Gratuities and personal expenses

  • Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary