About the Experience
Come, ride with us on our Connemara Riding Adventure and experience Ireland’s transfixing landscape from the regal position of an English-style saddle.
Discover the lovely companionship of the darling Connemara pony (the true show-stealer), a native to Ireland. It’s known for its athleticism, versatility, good disposition and photogenic selfies.
Your days will be well spent roaming the Gaelic countryside’s verdant moors and velvet meadows, touring Victorian walled gardens, legendary castles, abbeys, sheep farms and an Irish Western movie set for good measure! There will be impromptu picnics in the enchanted forest with your pony by your side. By week’s end, a beautiful kinship with your pony and Connemara will be stitched into the fabric of your heart. Along the way, you’ll be properly pampered in sweetly-appointed accommodations like the secluded Curra Farm B&B.
Explore Ireland’s vibrant history with the introduction to independent women like Grace O’Malley, the infamous 16th-century Pirate Queen of Ireland. From the age of 11, she was a fierce and determined seafarer. Despite her eagerness to join her father on an expedition, Grace was discouraged as her hair might tangle in the ship’s ropes. In retaliation, she cut off her hair and became known as “Gráinne Mhaol” or Bald Grace.
Meet the ghost of Peg Plunkett, an Dublin brothel-keeper in the late 1700s who retired with vengeance. She responded to lazy debt payers by publishing three volumes of tell-all memoirs.
Keep company with the likes of Margaret Ann Bulkley, an ambitious young woman from Cork who went on to hold the second highest medical office in the British Army. However, to do so she had to conceal her gender and lived as Dr. James Barry until her true sex was determined upon burial in 1865.
In the indomitable spirit of Bald Grace, Peg and Margaret, we invite you to fearlessly explore the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland by horseback in the shadows of these powerful, unstoppable women.
About the Experience
Come, ride with us on our Connemara Riding Adventure and experience Ireland’s transfixing landscape from the regal position of an English-style saddle.
Discover the lovely companionship of the darling Connemara pony (the true show-stealer), a native to Ireland. It’s known for its athleticism, versatility, good disposition and photogenic selfies.
Your days will be well spent roaming the Gaelic countryside’s verdant moors and velvet meadows, touring Victorian walled gardens, legendary castles, abbeys, sheep farms and an Irish Western movie set for good measure! There will be impromptu picnics in the enchanted forest with your pony by your side. By week’s end, a beautiful kinship with your pony and Connemara will be stitched into the fabric of your heart. Along the way, you’ll be properly pampered in sweetly-appointed accommodations like the secluded Curra Farm B&B.
Explore Ireland’s vibrant history with the introduction to independent women like Grace O’Malley, the infamous 16th-century Pirate Queen of Ireland. From the age of 11, she was a fierce and determined seafarer. Despite her eagerness to join her father on an expedition, Grace was discouraged as her hair might tangle in the ship’s ropes. In retaliation, she cut off her hair and became known as “Gráinne Mhaol” or Bald Grace.
Meet the ghost of Peg Plunkett, an Dublin brothel-keeper in the late 1700s who retired with vengeance. She responded to lazy debt payers by publishing three volumes of tell-all memoirs.
Keep company with the likes of Margaret Ann Bulkley, an ambitious young woman from Cork who went on to hold the second highest medical office in the British Army. However, to do so she had to conceal her gender and lived as Dr. James Barry until her true sex was determined upon burial in 1865.
In the indomitable spirit of Bald Grace, Peg and Margaret, we invite you to fearlessly explore the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland by horseback in the shadows of these powerful, unstoppable women.
DAY ONE: GALWAY TO CONNEMARA
We’ll meet in the Park House Hotel lobby in Galway City at 1pm and make a beeline for Moycullen, the gateway to Connemara. We will be staying at Curra Farm, a secluded equestrian haven (home to 30 Connemara ponies!) on the shore of Lough Corrib. Lough (Irish for lake) Corrib is the second largest lake in Ireland and is peppered with ruins and castles on the 1,327 islands that speckle the coastline.
Before our adventure officially begins we’ll have the opportunity to settle and refresh–it’s easy with all the amenities that the charming 5-bedroom limestone farmhouse offers. Stretch your legs out with a tranquil walk around the 40-acre property or take a rejuvenating dip in the lough!
Over a light lunch, our guide, Cáit Goaley, will walk us through the Wild Women orientation–before we ride through it! Afterwards, we’ll head to the stable yard to meet our ponies and horses. They will be our trusty equine partners on this adventure! We will learn how to properly groom and prepare our mounts for riding. This is an essential element of the bonding process and will help us to build mutual trust and respect. Individual riding skills will be assessed in an enclosed arena to ensure the right match of horse personality to suit abilities and experience.
When everybody has found their perfect four-legged counterpart, we’ll take a short ride around the farm and lakeshore to help get over first date jitters and cement the bond further. This time will also help build up an appetite for a traditional Irish meal–it’s always best to arrive at every Irish table ravenous! Over the course of dinner, we’ll learn a few Gaelic words and phrases before retiring for a well-earned sleep. Feel free to dream in Gaelic or English!
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Curra House B&B
DAY TWO: AUGHNANURE CASTLE
You’ll have the option to ease yourself gently into the day or to join the bright-eyed early birds to feed and check on our Connemara herd. After breakfast, we’ll head over to one of Gráinne Mhaol’s former homes, the 16th-century Irish Tower House known as Aughnanure Castle.
Standing like a sentry on the rocky island, the castle’s banquet hall, watchtower, double bawn and bastions and dry harbour not only attract visitors but three species of bats as well!
Later, we will stop at Connemara Marble to witness the rarity of the region’s precious natural mineral (known as “Irish Green”) being crafted into some of Ireland’s signature jewelry.
We’ll return to the farm and spend the afternoon riding on nearby trails and country roads. Our picnic spot will be the shade of an enchanted forest that was formerly a village in pre-famine times.
Winding our way back to the farm via the lakeshore we’ll have the opportunity to bring our ponies for a cool-down splash in the water before we untack and tend to their needs with gratitude for their day’s work.
We will discuss the riding options for Day 3 this evening where the majority vote will rule. We can accept a team challenge of performing a synchronized musical ride at our lakeside arena or opt for another soul-restoring forest ride near Brigit’s Garden, an 11-acre property dedicated to the Celtic cycle of seasons, ecology, mythology and history.
Tonight, we’ll dine in a popular award-winning restaurant with a menu that steadily revolves around locally-sourced meat, fish and vegetables.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Curra House B&B
Time in the Saddle: 4 hours
DAY THREE: BRIGIT’S GARDEN
Before breakfast, you will have the option of grooming your pony or having a lazy sleep-in. Hint: Your pony would appreciate you ponying up and choosing the grooming over zzzzzzzzzzzzz-ing!
Once we’ve decided on which ride we’ve opted for today, we will either ride the horses at the arena or truck the horses to the forest near Brigit’s Garden for a morning ride. After the ride, we’ll visit the blooming sanctuary that is Brigit’s Garden for lunch and a tour. The not-for-profit, charitable organization was founded by Jenny Beale and her desire to marry nature and education in a setting that encourages curiosity, meditation, artful expression, connection and the foundation of Celtic stories.
Brigit or Brigid, is the main female deity of the Celts. She made the land fruitful and animals bountiful. She blessed poets and blacksmiths. Brigid of Kildare, a celebrated figure of legend and Ireland’s only female patron saint. During the 19th century, she was regarded as the symbol of divine femininity–generations of Irish students still associate her with reed crosses. The powerful Abbess offered an alternative to the confines of domestic life to up to 14,000 women. She was a tough-as-nails negotiator who secured women’s property rights and freed trafficked women. If that wasn’t enough, Brigid of Kildare was also reputed to be an expert dairywoman and brewer. What have you done lately?
As our last dreamy day at Curra Farm draws to a close, we’ll shift to full-on relaxation. Find a spot on the deck or recline on the sofas by the fireplace before tonight’s lavish dinner. After dinner, we’ll have time to pack and prepare for our next stop: Renvyle Peninsula in County Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Curra House B&B
Time in the Saddle: 3 hours
DAY FOUR: TO THE COAST
After breakfast, we’ll pack up people and ponies and head deeper into Connemara, through Oughterard. We’ll stop at Glengowla Mines, a former silver mine. Here we’ll be able to travel back in time and slink 43m (140ft) underground to see what daily life was like for industrious Irish miners centuries ago.
After the tour, we will visit the onsite sheep farm where Keith (the owner) will give us an entertaining and impressive sheepdog demonstration. If time allows, we will visit the movie set of the modern Irish Western An Klondike (known internationally as Dominion Creek). The series unspools the story of the Connolly brothers, three Irish immigrants who travel from Montana to the Yukon during the 1890s Klondike gold rush, hoping to strike it rich.
Star-struck, we’ll continue on to the bog to learn about the magic of peat. We’ll actually cut some turf (not to be confused with cutting the rug, ‘turf’ is the peat), a century-old vital source of winter fuel for homes and whiskey distilleries alike. The earthy, comforting smell of burning peat is one that will be locked deep into your senses, long after you’ve left the island. However, it may be an endangered scent-–the carbon-rich fuel source is under fire with sustainable energy policies and bogland conservation programs. There’s a giant push to phase out Ireland’s reliance on peat harvesting sooner than later.
We’ll check into Clifden Station House and enjoy three nights of pampering and indulgence. The hotel is located in the beating heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and has an indoor pool and spa. There are several spirited pubs and lively music venues within walking distance. Or, you can pull up a barstool at the on-site Signal Bar set in the original Clifden Railway Station. This Victorian era building oozes old-world charm and tempts many with offerings like homemade bread and butter pudding and dark chocolate mousse.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Clifden Station House Hotel
Time in the Saddle: 2 hours
DAY FIVE: KYLEMORE ABBEY
After a typical giant Irish breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. Originally built in 1867, the Gothic Church, Abbey and surrounding property is a true marvel with 6-acres of gardens. This is the only garden in Ireland to be located in the middle of a bog! It’s so impressive that it’s been compared to London’s famed Kew Gardens. Only plants and vegetables which grew in Victorian times are grown in the gardens today–once upon a time, 21 glass houses were built to house exotic fruit and veg.
There will be time to visit the gift shop for something special to take home. You’ll find 100% lambswool throws, handmade Kylemore Abbey lavender soap, milk chocolate with Atlantic sea salt and peppermint foot cream made by the Benedictine Nuns who have lived in Kylemore since the 1920s. After a small shopping spree, we’ll return to the hotel to prep for today’s ride around the enveloping Renvyle Peninsula.
We’ll retrace the footsteps of our favourite Pirate Queen and visit another one of her castles. There will be an al fresco picnic lunch along the way before we continue on into the headlands and views of the islands (inish in Irish) of Inish Shark (Shark Island), Inish Turk (Wild Boar) and Inish Bofin (White Cow). If the day is clear enough, we will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Croagh Patrick (croagh is Irish for hill or mountain) and the Twelve Bens as we ride through the quiet lull of Tully Mountain along the Wild Atlantic Way.
We’ll return to Clifden Station House for dips in the pool or a dip into the bar! Add a pint of Guinness and celebrate this awesome day. Sláinte!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Clifden Station House Hotel
Time in the Saddle: 3.5 hours
DAY SIX: BEACH RIDE
Today, we will visit the Connemara Pony Museum. Look for the saddle worn by Cannon Ball, part of the State’s first museum dedicated to the breed. When Cannon Ball, a renowned Connemara pony died in 1924, his body was carried into his owner’s kitchen on a stable door. He was honoured and remembered with a proper Irish wake. Throughout the night, locals came from miles away to pay tribute to the stallion. Cannon Ball’s son, Rebel, went on to win a medal at the Carna show–also part of the sentimental memorabilia and open love letter to the island’s beloved ponies. We should have time to visit a few of the indie artisan and tack stores in the area too!
Driving along the Sky road, we’ll take in uninterrupted views of the coastline before lunch at a lively local pub. Afterwards, we’ll meet our horses at the Aughris Peninsula. Bring your swimsuit if you’d like to brave a bracing dip in the Wild Atlantic Way or go for a swim with your pony. Don’t forget a change of clothes and footwear as you may get wet and go for an unplanned swim! A pony can have its own agenda too!
We will start with a ride around the peninsula before a trail ride across the vast expanse of sand that allows us to explore Omey Island at low tide. Returning from Omey, we will have the opportunity to canter the length of the strand or simply take our horses for a splash. It’s the perfect (but heartrending) goodbye.
For those who are interested and feeling energetic, we can visit the national park’s museum and Diamond Hill for either a walk or a more challenging climb before retiring from this big, awesome day of experiences and landscapes to Clifden Station’s embrace.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Clifden Station House Hotel
Time in the Saddle: 3 hours
DAY SEVEN: ONWARDS
After breakfast, our guides will take us back to Galway City for our onward journeys and lingering hugs around 10:30am.
Our expected arrival in Eyre Square is 1pm. Please ensure that your departure flight is late afternoon (5pm or later). If you are extending your stay in Ireland, lucky you. Enjoy those extra bites of Irish brown soda bread and whiskey drams!
As the Wild Women crew rides (flies) into the sunset, it’s time to think about where next!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!- From the airport, catch a bus or train to Galway City.
- Dublin to Galway is about 2.5 hours and you can easily book the bus via Go Busor Citylink.
- Shannon to Galway is about an hour and you can catch Bus Eireann (Cork to Galway service (Route 51 or X51) as it stops at Shannon Airport. This X51 is an express service.
Train information can be found here. Select the Dublin Galway route.
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: Day 1
- Time: 1 PM
- Location: The Park House Hotel lobby, 18 Forster St, Eyre Square, Galway.
Notes about Meet Up
Find the exact location on Google maps here: 8 Forster St. Eyre Square, Galway.
Your Wild Women Guide will locate and greet you in the lobby and you’ll head out with her from there!
- The Park House Hote – This hotel is the rendezvous point for the trip and a few minutes (walking) from the main bus and rail station, 4 star.
- The G Hotel – €10 Euro cab ride to/from train/bus station, 5 star.
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel – €10 Euro cab ride to/from train/bus station, 5 star
- The Hardiman Hotel – is right in city centre beside train/bus station, 4 star.
- Skeffington Arms – also in city centre, 3 star, near bus/train and pick up point.
- Eyre Square Hotel – is near the pickup point in city centre beside the train/bus station, 3 star or less
- Hyde Hotel – is near the pickup point in city centre beside the train/bus station, 3 star or less
For alternative transportation and accommodation options, visit Galway City.
- Day 7 – The group departs Clifden Station House at about 10:30 AM to start the two hour drive back to Galway City.
- Please make your departure plans from Galway for mid to late afternoon.
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: Day 7
- Time: 1 PM
- Location: The Park House Hotel lobby, 18 Forster St, Eyre Square, Galway.
- The Park House Hote – This hotel is the rendezvous point for the trip and a few minutes (walking) from the main bus and rail station, 4 star.
- The G Hotel – €10 Euro cab ride to/from train/bus station, 5 star.
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel – €10 Euro cab ride to/from train/bus station, 5 star
- The Hardiman Hotel – is right in city centre beside train/bus station, 4 star.
- Skeffington Arms – also in city centre, 3 star, near bus/train and pick up point.
- Eyre Square Hotel – is near the pickup point in city centre beside the train/bus station, 3 star or less
- Hyde Hotel – is near the pickup point in city centre beside the train/bus station, 3 star or less
For alternative transportation and accommodation options, visit Galway City.
Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel Travel Specialist
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
- Visa
Visitors from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada are not required to have a visa.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum two women per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner.
- Private Room Upgrade
The private room upgrade includes all 6 nights in a single room. Email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com with your request if you did not already indicate interest on your registration form.
- Potable Water
Water is safe to drink out of the tap throughout Ireland.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
- Curra House B&B
Curra House (Teac Na Corra in Gaelic) is our Irish guide, Cait’s, B&B. Situated on Lough Corrib it features 5 bedrooms with shared baths for guests, a cozy open concept kitchen/living room/dining room with an Olympic size riding arena by the lake shore!
Surrounded by stone fences, this B&B and its surrounding farmland is sure to be well enjoyed.
- Clifden Station House Hotel
Nestled in the charming town of Clifden and surrounded by the majestic beauty of Connemara. Immersed in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, a stay at The Clifden Station House is one that will live in your memories forever and guarantee you will return time and time again.
The Mountains of the Twelve Bens, The Sky Road, Inishbofin, Omey Island and Killary Fjord are just a few of the experiences Connemara has to offer and all are just a stone throw away. Come home to a cozy modern hotel at the end of the day for a delicious gourmet dinner created for you by our award-winning Chef, Pascal Marinot.
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
If you need to change currency, you will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports. Click here to see all of Galway’s exchange offices.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Credit Cards
Widely accepted in Ireland. The major cards in Ireland are EUROPAY, MASTERCARD and VISA.
- Cash
It is handy to have Euros (€) on hand for pub meals and tips for guides
- Taxes
Ireland is an EU country, thus VAT tax applies. Tax refund cards are given out at most gift stores for non-Europeans to claim tax back on. The refund can be processed at the airport on your return trip. Visit the Fexco Tax-Free Shopping page for more information.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Ride!
You will be spending 2-3 hours each day with your bum in a saddle, so please ensure you get some riding in before this trip.
- Work your Core!
Keeping good posture and balance on a horse requires a strong core, especially when going up and down steep trails. Doing pilates, or a balanced (focused on strength as well as flexibility) yoga program, can be a great way to prepare for this trip.
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
-
BOOK NOW -
Starting At$4,495Deposit$495Duration7 DAYS
- 🇺🇸USD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
-
RISK-FREE GUARANTEE!
Sign up now with a deposit to book your spot and it’s fully refundable for the first 7 days after your booking! This gives you a week to sort out flights, vacation time, your cat-sitter… and ensure that no one else takes your coveted spot!IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
This is an active adventure travel trip. Intermediate to advanced English riding skills are required. You must be comfortable with mounting and dismounting unassisted and have confident riding skills to stay in control while maintaining a secure seat at a trot and canter.
Please note: Maximum rider weight is 210lbs.
If you are not an English-style rider or have not ridden recently, WWE highly recommends you take English riding lessons prior to this trip.
What's Included
- Awesome female British Horse Society (BHS) Riding Instructors and Guides
- Irish-bred Connemara ponies and Irish draught horses plus riding gear (Irish-made English-style saddles, all tack, safety vests. Helmets are provided and mandatory)
- 6 amazing breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 evening meals featuring savoury home-cooked Irish favourites, Irish pub fare and 4-star Irish-style!
- 6 nights shared accommodation – 3 nights in the Curra Farm luxury farmhouse B&B, 3 nights at Clifden Station House
- Ground transportation throughout the adventure including pick-up and drop-goff in Galway city centre.
- Guided tours of Brigit’s Garden, Aughnanure Castle, Connemara Marble, Kylemore Abbey, Glengowla Silver Mines and Sheep Farm as well as Connemara National Park
- Baggage transportation between accommodations
- Optional single room upgrade, subject to availability
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price