FAQs
We have put together some FAQs (frequently asked questions) below that our customers ask us. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please contact us and we will be pleased to help and advise.
Covid-19 Information
- Restrictions for outdoor sports have been lifted, but we still ask clients to observe respiratory hygiene.
- Please cancel if you experience symptoms of Covid, have been a close contact or asked to self isolate. If you need to cancel your holiday due to Covid 19, you will be entitled to a refund, but proof of Covid infection etc will be required.
- If travelling from abroad please observe the current regulations for entering the country. Details can be found here.
- Our staff are trained in Covid prevention and we have a professional Covid response plan in place.
- All personal equipment provided by the stables (such as hats and boots) gets sanitised after every use.
- Riding is only possible as part of a prebooked equestrian holiday, no drop in rides, please phone or email to book your riding holiday.
- To cut down on time spent in the small office space on arrival, please complete the Rider Registration Form below before you start your holiday:
How do I book?
Our treks and lessons can only be booked as part of a riding holiday. The shortest stay includes 2 nights and 5 hours riding per person. Once you have decided what holiday package suits you best, you should email us or send a holiday booking form. Once we confirm availability we will require a 100 Euro deposit to secure your accommodation.
- We will confirm availability by email.
- In order to secure your booking we require a 100 Euro deposit payment, payable by bank transfer to
Account name: Island View Riding Stables
Iban: IE63 AIBK 93725837180090
Bic/Swift code: AIBKIE2D
What do I need to wear?
Please wear comfortable trousers and sensible outdoor clothing.
Shorts or sandals are not suitable for horse riding.
We provide riding boots in all sizes, but make sure you wear /bring a good pair of long socks. Only walking boots or rubber boots with an appropriate heel and sole may be worn for riding.
We supply standard regulation riding hats .
Management advises not to wear jewellery.
Children will need to wear body protectors for jumping lessons.
For a riding holiday in Ireland we recommend the “onion” look, i.e. several layers of clothes, some of which should be waterproof and windproof. Rain gear (including rain over-trousers) is highly recommended. Bring 2 sets of everything to allow for clothes to dry.
I have never ridden before. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Our horses are very quiet and experienced. Staff will make sure that you are comfortable. Beginners can book the Mix and Match riding holiday package . It combines lessons and treks in the countryside before you go on your first short beach rides, all tailored to your needs and ability. It is available as week long stay with 15 riding units or 2 nights short break. If two nights and 5 hours riding is too intense for you, you can add an extra night on request.
My friend is an experienced rider but I am not. Can we still go together on a riding holiday?
Yes of course. in that case we recommend the Mix and Match Package to the beginner rider. It allows you to take lessons to improve your riding, but will also allow you to share the shorter rides. Most of the time we will be able to send two guides on your trek so that you both can enjoy a ride at your very own pace. Under exceptional circumstances, you might only have one guide who will certainly try to give the experienced rider an opportunity to canter. However, there are situations where the weakest rider will set the pace.
My husband is very tall and heavy, have you got a suitable horse for him?
Yes, we probably have. Our horses come in all shapes and sizes – from a tiny Welsh Pony to a strong built 17 h.h. weight carrier.
For horse welfare and client safety reasons, we have a weight limit of 16 st (approx. 100 kg) for the Mix and Match holiday package, and 90 kg for the Atlantic Trailweek package. Please let us know if you will require a strong built horse as there may be limitations how many heavier riders we can accommodate in any given week.
We don't have a (rental) car. Is that a problem for my riding holiday?
If you are thinking of booking an Atlantic Trailweek riding holiday with us, but you don’t want to rent a car, then we recommend booking the Atlantic Trailweek with Hotel accommodation as it includes all transfers between the Hotel and the stables. Also you don’t need to worry about how to get to the restaurant for your evening meal – you just walk to the dining room!
For Atlantic Trailweek bookings with B&B, we will give you the number of a local taxi driver so you can arrange getting to the village for your evening meal.
If you are more inclined towards the Mix and Match package, then self catering might be a good option.
If you want to book B&b, we can give you the number of a local taxi driver to bring you to the restaurant in the evening. Mix and Match break with Hotel accommodation is unfortunately only possible if you have your own transport, as transfers between Hotel and Stables are not included in the Mix and Match package.
Getting to the Area from Dublin Airport:
Bus and train service from the airport to Sligo or Ballyshannon:
Buseireann Service No. 30 offers an around-clock direct connection from Dublin airport to Ballyshannon. Bus No 23 offers a connection from Dublin Airport to Sligo.
Service 64 from Knock Airport to Grange.
If you prefer the train, you can get a Shuttelbus from Dublin airport to Connolly station in Dublin City Centre. From Connolly station you can get a direct train to Sligo.
Both bus and train are cheaper when you buy your ticket online in advance.
Bus service from Sligo / Ballyshannon to Island View Riding Stables:
Local Link bus number 982 from Sligo or Ballyshannon will drop you at the stables ( Stop called Mount Temple).
Alternatively Buseireann Sligo-Derry Bus (No. 64 or 480). Tel.: 071– 916066. Number 480 will drop you at the stables on request. If the driver won’t stop at the yard please continue on to the next stop (Cliffoney or Grange) and phone us. We will collect you there free of charge.
There are also taxi and mini bus services:
Taxi:
Anthony Gillen 0877093528
Darragh Quinn 0877011894
Jack Connolly 087 7707113
Sean Kivlehan 0872861792
Sean Sheerin 071 9166466
Mini Bus: John McGovern 087 2553413
Pick up service from Sligo or Ballyshannon bus stops can be arranged for a fee of €30.
One of the family has special needs/ a slight disability. Can you still take us for horse riding holidays?
We aim to be inclusive and have experience with special needs, blind and disabled riders. We give them special attention and have suitable riding school horses. The riding centre has a ramp that wheelchair users can avail of for mounting the horse. Persons with specials needs will more than likely require an extra handler to lead the horse – but everybody is different so please talk to us and we will advise you as to what type of horse riding holiday is suitable. A tailor made solution can be arranged and quoted accordingly.
Is the beach far away from the stables?
No, the beach is approx. 5 – 10 minutes walking distance from the stables and easily accessed on foot.
I had a riding accident and I am very nervous, can you meet my needs?
Yes, we can. Our horses are all very experienced and quiet, safe in traffic and easy to handle. Therefore, we can meet everybody’s requirements. You also have the option of regaining your confidence in one of our tailor-made lessons.
What will I do in a lesson?
That really depends on your riding experience. We offer lessons for all levels; we will also answer all your questions. If you wish to practise a particular skill, let us know. All riders must do an assessment session before they can embark on a beach ride. This lesson will help us get to know you and you get to know the horse. We assess that you have the skills required for the particular ride you want to do.
The weather forecast is bad. Can we still ride?
Most of the horses live outside all year and are well used to all kinds of weather. Generally, we go out in all weather. The weather can change quite quickly along the coast so often it’s just a case of waiting until a shower blows over or changing the route slightly. It is only in exceptional circumstances that we cannot operate the rides. Please come prepared by packing suitable clothing for your holiday. And, remember, the weather along the coast can change quickly. There are days around here when the sun comes out 10 times a day – and we get rewarded with gorgeous rainbows! B prepared that if the weather turns bad unexpectedly then our guides may change the route.
