Top Western Ireland Pack Animal Tours

The ride starts at Carrowholly Stables and heads out through the countryside before dropping down onto the open strands of Clew Bay. This is the western edge of County Mayo, where the bay is dotted with islands and Croagh Patrick stands behind you the whole way, the pilgrim mountain that thousands climb barefoot every July. Keep an eye on the water as you ride the shoreline. Seals haul out on Seal Rock most days, and you'll pass Dorinish Island, the small island John Lennon bought in the 1960s and once planned to live on. Beginners are welcome, and most of the people on any given ride have little or no experience. Your guide is local and qualified, and gives full instruction before you set off, so you're comfortable in the saddle before you reach the beach. Riders who can rise to the trot will get more out of the coastal stretch. Confident riders can canter across the open strand. It's a two-hour ride. The pace is yours to set within your group's ability.