14 Ireland Horseback Riding Tours Worth Flying For

1.Dublin to Wicklow, Glendalough Small Group Tour with Horse Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 522 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $151Our pick

Travel from central Dublin with a group of up to eight for a 1.5-hour guided ride at Killegar Stables, lunch in Enniskerry, and scenic stops at Guinness Lake, Sally Gap, and Glendalough. Guides such as Derek, Kevin, and Linda are noted for friendly commentary, while the ride suits beginners as well as capable riders.

“The stables for the horse rides were very professional and we had a blast!! John and Kayley were great guides and we would go again!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 226 reviews · from $115

Ride into Killarney National Park from stables near town, following a guide through Knockreer Estate and past Lough Leane. Calm horses, riding hats, boots, and support for beginners are included. Tell the stables your height, weight, and riding level so they can choose a suitable horse. Natalie and other guides keep a close eye on the group.

“Loved my ride! It was so much fun, beautiful, and the horse I rode was lovely. Would absolutely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Pony, Trap & Traditional Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 188 reviews · from $153

Start at Ross Castle and transfer to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a seven-mile pony-and-trap ride through the Gap of Dunloe. After a lunch stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, cross Killarney’s three lakes by traditional open boat. Guides such as Patrick, Patsy, Rory, and Donal bring local stories to the route.

“This was a fantastic day from start to finish and the 2 guides were so friendly and informative Highlt recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Wicklow Mountains Horse Trekking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $90Best value

Ride from Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking into the Wicklow Mountains and along the Kings River valley. Ray, Lisa, Nicole, and Jack help match horses to riding ability, give beginners a short lesson, and guide groups of up to six. Expect about 1 hour 20 minutes on horseback, with beautiful countryside and possible lake riding.

“We are still talking about this incredible trek through the countryside—from two months ago! It was absolutely the highlight of our one-week trip to Ireland! It was the first time our teenage boys went horse-back riding, and that wasn’t a problem at all. They LOVED it. There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Ireland. Ray and Lisa were fun, knowledgeable, and patient hosts. We enjoyed every aspect of this little adventure and highly recommend adding this to your next Ireland visit. What an experience!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 1 hour.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $129

Ride for one hour through Killarney National Park from Ballydowny, guided by experienced ride leaders and matched with a suitable horse. The pace favors walking, with some groups getting a chance to trot. Expect forest paths, mountain and lake views, possible red deer sightings, provided boots and helmet, and a small group of up to 16 riders.

“My favorite experience in Ireland! Gorgeous scenery, friendly guides, and beautiful horces. We were beginners and had no trouble with the ride. Must do!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $213

Ride into Knockreer Estate in Killarney National Park for about two hours, guided by a team that matches each rider with a suitable horse. You’ll follow forest trails near Lough Lein, with chances to see red deer, sika deer, Kerry cows, and park scenery. Beginners are welcome, though the ride is mainly at a walk.

“Nice ride through the Killarney National Park. Did two hours. The scenery is incredible. Guides were informative and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Beach & countryside horse riding outside Westport. Guided. 1 hour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $102

Ride for one hour from Carrowholly Stables outside Westport to the shores of Clew Bay. Guides such as Helena, Emily, Alex, and others provide patient instruction for beginners, while experienced riders may trot or canter when conditions allow. Look for seals at Seal Rock, see Dorinish Island, and ride through shallow water when the tide permits.

“This was a lovely, scenic ride through the countryside outside Westport. I was pleasantly surprised that they encouraged even the novices to get up into a trot for some portions and that we got to traverse a shallow bay.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Horse riding – Mountain Trail. Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Guided. 2 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $181

Join Peter and his team at Mountain View Horse Riding Centre for a two-hour guided ride through woodland, Burren country, and hills above the Atlantic. Horses are matched to your experience, with walking, trotting, and cantering possible. The ride suits beginners and experienced riders, with helmets and half chaps supplied.

“Great experience & wonderful views along the way. Peter was really friendly & gave us a thrilling & fun ride through beautiful woodland & scenic trails. Horses were gorgeous. Throughly recommend, this is a must do.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Horse riding – Dirt Trek Trail. Lisdoonvarna, Clare. Guided. 1 hour.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $121

Meet Peter and his team at Mountain View Horse Riding Centre near Lisdoonvarna for a gentle one-hour guided ride through woodland, famine ruins, and Burren country. Horses are calm, beginners are welcome, and the route offers views toward the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and Connemara mountains.

“Very friendly and kind staff. Had a nice ride although should do the 2h if wanted to see the views. Went out of their way to arrange a taxi for us to return to Galway.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Horse riding – Burren Trail. Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Guided. 3 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $243

Ride into the Burren from Mountain View Horse Riding Centre near Lisdoonvarna for three or four hours. Peter and his team match riders with calm horses, guide beginners through the basics, and adjust the pace for more experienced riders. Expect old forts, famine ruins, wide views, and possible sights of the Cliffs of Moher from horseback.

“Fantastic ride, really enjoyed the trot and canter. Peter and his team made the ride fun for everyone no matter how experienced the rider. Views were spectacular, local knowledge was unbelievable and the whole ride was absolutely fantastic. Special thanks to Oisin and Rusty for the safe and spectacular ride. Five thousand stars from Sally and Mike- Australia”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 3 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $282

Set out from Ballydowny at 8:30 am for a guided horseback ride through Killarney National Park. Ireland Wild Escapes provides your horse, helmet, boots, and riding guidance. Groups are limited to 15, all abilities are welcome, and guides such as Annie and Emma help match riders with suitable horses.

“Awesome experience. The views were amazing, the horses were great, and the guides were awesome as well!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Westport: Beach and Countryside Guided Horse Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · from $90

Meet your English-speaking guide at Carrowholly Stables, gear up with boots and a riding hat, then ride at an easy pace beside Clew Bay. You’ll see Seals Rock, Dora Inch Island, and Croagh Patrick. The ride lasts about one hour, suits riders aged 8 and up, and requires a maximum weight of 100 kg.

“I bought this as a gift for my grandsons they loved it staff was excellent I would definitely recommend this”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Horse riding the dirt trail. Clare. Guided. 1 hour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $90

Ride for one hour with an English-speaking guide from a family-owned Clare stable near Doolin. The gentle trek passes through woodland and famine ruins, with views toward Slieve Elva, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and Connemara. Beginners and experienced riders are welcome, and gentle canters may be possible.

“The tour was great. The hosts were fantastic and made sure that tour and pace suited the ability level of everyone in the group.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Horse riding the mountain trail. Clare. Guided, 2 hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $158

Join Ireland Wild Escapes near Doolin for a lively two-hour ride through woodland, green roads, Slieve Elva, and the Burren. Peter and his team match riders with suitable horses, provide helmets and half chaps, and lead small groups of up to 10. You may trot and canter while looking toward the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and Connemara Mountains.

“had a fantastic time! I was travelling by myself from Australia and wanted to give the trail a go. Peter was very welcoming and supportive of everyone on the tour, which was a mix od children and adults of various familiarity with horse riding ( I had very little!). I was paired with a beautiful horse named Rusty and we got along great. we were lucky enough to get some sunshine and got stunning views of the coast, ruins and forests. Hope I can come again for another ride one day. thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review