Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
5
About
Carrowholly Stables is situated 3 miles from Westport town in the beautiful west coast of Ireland and is the perfect choice for all your horse riding. We offer pony camps, group parties, beach and trail rides suitable for all levels of riders from the beginner to the more accomplished enthusiast. We have a wide range of horses and ponies from 11hh- 17hh to suit all abilities (We have ponies ranging in height from 107-148 cm and our horses range in height from 149-165 cm). Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements. Discounts are available for groups and regular bookings. A.I.R.E. and Failte Ireland Approved.
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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- Kerryclan52 contributionsExcellent family experienceExcellent pony/horse trek for 3 generations (daughter, mother and grandmother) of inexperienced riders. Staff were attentive and very friendly. Ponies were very calm and helped our daughter banish any nervousness within 30 seconds.Visited February 2023Written February 19, 2023
- MHCTMom20 contributionsGreat experience overall especially for different riding experienceMy daughter who is an avid equestrian and I, who has only done trail rides on vacation, were interested in a beach ride while on vacation in Ireland. Kitty responded to the initial inquiry quickly and we scheduled a ride for last day before our return to airport. What a wonderful way to end the trip! The horses were matched with our riding ability and were ready upon arrival. Julia gave me a little lesson on riding and off we went. Julia was very friendly and knowledge, she provided opportunities for my experienced daughter to have some fun while being mindful of my level. We walked, did a little trot and meanders down side roads to beach. All the while, the scenery was lovely and you can even see seals. The horses were great and clearly well trained and cared for. We would definitely return for another ride in the future.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 17, 2023
- Emily J2 contributionsLots of fun!I had an amazing experience at Carrowholly! Already having a decent amount of riding experience, I was worried I was going to be a little bit bored, but it was far from that! We got to canter on the beach and then go for a swim afterwards! They were also great about pointing out landmarks and their history. If I am ever in the area, I will certainly go again!Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 15, 2023
- Gillian W1 contributionSo much fun! I would definitely come back!I had such an amazing time at Carrowholly! Kitty and her daughter were extremely nice and all of the horses were amazing. I went in with years of horse experience under my belt so I was a bit worried they would be the usual quiet trail horses but as soon as we got to the beach they became very lively (but controllable). The guides were very knowledgeable about the area we went to and pointed out cool landmarks, as well as ask any general questions my group had. If I'm ever in the area again I would love to come back!Visited May 2023Written May 17, 2023
- NYA16 contributionsExperienced instructors.Had a lovely beach trail lasting 1 hour with some gentle trotting and walking through scenic views down tranquil trails and a small dash in the sea. My horse was responsive and enjoyed the trail too. Instructors are experience, friendly and local to the area giving recommendations for things to do on your visit upon request. Instructors are very supportive and adapt to the needs to beginner riders.Visited June 2023Written July 1, 2023
- Brady T1 contributionGreat Experience - Family of 6Our family of 6 - all beginning riders - had a wonderful experience at Carrowholly. Kitty (owner) was very accommodating to us. Even when we came unprepared for the rain showers she found a way to make sure our kids had proper rain gear. The staff were friendly and communicated clearly. Although we had never seen on horses before, we had a great confidence for the journey by the time we initially left the stables. We would highly recommend. Thank you Kitty!Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 2, 2023
- Kaelynn C1 contributionWonderful Experience!Went with a large group for a ride in May 2023 and had a wonderful time! All horses are well taken care of and were prepared and tacked up for us. They asked for our experience and preference before assigning us a horse that would best suit us individually. Ride time in total was about an hour or so. We hacked out on the Irish roads until we reached the beach before taking some gravel roads around the countryside. Overall wonderful people and horses!Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 21, 2023
- Rebecca ProuseDublin, Ireland11 contributionsHoliday beach rideA really lovely riding school with fabulous horses. We did a beach ride and felt completely safe during the whole experience. The staff were very friendly and accommodating to all rider abilities. Our ride leader Julia was an excellent guide and made the trek extra enjoyable. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Westport area looking to do a holiday ride!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 23, 2023
- Cheryl A2 contributionsAmazing Beack TrekTook part in a beach trek yesterday, was so nervous with it being my first time on a horse, but I was so glad I did. The highlight of the trek was going into the sea, on the horse and seeing the seals on the island. Helena and her helpers are amazing girls, very friendly and put me completely at ease. I would definitely 100% recommend Carrow Holly to partake in their treks!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
310 reviews
Excellent
300
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Shivor7
Dublin, Ireland68 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
What a wonderful experience! Myself and my partner have zero experience riding horses and first time in Westport. Kitty was great at communicating via email to organise time and date for our horse ride. She kitted us out with helmets and riding boots when we arrived. Julia brought us on our riding trail and it was wonderful. Beautiful horses and Julia was an especially great instructor. We had a brilliant time and enjoyed the views and learning a bit more about horses. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in Westport and super cost effective compared to prices in Wicklow/Dublin area.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan P
Dublin, Ireland14 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Fantastic stables with beautiful horses and so well organised. Myself and my 10 year old daughter went on a ride out with about 12 others of mixed ability along a quiet road and onto the beach. There were 3 instructors/guides with us..top, middle and back, which was really great and made everyone feel safe and confident. I split from the group with one of the guides, Joe (I think was his name) for a short time to canter along the beach and into the water, it was fab and Joe took great care and even took a few pics for me. My daughter got a fright when I was gone and got a bit upset and Joe was super with her, clipping a lead rope onto her until her confidence was back giving her a few tips to help improve her rising trot. 10/10
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
On a visit from England to Ireland I wanted to ride on the beach, it had always been a dream of mine, my friends and I went along to Carrowholly and had the best time of our holiday so far, we are group of 7 some had never ridden we are all shapes and sizes and different abilities and some were extremely nervous. I can honestly say the staff were amazing and accommodating to our every need. I got to have a good blast on the beach it was amazing. If you are planning on going for a ride whilst visiting this part of Ireland I can highly recommend Carrowholly, the staff, horses and scenery are all amazing. Thankyou
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aileen K
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
My 8year old loved every minute of her beach ride with Carrowholly Stables, she had so much 1:1 time with Graham, he guided her and made her feel so confident on Lucy. I honestly couldn't recommend them enough, everyone was so pleasant and helpful, really easy going and the experience was so memorable. Its all she has talked about since then. My husband and I were absolutely thrilled with the service and staff, can't complement them enough.
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brady T
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
Our family of 6 - all beginning riders - had a wonderful experience at Carrowholly. Kitty (owner) was very accommodating to us. Even when we came unprepared for the rain showers she found a way to make sure our kids had proper rain gear. The staff were friendly and communicated clearly. Although we had never seen on horses before, we had a great confidence for the journey by the time we initially left the stables. We would highly recommend. Thank you Kitty!
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orla S
Cork, Ireland20 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Carrowholly Stables was recommendeod to me by people in Westport and was I glad I took up that recommendation.
We were 3 absolute beginners and the staff were so lovely, professional and caring.
We had a warm welcome from Kitty on arrival, we were kitted out with hats and boots and introduced to Joe and Carlotta, our guides. They put us at ease and introduced us to the horses, Beauty, Daisy, Mullet and Maggie. We were shown the basics and then led off on a lovely ride along the backroads to the beach. Along the way Joe explained to each of us in turn the various commands we needed in a very simple, easy to understand way.
We had great fun and really enjoyed the company, the horses and the amazing scenery.
I would highly recommend Carrowholly, the staff go above and beyond to out you at ease and the horses are gentle guants.
Thanks to Kitty, Joe, Charlotte and the gorgeous horses for a fabulous adventure.
We were 3 absolute beginners and the staff were so lovely, professional and caring.
We had a warm welcome from Kitty on arrival, we were kitted out with hats and boots and introduced to Joe and Carlotta, our guides. They put us at ease and introduced us to the horses, Beauty, Daisy, Mullet and Maggie. We were shown the basics and then led off on a lovely ride along the backroads to the beach. Along the way Joe explained to each of us in turn the various commands we needed in a very simple, easy to understand way.
We had great fun and really enjoyed the company, the horses and the amazing scenery.
I would highly recommend Carrowholly, the staff go above and beyond to out you at ease and the horses are gentle guants.
Thanks to Kitty, Joe, Charlotte and the gorgeous horses for a fabulous adventure.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy G
Dublin 243 contributions
Aug 2023
I just wanted to say thank you for such a lovely experience with you, your horses and your team last Saturday - and this is coming from total beginners of middle age!
I really just want to say that every single thing about our experience was fantastic. From your flexibility around the weather (not needed in the end) to the friendliness on arrival and provision of the badly needed jackets etc to the awareness of horse/client matching - it was just brilliant.
Apologies I cant remember the Italian girls name that led the group out, but I couldnt rate her highly enough - her gentle confidence, professionalism, kindness and genuine nature was exceptional and made our overall experience so enjoyable.
I really just want to say that every single thing about our experience was fantastic. From your flexibility around the weather (not needed in the end) to the friendliness on arrival and provision of the badly needed jackets etc to the awareness of horse/client matching - it was just brilliant.
Apologies I cant remember the Italian girls name that led the group out, but I couldnt rate her highly enough - her gentle confidence, professionalism, kindness and genuine nature was exceptional and made our overall experience so enjoyable.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura G
Dublin, Ireland7 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
After a long hiatus from riding, I booked a trek with Carrowholly Stables while on staycation in Westport. I found them to be very friendly and professional, and I was matched with General, a perfect gentleman of a horse. The scenery was stunning and it was a real thrill to enjoy a canter along the strands of Clew Bay, and to wade into the sea. Safety was always paramount and the experience proved to be an ideal return to riding, reminding me why I love this activity so much in the first place.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob R
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
Really enjoyable experience. My brother and I were beginners with no prior riding experience and we were expertly looked after by super friendly staff. The very windy weather meant we couldn't go to the shore but instead we took a beautiful route through the countryside, which was equally stunning.
Big thanks to all the staff, in particular Alexandra who selected a suitable horse ("Big Mick") for me (I'm 6 ft 3) and took the time to help us get acquainted with the horses, gave us riding tips along the trek, and afterwards even taught us about the different breeds and the horses personalities. Thanks also to Helena for leading the trek and the very enjoyable conversation and local tips along the way.
We look forward to coming back next summer and hopefully taking the beach route next time :)
Big thanks to all the staff, in particular Alexandra who selected a suitable horse ("Big Mick") for me (I'm 6 ft 3) and took the time to help us get acquainted with the horses, gave us riding tips along the trek, and afterwards even taught us about the different breeds and the horses personalities. Thanks also to Helena for leading the trek and the very enjoyable conversation and local tips along the way.
We look forward to coming back next summer and hopefully taking the beach route next time :)
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry G
2 contributions
Nov 2021
We had a great 1hr ride with Helena through some country roads and then onto the beach and through the water a bit. My wife is a more experienced rider and she was able to canter with Helena in the beach area for a few runs. The horses we had were well trained and responsive. Would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a fun riding experience on a vacation. And their prices were very reasonable. Thanks Kitty and Helena!
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blondepc
ireland60 contributions
Is it suitable for a three year old? Parents are in experiences with horses also.
Cosmopolitan294854
53 contributions
Too young.
beach18mil
Erie, PA
There are 7 of us and we are interested in a 1-2 hour beach ride on September 10th around 2pm. Do you offer any rides on that day and can it include a beach ride?
roisinkelly92
Westport, Ireland4 contributions
Hello! Yes the stables caters for groups of all levels and offers beautiful beach rides. Please contact the stables for further information via email or call on 0876366278
Lena C
San Diego, CA41 contributions
Hello,
We are planning on a trip to Ireland for late September and was wondering if you had a set schedule for the beach trek. Do you only ride during mornings?
Thank you,
Lena
amye_123
Southampton, UK57 contributions
Hello, we had a trek at around 2pm which was fantastic-can highly recommend.
Our trek was last September so I'm sure this year will be fine too.
KateMQ
Trafford, UK7 contributions
How far is this from Westport town centre? Is it accessible without a car?
rockclimberfamily
Santa Monica, CA24 contributions
A few miles, need a car
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Frequently Asked Questions about Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
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Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre Information
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Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre Photos | 180 |