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Horse riding through the countryside

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Horse Riding

For a small place, Northern Ireland sure packs a lot in. Beaches and loughs, coasts and forest trails, open countryside and majestic mountains. If it’s new territory to you, there’s no better way to explore it than on the hoof. Four of them. It’s time to saddle up and start exploring!

Off-road and off the beaten track

When travelling under your own horsepower, avoiding the traffic is always more enjoyable – whether you’re the rider or the horse. Northern Ireland is rich in quiet pathways and bridleways where you can go for miles at your own pace.

The Ulster Rural Riders Association organise rides throughout the year in beautiful locations such as Clandeboye Estate in Bangor, Tollymore Forest Park near Newcastle or Castle Ward near Strangford. Of course, you can check them out yourself too.

Everyone’s welcome at Lime Park

Lime Park Equestrian Centre in Craigavon, about 30 minutes from Belfast, is family-run and family-friendly. Catering for all levels from 5 years and up, their experienced instructors are on hand to help, whether you want an hour-long lesson or a day-long trip. It’s a good idea to book your spot in advance though – just so there are no long faces.

The Castle Ward Hoof Trail

Castle Ward, overlooking Strangford Lough is an impressive, if eccentric, 18th century mansion. Butterflies, rabbits and ducks find plenty to do here in the sheltered woodlands and lakes. Though you may find the sunken garden and Games of Thrones® locations of interest too.

For horse riders, there’s a challenging 12km Hoof Trail, taking you through farmland and woodland - via the 15th century Audley's Castle. For everyone’s safety, all riders must follow the trail in a clockwise direction. Possibly the only bit of clock-watching you’ll need to do on your Northern Ireland adventure.

If all that fresh air leaves you keen for some pampering, the nearby family-run The Cuan (4*) has restorative powers, with 21st century luxury in an historic setting.

Cross country to Derry-Londonderry

A 70-acre horse farm that winds around streams, rivers and woodland paths, Faughanvale Stables has something to attract the more advanced rider. Plus pint-sized ponies for beginners. Here, you can trek across open country or take a more leisurely hack around the farm itself. Or you might find you’ve arrived just in time for one of their Famous Themed Family Fun Days.

Foraging on Horseback

City of Derry Equestrian Centre nestles in perfect horse-riding country, in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. Yet it’s just five miles from the historic city centre.

You’ll feel like you’re a million miles away as you experience the sights, tastes and sounds of nature with your guide. It’s a mix of horse riding, foraging and – well, it is Northern Ireland – captivating storytelling. Panoramic views of Lough Foyle, Donegal and the North Coast come to life through tales of the characters who walked these lands long ago. Before you continue on foot to the forest for a bit of a forage.

If, after this, you want to throw in a little luxury living, you’re not too far from the city’s cool Shipquay Hotel (4*), overlooking the famous walls, and at the heart of the Derry-Londonderry’s shopping district.

Everything’s beachy on the North Coast

You can take a horse to water…and you definitely should. Stretches of golden sands, dunes and the wind in your mane make for a memorable trip. Benone Beach is a rider’s paradise all year round. Head along the shore to Downhill – there and back is a beautiful 9 kilometre canter. Whiterocks and Portrush’s East Strand are favourites too. Though do check in summertime when it’s busy as riding times may be restricted.

A cob along the Causeway Coast

Take in some of the coast’s most iconic sights from one of its most iconic horses.

A faithful Irish Cob could be your guide for the day. You’ll get a new perspective on Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway or even a few Games of Thrones® locations. Well, everything looks different when you’re 14-hands high up.

Sheans Horse Farm, an equestrian centre in County Antrim, serves up local culture here with bespoke riding experiences, whatever your level or interests. From a Coastal Causeway trek to a half day up and down the beach.

Why not sign up for the full experience with a 2 hour guided ride with an expert from the farm. Sessions start from £20 per person and you will have the freedom to choose your own adventure, be it riding gently into the County Antrim Hills, or taking off for the beach and a wind-in-your-hair canter across magnificent wide sands.

Forests and fillies

There’s something magical about Northern Ireland’s forest parks. And something even more magical when you tour them on horseback.

At the western gateway to the Sperrin mountains, Gortin Glen Forest Park is just six miles north of Omagh. The Ulster Way passes through here, as does a great deal of Northern Ireland’s flora and fauna. Plentiful vista parks make for spectacular views – with barbeque areas, so you can make the most of them. Horse riders are welcome here, but, as with all forest parks, you will need a permit.

Glenariff Forest Park in County Antrim is heaven for outdoor adventurers and home to red squirrels, hen harriers and the Irish hare. It’s a haven for horse riders too. As is Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle and Gosford Forest Park in Armagh which has a dedicated 6km route round the forest boundary.

Trekking in the Mourne Mountains

At the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, western-style riding is all the go. With wild scenery, plus forest trails and river crossings. And, if you wish, a BBQ and an overnight camp. Or, if girls – and boys – just wanna have fun, keep on trekking with a well-mannered hunter-type, but only for experienced and competent riders, at the Mourne Trail Riding Centre

Wherever your holiday takes you in Northern Ireland, there’s an equine pal waiting to meet you. All set to show you a side of the countryside you just won’t see any other way. Don’t forget to pack the sugar lumps – or maybe an apple.

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Sheans Horse Farm

Ballymoney

Address

38 Coolkeeran Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 8XL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7759 320 434

danny@sheanshorsefarm.com

Type

Type:

Land Adventure

Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident rider, experience the freedom, fun and buzz of horse riding at Sheans Horse Riding and Heritage Centre. Located close to the village of Armoy, adjacent to the Glens of Antrim on the Antrim Coast.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Cloughmor Extreme Adventures

Rostrevor

Address

The Square, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 0687 5394

info@cloughmorextreme.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

At Cloughmor Extreme Adventures we like to give an experience that everyone will remember.

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Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre

Castlewellan

Address

Mount Pleasant Pony Trekking Centre, Bannanstown Road, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 8651

info@mountpleasantcentre.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Mount Pleasant Treking Centre offer forest rides through Castlewellan Forest Park with stunning scenery, also extended routes i.e. two hours experienced sessions half day and full day. Beach Rides - experienced only. So if you prefer a gentle trot…

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Ballyknock Riding School

Royal Hillsborough

Address

38 Ballyknock Road, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 2144

jenniferhowes144@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Ballyknock Riding School offers group and private tuition in all aspects of horsemanship. Catering for riders of all abilities, whether starting out or returning to riding, to more experienced riders or those wishing to compete.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Down Royal Racecourse

Lisburn

Address

Down Royal Racecourse, Maze, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5RW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9262 1256

info@downroyal.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Down Royal Racecourse has brought the ‘Sport of Kings’ to generations of people in Ulster since the 17th Century and is proud to boast some of the most modern facilities for any racegoer.

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Laurel View Equestrian Centre

Ballyclare

Address

18 Knowehead Road, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 0BX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9083 0649

laurelview01@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Laurel View Equestrian Centre is a family run British Horse Society approved & highly commended horse riding school, livery yard, competition, training & assessment centre. It has 2 large indoor arenas, plus outdoor arenas & cross country facilities.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tullymurray Equestrian Centre

Downpatrick

Address

145 Ballyduggan Road, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 8HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 2844 811880

davidoconnor50@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

18th Century Range Outbuildings and Stables. All staff very experienced and friendly We are also a local base for riding for disabled and pony club.

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Drumbaragh Stables

Ballinamallard

Address

Baragh House, 43 Baragh Road, Ballinamallard, Co. Fermanagh, BT94 2AJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7843 435231

ema79_anderson@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Drumbaragh Stables is a family run yard in Ballinamallard that caters for all your equestrian needs: trekking, lessons, pony camp and much more.

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Faughanvale Stables - Riding School, Pony Club and Trekking Centre

Derry

Address

11 Dunlade Road, Greysteel, Derry, County Londonderry, BT47 3EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7710 985 335

valestables@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Faughanvale Stables has a wide range of facilities including 2 indoor arenas, an outdoor arena, floodlit, fantastic hacking and a cross country course for the more advanced riders.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tullynewbank Stables

Crumlin

Address

Simone McCambridge, Tullynewbank Stables, Crumlin, County Antrim, BT29 4PQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9445 4657

info@tullynewbank-stables.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Tullynewbank Stables Ltd. is an established British Horse Society Approved riding school and livery yard situated in rural County Antrim just one mile from Glenavy village.

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Gransha Equestrian Centre

Bangor

Address

10 Kerrs Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7855 462 614

granshariding@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

At Gransha Equestrian Centre we welcome beginners and more experienced riders. We can taylor a ride out or lesson in any of our 4 arenas to suit your individual requirements on our lovely horses and ponies, accompanied by our friendly qualified staff

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Western Style Horse Riding

Newry

Address

6 Leitrim Road, Hilltown, Newry, County Down, BT34 5XS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4063 8761

info@lanewaylodge.co.uk

Type

Type:

Land Adventure

Western Style Horse Riding is situated at the foothills of the Mountains Of Mourne with beautiful scenery and surrounding countryside and an award winning beach only six miles from the stables.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary

Antrim

Address

26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 2QY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9446 5384

crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, CLAS, situated 2 miles outside Antrim town, is the only horse welfare charity based in N.Ireland. A unique range of horse riding lessons and experiences, including equine massage is on offer.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Explore Ireland Tours

Galway

Address

Unit 204 – Business Innovation Centre, National University of Ireland – Galway, Galway, Co Antrim

Telephone
+44 + 353 0 91 553388

info@exploreirelandtours.com

Type

Type:

Adventure Sports

Explore Ireland Tours are the Irish specialist in Activity Holidays and Adventure Tours for all budgets.

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Lime Park Equestrian Centre

Moira

Address

5 Lime Kiln Road, Maghaberry, Moira, County Armagh, BT67 0JD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9262 1139

info@limeparkequestrian.co.uk

Type

Type:

Equestrian

First class tuition by qualified instructors for adults and children at every level of ability. Residential and day camps for all ages during the summer season feature trips to local beaches and forest parks.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
St Patrick's Way Stables

Downpatrick

Address

Mearne Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6SY

Telephone
+44 (0)74 1492 2528

stpatrickswaystables@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Horse & Pony Trekking on quiet country lanes, paths and tracks.

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Meadowvale Equestrian Centre

Magherafelt

Address

22 Luney Road, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 5JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7849924321

higginscoupe@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Meadowvale Equestrian Centre is located approximately 2 miles from Magherafelt town. We offer lessons to suit all abilities. Lessons start from age 4+. Also pleasure rides such as hacks. 30 minute fun rides

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Lessans Riding Stables

Saintfield

Address

126 Monlough Road, Saintfield, County Down, BT24 7EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9751 0141

info@lessansridingstables.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Lessans Riding Stables is a British Horse Society approved riding school. Lessans offers tuition, trekking and hacking on quiet country roads. Facilities include indoor school and outdoor ménage. Open all year.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
91 reviews
Crindle Stables

Limavady

Address

6 Carrowclare Road, Myroe, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 7738 516 106

crindlestables@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Crindle stables overlooks the beautiful Binevenagh Mountain. Our adrenaline filled and relaxing activities include themed fun days, bespoke experiences - nerf and unicorn, pony treks, Game of Thrones® locations beach rides and relaxing picnic treks.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Wild Horse Adventure

Derry-Londonderry

Address

City Of Derry Equestrian Centre, 30 Bigwood Road, Derry-Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 3RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7850208656

info@cityofderryequestrian.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

As you ride along country lanes, winding country roads and lush greenery you will be treated to panoramic views of Lough Foyle, Donegal and the North Coast

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