by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: May 15, 2007   Last Updated: May 18, 2007

Top o the Morning from the Back of a Horse!

A horse-lover couldn't dream up a better vacation than this.

Imagine yourself tearing across a verdant prairie on a graceful horse. Wave to shepherds, as you pass their herds in the wildflower-filled meadow. Canter along the edge of a craggy coastal cliff. Fly over a fallen fence, and continue your cross-country tour. Soar along the shore on sandy Atlantic beaches.

You can catch your breath later, as you raise pints of Guinness together in an authentic Irish pub. Ah, here is Celtic culture at its finest! Does life get any better than this?

Equestrians have galloped across the Irish countryside for centuries. Miles of rolling hills, ancient stone fences, and lush green landscape await avid riders.

Famous equine breeds began here, including the Irish draft, the Connemara pony, and the Irish thoroughbred.

FIND YOUR PERFECT PACKAGE

Tours may be geared to specific riding disciplines (fox-hunting, hunter-jumper, dressage, or trail riding). Virtually all employ English saddles of one sort or another. Groups may be designed for beginning riders, novice, or even advanced equestrians.

Late-summer tours are ideal for pony-lovers, who stampede to the Connemara Pony Show in Clifton.

Expert equestrians head for Ireleand in the winter, when they can enjoy cross-country jumping while fox-hunting.

Accommodations vary from elegant hotels to rustic hovels.

FIND A DEAL

Before you hop on a plane to saddle up on the Emerald Isle, you will want to research available trip packages.

Comparison shopping online is an excellent place to start. Tack catalogs and equestrian associations often offer special tour packages and group rates.

Get back in the Ole Gaeilge Saddle Feargal!

(That's "Get back in the saddle!" in Gaelic.)

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