June 1-7, 2024

            Signing on to a week-long riding tour in Connemara was an uncharacteristically snap decision for me.  Had I had more time to think about it, I probably would have found a reason not to go.  But fortunately, when Cait Goaley of Connemara Equestrian Escapes https://connemaraequestrianescapes.com/ posted that there was one spot left on the SMARTIES Ireland 2024 trip, asking “who wants it – I said “I do.” 

            Our tour began in Galway where we were picked up by our host, Cait, and driven to Moycullen and Curra Farm where we spent the first three nights of our trip.  The stone farmhouse is nestled along the shore of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and bordered by forest and pastures.  After lunch, we were introduced to our horses for the week.  Funny that “my horse” Monty looked so much like my own horse, Willis, and shared his calm, easy going temperament.  After a trial run on our horses in the arena, we headed out on a trail past the lake and into the woods, led by Bryan, Sabdh and Aoife, our friendly and helpful guides. 

            The daily schedule was relaxed, but organized.  Each morning we helped ourselves to breakfast in the comfortable kitchen and then went out to the barn to groom our horses and get ready to ride.  Rides lasted 3-4 hours, taking us through forest and daisy covered fields and on narrow roads past houses and farms bordered by stone walls.  We passed sheep, horses (some with foals), dogs, walkers, bicyclists, and cars.  Through it all the horses were steady and calm as our three horse guides filled us in on the history of the countryside as we rode through.  After a late lunch, Cait took us sightseeing in the surrounding area, including Aughnanure Castle, an oyster farm, and a peat bog. 

            The fourth morning we said goodbye to Curra Farm and headed to Clifden https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/county/galway/clifden/ on the west coast of Ireland where we spent the last three nights of our tour at the Clifden Station House Hotel.  On our way, we stopped at a working sheep farm where we watched Rex expertly herd sheep and toured Kylemore Abbey and its extensive gardens.  The next morning we rode on the grounds of Ballynahinch Estate, https://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/ a 700-acre retreat of beautiful woodlands, gardens, lakes and rivers. 

            The last ride, my favorite, was on the beach near Claddaghduff on the western edge of Connemara.  Monty, who was forward anyway, walked as if he knew where he was going as we headed to the beach on a narrow-paved road, past a golf course.  We followed Brian as his horse, Massi, carefully stepped sideways down a sandy slope and walked toward the sea.  Once in the water, the horses began to paw the water, splashing wildly.  I got a good splash from Paeder right in the face.  Cait warned us we would get wet and to bring an extra set of clothes, but I was dry by the time the ride was over.  I loved being by the sea.  What is it about that great expanse of water stretching out far beyond what you can see?  It is mesmerizing, breathing in the sea air, watching the horses who were so happy and excited to be on that beach. 

            It would be hard to imagine a more perfect week.  Most days were sunny, breezy and cool with temperatures in the 50s.  There was some light drizzle, but hardly enough to stop us or the horses.  The last night after dinner, we walked to a local pub and listened to music, played pool, and drank Irish coffee.  A breathtaking landscape, a warm, thoughtful, and gracious host, delicious food, accommodations that felt like home, and great companions – equine and human – you could not ask for more.