4 Day Hills and North Coast Adventure

Opening up the Coast and Hills on horseback

4 Day Hills and North Coast Adventure

At a Glance

4 Day Hills and North Coast Adventure

Description: 
Come and join us for 4 nights and 5 days spent exploring the North Coast of Ireland on horseback. Get up close and personal with our coastline and explore places that won’t be seen by the common traveller. 

Enjoy 2 of the most spectacular beaches we have to offer, quality riding through our hills, glen and heather clad mountain tops. Experience lunch in unique mountain top locations and traditional Irish pubs while enjoying our traditional hospitality and top quality horses.

This experience begins with a day’s horseback riding in the Irish countryside before spending three more exhilarating days on the famous Causeway Coast where you will ride at locations such as Whitepark Bay, Ballintoy, Loughareema, the vanishing lake, the Glens of Antrim, Glenariffe beach  and the Glenariffe waterfalls

Duration: 5 Days, 4 nights

Includes: 4x nights B&B Accommodation, 4 full days of riding, 2x lunch at local establishment, 2x picnic lunches, 2x beach, Tea and Fresh Baked Scones on Arrival, Knowledgeable Trekking Guide, Spectacular Trail Riding, 5* Coastal Riding, The Best Views in Ireland!

Cost: From £1419

At a Glance: 4 Day Hills and North Coast Adventure
Description: This 4 day Irish riding experience includes 2 of our best beaches and begins with a day’s horseback riding in the Irish countryside before spending three more exhilarating days on the famous Causeway Coast heralded for its beauty and spectacular scenery.
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Includes: 4x nights B&B Accommodation, 4 full days of riding, 2x lunch at local establishment, 2x picnic lunches, 2x beach, Tea and Fresh Baked Scones on Arrival, Knowledgeable Trekking Guide, Spectacular Trail Riding, 5* Coastal Riding, The Best Views in Ireland!
Cost: From £1419

Ride Details:

Come and join us for 4 nights and 5 days spent exploring the North Coast of Ireland on horseback. Get up close and personal with our coastline and explore places that won’t be seen by the common traveller. 

Enjoy 2 of the most spectacular beaches we have to offer, quality riding through our hills, glen and heather clad mountain tops. Experience lunch in unique mountain top locations and traditional Irish pubs while enjoying our traditional hospitality and top quality horses.

This experience begins with a day’s horseback riding in the Irish countryside before spending three more exhilarating days on the famous Causeway Coast where you will ride at locations such as Whitepark Bay, Ballintoy, Loughareema, the vanishing lake, the Glens of Antrim, Glenariffe beach  and the Glenariffe waterfalls

 

Daily Itinerary

Céad míle fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes)

Welcome to Ireland! You can arrive in either Belfast or Dublin. We can arrange for our driver to collect you from either location and whisk you off on the beginning of your Irish adventure. You will journey northwards and, if it tickles your fancy, you can opt to travel along the renowned Causeway Coastal Route, lauded as one of the top 5 road journeys in the world. This beautiful drive will give you a taste of the rugged coastlines and sweeping sea views that you will experience over the course of your holiday.

The coastal route is dotted with historic castles and a changing canvas of natural landscapes–incredible fishing villages, quiet beaches, rolling green hills with lush hedges, mountain streams and rugged coastlines with majestic cliffs—all overlooking the magnificent, wild Atlantic.

You can spend the day at your leisure in your accommodation or by exploring the beautiful North Coast. Enjoy some food at a local pub or restaurant, sample a pint of Guinness with the locals or dance the evening away to some traditional Irish music. Be sure to get a good night’s rest to be ready for what the coming days have in store!

We can’t wait to meet you!

Overnight: North Antrim Coast

Our driver will pick you up at your accomodation and take you to our stables. On arrival Mr. McKinley, members of the Bespoke Equestrian Ireland (BEI) team and “Sheba” the Border collie farm dog, will greet you with a warm, genuine welcome before heading to the barn for a stable tour and to meet the team of horses (if you wish, you can assist with grooming and tacking)

After selecting a horse and a riding assessment, you will spend 4/5 hours riding out into the wilderness of the North Antrim Hills with its heather clad slopes, looking down on to green pasture away below with panoramic views over the North Coast and 5 counties of Ireland. 

You will stop at the glass sided mountain side cabin, high in the hills where a picture-perfect picnic or traditional afternoon tea awaits you. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch, while absorbing magnificent views of the Northern Irish countryside. 

We will be riding past the old peat banks that were once the traditional source of fuel in Ireland for generations and can stop and do some peat cutting with the old traditional peat spades and get a few photographs before making our way back to the stables.

After your initial days introduction and riding you will be collected and taken to your accommodation near to where you will be starting your ride tomorrow morning. Your hosts will help to organise dinner options for you in the local town. After that, its time to get a good nights sleep and be ready for what tomorrow has in store.

Overnight: County Antrim Coast

We will begin the day in the idyllic seaside village of Ballintoy on the coast! Follow an old off- road track with splendid views of the coast, to the breath-taking white sand beach of Whitepark Bay, a 3-mile long beach on the famous Causeway Coastal Route. Whitepark Bay is a beautiful stretch of pristine beach located on Co. Antrim’s North Coast near the picturesque village of Ballintoy. With a beach so pure it shines for miles (on even the cloudiest of days) it’s the perfect backdrop for a refreshing trot, canter or gallop!

We’ll take our time playing on the beach & in the ocean before cantering over the smooth sands! If we’re lucky the famous “Sunbathing Cattle” will be on the beach basking in the sun’s warmth.

You will spend your time romping and capering along the 3 mile stretch of pristine, resplendent white sand and explore the rolling sand dunes of the area below the backdrop of the rugged surrounding cliff faces which were once home to some of the earliest human settlers in Ireland. Savour the taste of the tantalising sea air, feel the blustering and energising wind on your face and the radiant rays of the Irish sunshine on your back on this invigorating ride.

Afterwards, we’ll make our way over sandy dunes and across lush farmlands for lunch at the village of Ballintoy. Expect good, straightforward locally sourced main dishes such as seafood chowder or Irish stew, 

After lunch we will ride in the hills above Ballintoy, overlooking Ballintoy Harbour which was mainly associated with salmon fishing. In its heyday, cartloads of salmon made their way round hilly roads to catch the train at Ballycastle and onwards to Belfast. Game of Thrones fans will recognize Ballintoy Harbour as the setting for the Iron Islands and Lordsport in the Isle of Pyke. Like most places along the North Coast, the views from these hills are spectacular and offer some amazing photo opportunities. We look down on Ballintoy’s most distinctive site, the white Ballintoy Parish Church, perched on a hill overlooking the vast Atlantic.

Ballintoy Parish Church was built in 1813, in replacement of the original church built in the early 17th century. It is one of the most scenic churches in the country and is often pictured with the stunning view of Rathlin Island in the background. Many notable landed families are buried in the church’s cemetery including The Stewarts of Ballintoy, Downing Fullerton and members of the Stewart-Moore family.

We will now make our way towards the final destination of our journey and as we ride, we will be looking down on to the cliffs surrounding one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge, before finally stopping and saying farewell to the horses and team after a full day of off-road riding.

Overnight: County Antrim Coast

Today we will transport the horses and saddle-up in the rugged hills above Ballycastle. We will be venturing to Loughareema, known locally as the Vanishing Lake, an area surrounded by Irish myths and legends. This ethereal lake, on the outskirts of a beautiful series of wild, expansive peatlands is often enshrouded by swirling mists. The true mystery of the lake is derived from its propensity to mysteriously vanish overnight, with the usually brimming body of water being no more.

The ’Vanishing Lake’ is an area surrounded by Irish myths and legends. Allow your guide to regal you with these tales, as you hear of the coachman and horses lost in a terrible storm! The group had tried to cross the lake when it was full of water, which they did not notice in the dead of night in this misty, desolate area. Rumours abound that, when the lake is at its fullest, the ghosts of this unfortunate party haunt the lake.

We will take a winding laneway and ride far away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation, where we will have the opportunity to explore a hidden gem which has historically been known only to locals. The McBride Family farm has a massive underground spring which leads to the Carey River, whose gentle, flowing waters will accompany you throughout your travels.

We will continue our ride on the Old Coach road to the edge of the famed Glen of Glendun, one of the 9 Glens of Antrim. This road was the main thoroughfare from the Coast to the Glens in bygone times, and whilst it has long been abandoned, in favour of more expedient routes, this route is well worth traversing. The Coach Road provides a fantastic vista from which to soak in the surrounding beauty of the Glens and the sea of Moyle, in all its glory.

Allow the horses to graze as you make the most of the picture opportunities. With these two important tasks ticked off the list, we will begin the homeward journey across the varied and beautiful terrain. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back as you trot and canter you way through the Glen. Keep a keen eye out for the deer who use the trees and flora and fauna of the forestry as their sanctuary before returning for a picnic lunch in the heart of this beautiful landscape.

You will have most definitely earned yourselves a rest after a quality morning of riding. Once re-energised, we will remount our trusted steed and enjoy an afternoon of riding as we meander through the verdant green fields and follow the Carey river, sometimes a gentle stream, other times a raging torrent as it makes its way towards the Atlantic Ocean. Make the most of these last few trots and canters with your four legged friend who has been a trusted companion over the last few days. Your driver will transport you back to your accommodation for a well deserved rest and an evening spent enjoying the local town.

Overnight: County Antrim Coast

Our final day’s riding begins at the ruins of the iconic Redbay Castle. The castle was once a McDonnell stronghold in the Glens and acted as a strategic lookout point for invaders coming from the North. The beauty of the area you’re riding in today will soon become clear; however, with stunning scenery on every angle, it is hard to know what way to look. You will find yourself in one of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim, a range of narrow picturesque valleys running down to the sea. Our Glen today is Glenarriffe known as the Queen of the Glens for its beauty with the Waterfalls at the top of the glen cascading down the gully between the leafy trees being a major visitor attraction in Northern Ireland.

Our rides started off on the beach today at the village of Waterfoot at the foot of Glenarriffe Glen. As you make your way onto the beach, you will be treated to views of the Western Isles and Highlands of Scotland. Look out for the dome shaped isle of Ailsa Craig and the oddly shaped Sanda Island known to locals as spoon island for obvious reasons. As you make your way onto the golden sands of Glenariffe beach, you will begin to get a first proper glimpse of the Queen of the Glens. The massive U-shaped valley, carved out by a glacier 20 thousand years ago is a sight to behold. The rugged cliff tops sloping down to green pasture and tree lined edges make for a stunningly beautiful vista as it sweeps down to the sea of Moyle. 

Walk, trot, canter and gallop your way across the bay while enjoying stunning views of the area whose beauty inspired the iconic song ‘Danny Boy’. After an invigorating time spent on the beach and surrounding area we ride the quiet windy road to the waterfalls. Allow your guide to fill you in on some of the rich culture and folklore of the area. The story of ‘Tir na nóg’ or, in English the ‘Land of the Youth’ is a particular favourite.  

As we meander up the Glen and through this oasis of tranquillity you will become enchanted by its beauty and strengthen the bond you have with this land. We will ride this spectacular trail to the summit, soaking in views over the wild Irish Sea, stretching all the way to Scotland. As we ride closer to the top of the Glen, we will come to the quaint Lara Lodge where we will tie up our horses. It’s time to enjoy some local food and have a drink after an exhilarating morning in the saddle. Chill out, relax and enjoy the company of your guides and the locals in the heart of the Glens. Once fed and watered, take a short walk to view the beautiful waterfalls behind the lodge. The astounding beauty of the boardwalk to the waterfalls provides visitors with an abundance of panoramic landscapes, peaceful riverside walks and three spectacular waterfalls.

After our refreshments we will ride down the glen and be able to take in the vista from a whole different perspective. Enjoy another ride across the beach and a splash in the water before returning to our starting point at the imposing ruins of Redbay Castle.

Our adventure together has come to an end. Take the time to say goodbye to your most trusted steed, your guide and the people you have met along the way. Allow the sense of accomplishment wash over you as the memories of the week come flooding back. As the Irish say ‘Slán go foil’ or in English ‘bye for now’.

Onward Journey: If you would like an additional night of accommodation tonight then this can be arranged upon request or we can help you with your onward journey

What’s Included?

Locations where we ride:

Sheans Horse Farm Stables North Antrim Hills
Whitepark Bay beach Ballintoy hills
Watertop Farm Vanishing lakes
Old Coach road Antrim Glens
Redbay castle ruins Glenariffe beach
Glen road Glenariffe waterfalls

What’s Included in the Trip:

 4x nights’ accommodation 2x beach
2x quality picnic lunches 2x Lunch at a Local Establishment
Tea and Fresh Baked Scones on Arrival All Tack & Equipment
Spectacular Trail Riding 5* Coastal Riding
Riding at Game of Throne Filming locations Knowledgeable Trekking guide!

 

2024 RATES AND DATES

Every Sunday year round (riding begins on Monday):
£1419pps
Flexible starting date of your choice
:
£1619pps 

*The above rates are based on a minimum of 4 riders (Can all be from your booking or a combination of other bookings)

If there are less than 4 persons booked on the ride, the price you pay will be:

Every Sunday year round (Riding starts Monday):
2/3 persons – £1783pps
Flexible starting date of your choice:
2/3 persons – £1983pps

Single riders
Single riders are welcome to ride individually, or can also avail of the above rates as long as they join one of our existing bookings.
Contact us to discuss price and availability.

 If an additional person joins the ride for the full 4 days, we are happy to give a refund where applicable in event of someone having overpaid.

 ​*Prices are based on two people sharing a room. A Single Room Supplement of £70 per night applies for those who require a single room.

Optional Add-ons

1. We can arrange for you to be picked up at any airport or from anywhere in Ireland and transport you after your riding tour, to wherever you require.
2. Hire of photographer for a day/half day
3. Upgrade to Hotel accommodation can be arranged.
4. Extra night of accomodation at the end of the trip
5. Itinerary planning for non-riding partners such as for Golf, fishing, sightseeing, genealogy. Check out our Out of Tack page and our itinerary planning website at www.premierexperiencesni.com