Saddle up – in Ireland North and North-West!

Spectacular coastal settings and countryside settings, with excellent facilities

From deserted beaches to peaceful country wilderness, with equestrian centres geared to suit all ages and levels of proficiency... the options on horse-back are stunning.

Imagine the sense of the clear Atlantic air in your lungs and the wind in your hair? Or the feeling of being monarch of all you survey, as a vast expanse of open moorland and mountains stretches out before you?

This is the exciting prospect in store if you choose to go horse riding in the constantly changing landscape of Ireland's North and North-West regions.

Whether you want to just hop on the saddle for one unforgettable hour of your holiday or decide to 'own' your own horse for a day or longer, the possibilities are endless. No matter your level of proficiency, there's an equestrian or riding centre at hand to give you the animal and terrain that suits you.

Perhaps you wish to learn the discipline of horse riding or brush up on those skills? What a thrill lies in store as fully qualified instructors at well appointed and approved equestrian centres throughout the region guide you along the way.

When it comes to terrain to cover from your lofted saddle perch, you are spoiled for choice. Depending on whether you fancy a headlong gallop in the white Atlantic foam or a trek in the wilderness, the landscape will vary from long empty beaches to moors, forest trails, mountain paths and lake shores.

To just name some of the territories in question gets the pulses racing...the Hills of Donegal and Yeats Country in Sligo, the Glens of Antrim and Lakelands of Cavan and Monaghan, the Sperrins of Tyrone and Derry, the Fermanagh Lakelands and Leitrim close to the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

There are so many fine equestrian centres, it is impossible to detail them all - you can get full details from the contact points below. But the following few examples chosen at random may just whet your interest:

Dunfanaghy Stables in Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal offers opportunities to gallop on the edge of the Atlantic, ride high into the mountains on paths built during the Great Famine or travel across bogs and through forests populated by deer.

Maddybenny Riding Centre in Coleraine, Co. Derry caters for various horse riding disciplines, including showjumping, cross-country and dressage. On-site amenities include all-weather and indoor facilities, and a 20-fence cross-country course. The Centre enjoys fine views of Donegal and the famous Antrim coast, and is attached to a farmhouse dating from the 1640s which offers accommodation.

Equestrian Centre at Castle Leslie, located on the famous Castle Leslie Estate in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan specialises in cross-country, hunting and riding programmes for novice to experienced riders. Accompanied children are also welcome.

For county profiles, suggested drives and great holiday ideas, click here

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the counties in general, please contact:

Fáilte Ireland North West
Aras Reddan
Temple Street
Sligo
Tel: 00353 (0) 7191 61201
Fax: 00353 (0) 719160360

Email: northwestinfo@failteireland.ie
Web: www.irelandnorthwest.ie

Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism
Fermanagh Tourist Information Centre
Wellington Road
Enniskillen
BT74 7EF
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 6632 3110
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 6632 5511

Email: info@fermanaghlakelands.com
Web: www.findfermanagh.com

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau
44 Foyle Street
Derry
BT48 6TE
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7137 7577
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 7137 7992

Email: info@derryvisitor.com
Web: www.derryvisitor.com

Causeway Coast & Glens
11 Lodge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1LU
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7032 7720
Fax:0044 (0) 28 7032 7719

Email: mail@causewaycoastandglens.com
Web: www.causewaycoastandglens.com

Flavour of Tyrone
Killymaddy Tourist Information Centre
190 Ballygawley Road
Dungannon
Co. Tyrone BT70 1TF
Tel: 0044 (0)28 8776 7259
Fax: 0044 (0)28 8776 7911

Email:info@flavouroftyrone.com
Web: www.flavouroftyrone.com

Sperrins Tourism Ltd
The Manor House
30 High Street
Moneymore
BT70 45 7PD
Tel: 0044 (0)28 8674 7700
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 8674 7754
Email: info@sperrinstourism.com
Web: www.SperrinsTourism.com