Atlantic Trail Week Riding Holiday on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Built for confident, experienced riders, our signature Atlantic Trail Week is not a holiday — it’s an immersive equestrian adventure.

This unforgettable journey takes you deep into Ireland’s wild west, where rugged Atlantic coastline meets untamed countryside beneath the towering presence of Benbulben Mountain. If riding is how you connect with nature, this is the ultimate expression of it.

Spend 4–6 exhilarating hours in the saddle each day, riding varied terrain that demands balance, skill, and confidence. One moment you’re powering along vast, pristine beaches, the next you’re climbing through raw countryside where Atlantic wind and sea spray are constant companions.

With your guide, you’ll ride straight into the crashing Atlantic surf before crossing tidal channels to privately owned islands — a rare highlight reserved exclusively for our trail riders.

This is riding as it was meant to be: bold, immersive, and utterly unforgettable.

At a Glance

• Rider level: Advanced / experienced riders only
• Arrival: Monday
• Departure: Sunday (after breakfast)
• First riding day: Tuesday
• Daily riding: 4–6 hours
• Pace: Riders must be comfortable at all paces
• Accommodation: B&B, self-catering or hotel options available

The Riding Experience

Explore the dramatic landscapes of North Sligo’s Wild Atlantic Way on horseback, including:

• Vast sandy beaches and tidal lagoons
• Ancient bog lands and quiet rural trails
• The foot of Benbulben Mountain
• Mullaghmore Headland and rocky Atlantic cliffs
• O’Connor’s Island and Dernish Island, accessed by tidal crossings

There are plenty of opportunities for brisk beach riding, weather and conditions permitting.

Lunches are taken in traditional pubs, cafés, or as scenic outdoor picnics surrounded by sea, sky, and open land.

Each day’s ride starts and finishes at the farm. Riders without their own transport will be collected and returned to their accommodation on riding days.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival (Monday)

Arrival at your accommodation.

Day 2: Assessment Ride

Paddock lesson + 3-hour beach and bog ride

After an assessment lesson to match you with your horse, you’ll head out for a three-hour coastal and rural ride. The route includes Trawalua Beach, quiet laneways, and historic bog tracks at the foot of Benbulben, with opportunities for cantering on the moorland loop.

Days 3–6 – Long Rides

The order of rides is determined by weather and tidal conditions. Lunch will be either a picnic or a pub / tea room stop.