Top 12 Horse Riding in Ireland

1.Dublin to Wicklow, Glendalough Small Group Tour with Horse Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 522 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $151Our pick

Spend about eight hours exploring County Wicklow with a group of no more than eight. Ride for roughly 90 minutes at Killegar Stables, stop for lunch in Enniskerry, then visit Guinness Lake, Sally Gap, Glendalough’s monastic ruins, and Upper Lake. Guides such as Derek, Kevin, and Linda add local stories along the way.

“It's breathtaking and the ride is wonderful too. I had no idea that the mountains would be so incredible.”

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2.1-Hour Jaunting Car Horse and Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 361 reviews · from $43Best value

Spend one hour in a traditional jaunting car with an English-speaking jarvey guide, passing St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney National Park, and Ross Castle. Expect Irish history, local legends, mountain views, and possible sightings of red deer. The ride starts beside Killarney Train Station and returns to the meeting point.

“Was a wonderful tour! Michael was fantastic as was Joey!! We had an hour trip for myself and my husband along with close friends and was one of the highlights of our 1 week driving tour of the east & west coastline of your gorgeous country. What a way to spend a fun time on our anniversary !”

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3.Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 226 reviews · from $115

Ride from stables just outside Killarney into Knockreer Estate, with a guide, horse, helmet, and boots included. You’ll pass near Lough Leane, watch for red and sika deer, and follow forest and estate trails beneath Kerry’s mountains. Beginners are welcome, children must be at least eight, and you should arrive 30 minutes early.

“The riding was fantastic!!!! The staff goes above sns beyond. The horses are great. The views are out of this world. BUT we found out we paid DOUBLE the cost if we had booked directly with the farm. Book through the Killarney Riding Stables. Don’t make the same mistake we did.”

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4.Wicklow Mountains Horse Trekking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Set out from Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking near Ballymore Eustace for an 80-minute ride through the Wicklow Mountains and Kings River valley. Ray, Lisa, Nicole, and Jack match horses to riding ability, teach beginners before departure, and guide small groups of up to six. You may walk near the lake or canter if your experience allows.

“Absolutely amazing! Wish I could give more than 5 stars! Everyone was very friendly, especially our guide! He was kind and helpful and very informative. He even went as far as making sure we made it to our bus to head home and went above and beyond. We went as a group of three girls and loved it. We would definitely do it again and hope we can return sometime! Just FANTASTIC! I would highly recommend booking with this experience! Words honestly can’t even begin to express how much we enjoyed it and would recommend it”

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5.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 1 hour.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $129

Meet at Ballydowny stables for a one-hour guided ride through Killarney National Park. Your horse is matched to your height, weight, and riding level, with helmets and boots supplied. Expect a mostly walking route through forest and open country, with mountain views, lakes, red deer sightings, and occasional chances to trot.

“The ride was absolutely beautiful! The horses were gorgeous and well mannered. The horse that was I was on was named Honour, he was very nice and gentle.”

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6.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $213

Ride for two hours through Knockreer Estate in Killarney National Park, with calm horses matched to your size and experience. Guides such as Jade, Aiden, Anna, and Tommy provide help and local stories. Boots and helmets are supplied, and you may see red deer, sika deer, Kerry cattle, lakes, and mountain views.

“They choose the horse based off of your size and experience level. As a beginner, they handed me my horse “Ree” and the woman said “He will protect you, he is best boy” … he required almost no direction but listened to everything I asked of him. He was perfect. I was able to enjoy the beautiful Irish landscape without worry, he truly was best boy and I was so grateful for this experience! [tip your guides!]”

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7.Beach & countryside horse riding outside Westport. Guided. 1 hour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $102

Ride from Carrowholly Stables outside Westport along country roads to Clew Bay. Guides such as Helena, Emily, Alex, and Jason provide patient instruction for beginners, while confident riders may trot or canter on the strand. Expect views of Croagh Patrick, the bay islands, and possibly Seal Rock.

“Such a beautiful experience. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Emily is such a great guide, super friendly and the horses well behaved. It was brilliant, I had such a great time and would always do it again!”

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8.Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Killarney

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $48

Set out from Beech Road with Cronin’s Killarney Carriage Rides for a one-hour private jaunt through Killarney National Park. Your driver may be Gerard, Conor, or another local guide, with stories about the park, wildlife, and area history. Expect mountain views, the Lakes of Killarney, a photo stop at Ross Castle, and blankets if the weather turns damp.

“Jaunting carriage ride through Killarney National Park. Very experienced friendly gentleman narrating the various views along the park and history associated. Definitely would recommend for a couple and or family.”

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9.Horse riding – Dirt Trek Trail. Lisdoonvarna, Clare. Guided. 1 hour.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $121

At Mountain View Horse Riding Centre near Lisdoonvarna, Peter and his team lead a one-hour English-saddle trek through Clare woodlands, famine ruins, and Burren countryside. You’ll ride in a small group of up to 10, with a helmet and half chaps provided, while taking in views of the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and Connemara mountains.

“10/10. This horse riding experience was a favorite of ours! The guide, Peter, made the whole experience with his warm, welcoming, and charming nature putting all of us beginners at ease as we saddled up for the first time. He took the time to learn each of our names and checked in with us multiple times on the ride to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time. The grounds and barn were definitely cared for by thoughtful staff and the horses were well-trained, respected, and healthy animals. Highly recommend adding this adventure to your trip!”

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10.Horse riding – Burren Trail. Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Guided. 3 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $243

Meet Peter and his team at Mountain View Horse Riding Centre for a guided three or four-hour ride through the Burren. You’ll ride well-behaved horses past old forts, famine-era ruins, and high views toward the Cliffs of Moher. Helmets and half chaps are included. The small group is capped at 10 riders.

“This was my 3rd time on a horse. What a great experience! 2.5 hours on a wonderful horse (Casey - the gypsy). We trotted, we stopped for picture opportunities, we saw the Cliffs of Moher from the top of the burren. It was magical. Our host and his staff were great!!! I'd go back in the instant. Such a good way to spend a couple of hours, relax and even inexperienced riders feel like they have been riding for years!”

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11.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 3 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $282

Ride into Killarney National Park from Ballydowny on a guided three-hour horseback outing. You’ll receive a horse, helmet, boots, and one-on-one help, with guides such as Annie and Emma praised for their care. The route includes Lough Lein and park scenery, while riders of all experience levels are matched with suitable horses.

“We took the three hour ride and it had spectacular views and plenty of time in the park. My wife who had not great experiences on horses before had a great time. Horses were excellent. The team at Killarney Stables were so nice and very engaging. Annie was our lead and she was excellent fully engaged and fun to hang out with for the ride.”

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12.Beach and Countryside Guided Horse Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · from $90

Meet your English-speaking guide at Carrowholly Stables, gear up with boots and a riding hat, and ride the beach beside Clew Bay. A short assessment helps match the outing to your experience level. Expect calm coastal views, Seals Rock, Dora Inch Island, and Croagh Patrick, with time to enjoy the countryside at a steady pace.

“I bought this as a gift for my grandsons they loved it staff was excellent I would definitely recommend this”

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