Killarney Riding Stables , Ballydowney, County Kerry

"As an experienced rider, I always find it important that when riding outside of my barn that I am given the chance to not just walk at the pace of a tourist. This place afforded me and my partner the opportunity to ride with an experienced guide at an experienced level. The three hours we spent were absolutely fantastic and we wish we had more time. Our tour guide was knowledgeable about the park and wildlife giving us great bits of info along the way. The horses we had (James and Peter) were absolute gentlemen and were great for our level of experience. If you are not an experienced rider I still recommend this organization because they cater to all levels of experience. Lastly, the staff is amazing when it comes to customer service; from communication beforehand to the day of activities. I most certainly will come back on my next trip and ride with these folks."

"There are no words to describe how amazing this trip was. I took a solo trip from the USA for the 5 day ride and it was the best thing I’ve ever done! (If you are like me and on the fence about doing it…just go for it!). I had never really heard about riding holidays before and signed up on whim after getting a random ad on social media for a totally different holiday, then researching a few others and deciding this one sounded the most fun! It was also my first trip to Ireland or abroad in general. I have a horse that I multiple times per week at home but the 4-6 hours per day in the saddle for this ride was not something I do regularly. However, I didn’t find it too challenging at all (though I would recommend being moderately physically fit). Donie and his crew do an excellent job taking care of all of the horses and maintaining a beautiful facility in tip-top shape. All of the horses are impeccably cared for and are safe and sound on the trails, but they were still kind enough to assign my their very best horse, Cracker. I loved all the towns along the way (most especially the coastal views from my hotel in Waterville) and the people I met out and about were the most friendly and amazing bunch! Our guides, Joanna and Alison, were just absolutely perfect and so welcoming and knowledgeable. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with both of them and learning all about the farm’s horses, and all the Irish flora and fauna and even the mystical Fairyland! I’ve been home for about 2 months now and still think about this trip every single day. I am hoping to make it a somewhat regular tradition. Meanwhile, the staff has assured me that Cracker will get plenty of love until I’m able to return again. Hope to be back in 2023!"

"Visited while I was staying in Killarney in May! I did the two hour trail ride and loved it! Very beautiful scenery with patient instructors for all skill levels. Riding boots and hat provided. Mumba was my horse and she was a sweet girl! I would definitely recommend the trail ride as the Killarney National Park is beautiful, and the instructors take your picture at the end in front of the scenery. Thanks for the great ride out!"

"I grew up doing hunter/jumpers in the US and always wanted to ride in Ireland. The views were absolutely breathtaking. We had 5 people in our 3 hour ride and 3 guides to make sure everyone was safe and comfortable. They were very mindful of everyone's different levels of experience. I was advanced and my boyfriend had never ridden before. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to explore the area."

"Nice stables, lovely horses and amazing guides. They ask a few simple questions to pair you with the right horse and head off to a beautiful tour through the trails of the national forest. One of the guides (her name started with a C I'm sure) was friendly and engaging through the entire 2 hour ride. She was knowledgeable of the the terrain and landmarks with a little history thrown in. I whole heartedly recommend going here to all levels of riding ability."