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Riding the Causeway Coast

Overview

These spectacular riding tours combine the best of Ireland's north coast with its unspoilt beaches, lush green fields, stunning coastlines and fascinating history - whether you want to canter along the white sands or explore an ancient castle, there is so much to see and do from the back of a trust…

Highlights

  • Spectacular riding on white-sand beaches
  • Trusty Irish Cobs and Sport Horses to ride
  • Historic castles and quaint fishing villages
  • True Irish hospitality from a family business
  • Game of Thrones film locations from horseback

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 8 riders per group (22 in camp)
  • Average of 6 - 7 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 15st / 210lbs / 95kg

Description

These spectacular riding tours combine the best of Ireland's north coast with its unspoilt beaches, lush green fields, stunning coastlines and fascinating history - whether you want to canter along the white sands or explore an ancient castle, there is so much to see and do from the back of a trusty Irish steed. This is a family-run business based in some of the world's best horse country.

Your hosts hope that you will "come as visitors but leave as friends", having experienced all the highlights of the region and its charming horses and people. They offer rides for those of you who love to be in the saddle all day but also have options for guests wanting to see as much as possible, combining morning rides with afternoons of sightseeing. The famous Causeway Coast, Dunluce Castle, the Glens of Antrim and numerous Game of Thrones filming locations are just some of the highlights waiting to be explored.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English saddles and bridles.

Horses

Your hosts have a wide range of Irish Cobs, Irish Sports Horses, Irish Drafts and Connemaras. These native horses are sure-footed over the varied terrain and have gentle temperaments so as to give you a safe, comfortable and fun ride.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Beaches, Castles and Giants (Pure Riding, 3 Nights) is a based ride
  • Beaches, Castles and Giants (Pure Riding, 5 Nights) is a based ride

Ages

No limit but younger riders must be competent riders and in the company of an adult.

Health

General good health recommended.

Weight

15st / 210lbs / 95kg

Food & Accommodation

Food

Hearty breakfasts and tasty lunches are included on these riding tours - lunches are generally a warming meal in a traditional Irish pub or other local establishment but may also be a picnic or an afternoon tea, depending on your chosen ride. At lunch you are welcome to choose what you like from the menu and drinks, including alcohol, are included.

For dinners you can sometimes dine in your accommodation or within walking distance, whilst one or two nights may require a simple taxi journey which your hosts can help with.

Accommodation

You are accommodated in family-run guesthouses and B&Bs in scenic locations. Rooms are generally twins or doubles but solo travellers can have a single room (a single supplement applies). These guesthouses offer clean, comfortable accommodation and a warm welcome, the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. You will usually sleep in the same place each night but depending on your chosen tour, may need to pack your bags and move from time to time for the best location to suit your rides.

Upgrades are available for those who prefer a hotel, please ask.

Itineraries

Beaches, Castles and Giants (Pure Riding, 3 Nights) Standard accommodation.

Beaches, Castles and Giants (Pure Riding, 5 Nights) Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riders are welcome and your hosts can create a tour to suit. Popular activities in this area include golf, fishing, sightseeing and genealogy but there are almost endless possibilities (anyone for a whisky tour?!).

Travel

The horse farm is located in County Antrim and the nearest airports are Belfast or Dublin. We can organise private transportation directly from these airports or we can advise on public transport and taxis - please let us know what you need and we will help you.

Testimonials

Christine H., Oct. 17, 2023

It was truly a wonderful fulfilling experience. We will cherish it forever seeing such a beautiful country in the best way possible on our favorite animal. It was also a perfect way of bonding with my daughter and never having a moment’s dullness. So I was grateful not having had to plan all the time as it was done for me.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

After arriving in Belfast or Dublin, you will make your way to your first accommodation on Antrim's north coast - we can organise your airport transfers at additional cost or help you with public transport. If you hire a car then you can travel along the Causeway Coastal Route which has been called one of the top five road trips in the world, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Alternatively your hosts can provide a private driver and tour guide to bring this area to life!

Today is purely for travel and settling in, you can spend the day at leisure or do a spot of sightseeing. You can choose a local pub or restaurant for dinner, sample a pint of Guinness with the friendly locals or find somewhere to dance to some traditional Irish music. Your hosts look forward to meeting you to the next day.

Day 2

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

A driver will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the stables to meet your hosts including Sheba, the Border Collie farm dog, who will give you a warm welcome. There is a tour of the stables this morning and you will meet the team of horses - you are welcome to help with grooming and tacking up if you like to be 'hands on'.

You will have a chance to ensure that you are comfortable with your horse and there will be a riding assessment to make sure that everyone is safe and settled, then you'll be off for a day ride into the wilderness of the North Antrim hills. The slopes are dotted with heather and you'll see panoramic views over verdant pastures and the north coast. There will be a stop at a glass-sided mountain cabin which is located high in the hills and is the perfect place for a picnic or a traditional afternoon tea.

Today's riding takes you past the old peat banks, once a traditional source of fuel in Ireland, and you can stop and try your hand at peat-cutting with the old-fashioned peat spades. A great photo opportunity for those interested in Irish history!

Once the ride has ended, you'll be picked up and drive to your accommodation where you can get freshened up before heading into town for dinner, drinks and craic with the locals, whatever takes your fancy.

Day 3

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Today's ride starts at the picturesque village of Ballintoy on the coast. After tacking up you will follow an off-road track enjoying coastal views before reaching the incredible white sand beach of Whitepark Bay. This is a pristine 3-mile long beach which lies on the famous Causeway Coastal Route, the perfect place for a refreshing trot, canter or gallop. You'll take your time to play on this beautiful beach and in the fringes of the ocean, cantering over the sand and perhaps meeting the famous "sunbathing cattle" who love the beach too. The rugged cliffs in the backdrop were once home to some of the earliest human settlers in Ireland.

After this exciting beach ride you'll cross sand dunes and rich farmlands on your way to lunch a the Fulerton Arms Pub, known for its Game of Thrones connections. You can enjoy a pint, a glass of wine or perhaps a cup of tea before sampling straightforward and locally-sourced main dishes such as Irish stew, seafood chowder or a terrific sandwich and a delicious dessert.

The area of Ballintoy is rich in history and you'll look out over its harbour which was traditionally associated with salmon fishing. More recently it was the setting for the Iron Islands and Lordsport in the Isle of Pyke for the Game of Thrones series. You'll also seen the distinctive sight of Ballintoy Parish Church which was built in 1813, replacing an early 17th century church, which is one of the most scenic churches in the country with Rathlin Island in the background. It is also the final resting places for many notable, landed families.

You'll ride on towards the final destination of today's ride and will look out over the cliffs surrounding one of Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, the Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge. The vista of the coastline of the wild Atlantic Ocean is truly something special with views of Rathlin Island, the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and the Western Isles of Scotland. You'll stop and say farewell to the horses and team after this full day of off-road riding and will be driven back to your accommodation.

Day 4

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Your ride today begins at Whiterocks Beach, named for its white chalk cliffs and the caverns set back from the edge of the water. The beach looks out over the Skerries, a small group of islands off the coast of Portrush, and gives views of the iconic Dunluce Castle, Donegal and the Western Isles of Scotland. There is time to enjoy some refreshing trots and canters and to splash in the waves.

After conquering the beach, it's time to storm the 13th century ruins of Dunluce Castle, taking a tour to learn more about its history. After a snack-stop you will ride on towards the little harbour town of Portballintrae from where you will start to see the headlands surrounding the famed Giant's Causeway, an area of interlocking basalt rocks which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cross the River Bush on its route to the Atlantic Ocean, its power having been used to produce Old Bushmills Whiskey, then you will arrive at your second beach of the day for more fun on the sand. The ride continues on along an old tram trail, over dunes and passes by Runkerry House, a grand country home.

As reach the Giant's Causeway your ride comes to the end and the horses will be loaded up and taken home, whilst you will finish your adventure with a relaxing meal in the Causeway Hotel. Afterwards you should definitely take some time to explore this unique site, standing on the rocks and feeling the wind on your face. It's time to say bye for now (slán go foil!) after an authentic Irish adventure.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

We ask that you are comfortable riding at walk, trot and canter for this ride, but there are horses to suit different needs and experienced riders who want to gallop will have a chance to do so on the beaches. We can also tailor rides for beginners or novice, please get in touch and ask us about that. Riding is in English saddles but western riders are welcome to join and will be given some tips on how to make the transition to an English saddle.

Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 8
Accommodation for up to 22.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Ride starts every Sunday (year round) on request or can be for a flexible start date of your choice at a higher price.)

Pricing

2024
Sunday start, shared room
£1560 $1965 €1875
Sunday start date in a shared room, based on minimum of 4 riders in the group. Single travellers are welcome to book a date which has other riders confirmed - please enquire!
2024
Flexible start, shared room
£1760 $2220 €2115
Flexible start date (of your choice) in a shared room, based on minimum of 4 riders in the group. Single travellers are welcome to book a date which has other riders confirmed - please enquire!
Included 3 nights of accommodation with breakfasts, tea and scones on arrival, 3 lunches (2 at local establishments, 1 picnic) with drinks, 3 days of guided riding, ticket for Dunluce Castle tour, entrance to Giant's Causeway visitor centre and stones, transportation of luggage if required.
Not included Flights, airport transfers (available at extra cost), travel insurance (compulsory), dinners, drinks (except at lunchtime), tips for guides (optional), personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement £70 $88 €84 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement applies for those who require or prefer a single room.
2024 - Small Group Supplement £170 $210 €200
Paid to Far and Ride
Supplement to be paid if there are only 2 or 3 riders in the group. Refunds given if more people book later (provided they book the entire holiday and not just part). Single travellers should feel free to get in touch.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

After arriving in Belfast or Dublin, you will make your way to your first accommodation on Antrim's north coast - we can organise your airport transfers at additional cost or help you with public transport. If you hire a car then you can travel along the Causeway Coastal Route which has been called one of the top five road trips in the world, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Alternatively your hosts can provide a private driver and tour guide to bring this area to life!

Today is purely for travel and settling in, you can spend the day at leisure or do a spot of sightseeing. You can choose a local pub or restaurant for dinner, sample a pint of Guinness with the friendly locals or find somewhere to dance to some traditional Irish music. Your hosts look forward to meeting you to the next day.

Day 2

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

A driver will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the stables to meet your hosts including Sheba, the Border Collie farm dog, who will give you a warm welcome. There is a tour of the stables this morning and you will meet the team of horses - you are welcome to help with grooming and tacking up if you like to be 'hands on'.

You will have a chance to ensure that you are comfortable with your horse and there will be a riding assessment to make sure that everyone is safe and settled, then you'll be off for a day ride into the wilderness of the North Antrim hills. The slopes are dotted with heather and you'll see panoramic views over verdant pastures and the north coast. There will be a stop at a glass-sided mountain cabin which is located high in the hills and is the perfect place for a picnic or a traditional afternoon tea.

Today's riding takes you past the old peat banks, once a traditional source of fuel in Ireland, and you can stop and try your hand at peat-cutting with the old-fashioned peat spades. A great photo opportunity for those interested in Irish history!

Once the ride has ended, you'll be picked up and drive to your accommodation where you can get freshened up before heading into town for dinner, drinks and craic with the locals, whatever takes your fancy.

Day 3

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Today your horses will be transported to the hills above Ballycastle from where you will ride to Loughareema, also known as the 'Vanishing Lake', an area of Irish myths and legends. This other-worldly lake is often covered with a mist and has the habit of simply disappearing overnight and is apparently haunted by ghosts when at its fullest. Your guide will have plenty of tales to share with you!

Riding on from the lake you will have the chance to explore a secret only known to locals, an underground spring leading to the Carey River, situated on the McBride family farm. From there, the Old Coach road leads you to the Glen of Glendun, one of the 9 Glens of Antrim - the road was once a main link for travellers from the coast to the glens but has been abandoned for many years, although it offers magnificent views including the sea of Moyle.

After following this historic route you will make your way to the sheltered harbour town at the mouth of Glendun, another of Antrim's famed 9 glens. You will ride along this short (but beautiful) stretch of beach and enjoy some trots and canters on the sand to finish your day on a high.

Day 4

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Today's ride starts at the picturesque village of Ballintoy on the coast. After tacking up you will follow an off-road track enjoying coastal views before reaching the incredible white sand beach of Whitepark Bay. This is a pristine 3-mile long beach which lies on the famous Causeway Coastal Route, the perfect place for a refreshing trot, canter or gallop. You'll take your time to play on this beautiful beach and in the fringes of the ocean, cantering over the sand and perhaps meeting the famous "sunbathing cattle" who love the beach too. The rugged cliffs in the backdrop were once home to some of the earliest human settlers in Ireland.

After this exciting beach ride you'll cross sand dunes and rich farmlands on your way to lunch a the Fulerton Arms Pub, known for its Game of Thrones connections. You can enjoy a pint, a glass of wine or perhaps a cup of tea before sampling straightforward and locally-sourced main dishes such as Irish stew, seafood chowder or a terrific sandwich and a delicious dessert.

The area of Ballintoy is rich in history and you'll look out over its harbour which was traditionally associated with salmon fishing. More recently it was the setting for the Iron Islands and Lordsport in the Isle of Pyke for the Game of Thrones series. You'll also seen the distinctive sight of Ballintoy Parish Church which was built in 1813, replacing an early 17th century church, which is one of the most scenic churches in the country with Rathlin Island in the background. It is also the final resting places for many notable, landed families.

You'll ride on towards the final destination of today's ride and will look out over the cliffs surrounding one of Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, the Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge. The vista of the coastline of the wild Atlantic Ocean is truly something special with views of Rathlin Island, the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and the Western Isles of Scotland. You'll stop and say farewell to the horses and team after this full day of off-road riding and will be driven back to your accommodation.

Day 5

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Your next beach lies beside the village of Waterfoot, at the base of the glen of Glenariff. This is a wonderful bay on which to enjoy canters and gallops with beautiful views! After your beach time you will ride on through the "Queen of the Glens", riding to the head of one of the prettiest of Antrim's glens. Glenariff Waterfalls, at the top of the Glen, cascades its way down between the trees and is considered a major attraction for tourists visiting this fabulous coastline.

This epic trail will take you all the way to the summer where, at the head of the glen, you will untack your horses at the Lara Lodge restaurant. This is a top wedding destination thanks to its lovely location. Your horses will be tied here as you enjoy a short walk for a better view of the waterfalls.

Lunch is taken at Lara Lodge and this is a great time to share photos from your ride today, deep into these mystical Glens of Antrim. After dining you will make your way back down the glen and back to your start point at Waterfoot for one last gallop across the sands before your horse heads home.

Day 6

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Your ride today begins at Whiterocks Beach, named for its white chalk cliffs and the caverns set back from the edge of the water. The beach looks out over the Skerries, a small group of islands off the coast of Portrush, and gives views of the iconic Dunluce Castle, Donegal and the Western Isles of Scotland. There is time to enjoy some refreshing trots and canters and to splash in the waves.

After conquering the beach, it's time to storm the 13th century ruins of Dunluce Castle, taking a tour to learn more about its history. After a snack-stop you will ride on towards the little harbour town of Portballintrae from where you will start to see the headlands surrounding the famed Giant's Causeway, an area of interlocking basalt rocks which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cross the River Bush on its route to the Atlantic Ocean, its power having been used to produce Old Bushmills Whiskey, then you will arrive at your second beach of the day for more fun on the sand. The ride continues on along an old tram trail, over dunes and passes by Runkerry House, a grand country home.

As reach the Giant's Causeway your ride comes to the end and the horses will be loaded up and taken home, whilst you will finish your adventure with a relaxing meal in the Causeway Hotel. Afterwards you should definitely take some time to explore this unique site, standing on the rocks and feeling the wind on your face. It's time to say bye for now (slán go foil!) after an authentic Irish adventure.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

We ask that you are comfortable riding at walk, trot and canter for this ride, but there are horses to suit different needs and experienced riders who want to gallop will have a chance to do so on the beaches. We can also tailor rides for beginners or novice, please get in touch and ask us about that. Riding is in English saddles but western riders are welcome to join and will be given some tips on how to make the transition to an English saddle.

Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 8
Accommodation for up to 22.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Ride starts every Sunday (year round) on request or can be for a flexible start date of your choice at a higher price.)

Pricing

2024
Flexible start, shared room
£2595 $3270 €3120
Flexible start date (of your choice) in a shared room, based on minimum of 4 riders in the group. Single travellers are welcome to book a date which has other riders confirmed - please enquire!
2024
Sunday start, shared room
£2395 $3020 €2880
Sunday start date in a shared room, based on minimum of 4 riders in the group. Single travellers are welcome to book a date which has other riders confirmed - please enquire!
Included 5 nights of accommodation with breakfasts, tea and scones on arrival, 4 lunches at local establishments (with drinks), 5 days of guided riding, ticket for Dunluce Castle tour, entrance to Giant's Causeway visitor centre and stones, transportation of luggage if required.
Not included Flights, airport transfers (available at extra cost), travel insurance (compulsory), dinners, drinks (except at lunchtime), tips for guides (optional), personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement £70 $88 €84 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement applies for those who require or prefer a single room.
2024 - Small Group Supplement £275 $345 €330
Paid to Far and Ride
Supplement to be paid if there are only 2 or 3 riders in the group. Refunds given if more people book later (provided they book the entire holiday and not just part). Single travellers should feel free to get in touch.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.