Clonshire Equestrian Centre is a good fit for people who love horses and the outdoors and would like to learn and improve their riding skills on horse riding holidays in Ireland. 

Days are spent taking lessons and hacking around the grounds of Clonshire Equestrian Centre, a top equestrian center that's approved by the British Horse Society ([BHS Ireland) on these Ireland equestrian vacations. Travelers may focus on cross country jumping, dressage training, show jumping and flatwork.

The Clonshire Equestrian Centre is set among 140 acres of beautiful parkland with an extra large outdoor arena, indoor arena, sand ring, private livery and competition yard, as well as a cross country course. It's only about a forty minute drive from Shannon Airport. Plan on spending four to five hours in the saddle each day Monday to Thursday and three to four hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday. English is the main language spoken. Sue Foley, the owner and main trainer, speaks some French. 

Clonshire also has some Polish and Russian Staff Members. The best months to visit are May through September, through Clonshire is open year-round except on Christmas Day. For kids there are horse camps and July and August are best as this is the time the schools close and teens and younger riders like to be with others of their age for their Ireland riding holidays.

For those interested in fox hunting in Ireland, the County Limerick Hunt Club owns the Clonshire Estate. Lord Harrington, Senior Master, first came up with the idea for the Equestrian Centre. Dan and Sue Foley, your hosts, began managing the centre in 1992. Clonshire is managed by Dan and Sue Foley. Among Ireland’s most esteemed equestrian instructors, Dan has brought many young show jumpers up the ranks to the national level and enjoyed success in the sport of eventing. Dan Foley, a well known horseman, has been hunting, show jumping and generally living in a saddle since before he could walk. 

Sue is certified by the British Horse Society and an accomplished hunt seat rider. She’s a past winner at the world-renowned Dublin Horse Show. One advantage of traveling to Ireland to improve your riding at Clonshire is that you may be training with other Irish equestrians. It’s always a plus to get to meet locals and discover what horses and horse life is like in Ireland.

Activities

Sightseeing, Golfing, fox hunting in Ireland and Fishing. Clonshire is ideal for anyone who loves horses and the outdoors including children, who want to attend the July and August camp, while their parents tour Ireland.

Accommodations and Food

Riders may stay right in the town of Adare at the upscale Dunraven Arms Hotel and enjoy its rich equestrian history and ambience, or right by the stables in Clonshire’s various accommodations. The town of Adare, named Ireland’s prettiest village, is similar to Middleburg, Virginia. Besides being a charming village with thatched roofed cottages, historic sites, boutiques, pubs and restaurants, it’s where Ireland’s horsey set live and play.   

Travelers may choose to stay at the Dunraven Arms Hotel or The Foley Home. For groups, there’s a self-catering apartment. Kids attending camp in July or August may stay in The Foley Family Home.

Dunraven Arms Hotel is a luxury 4 star hotel in the village of Adare in County Limerick, less than five minutes drive from Clonshire’s Equestrian Center. The hotel features equestrian ambience and old-fashioned hospitality. The Dunraven Arms has been welcoming guests for over 200 years, since 1792. Today, it's run by avid horsemen Brian and Louis Murphy, who are well attuned to the local equestrian community.

The hotel was originally an old coach house. It’s kept its historic charm over the years and acquired modern amenities. There are 86 rooms, a health and leisure center with a 17-Metre Swimming Pool and extensive conference and banquet facilities. Golf and equestrian enthusiasts are particularly attracted to Dunraven. The hotel is near championship and links golf courses and Clonshire Equestrian Center.

Bedrooms are individually appointed with luxurious fabrics and elegant, antique furnishings. All feature private dressing rooms and spacious ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have complimentary wifi access and most enjoy views of either the Hotel’s award-winning gardens or the charming thatched cottages of Adare.

The Foley family home is a practical working home and all rooms are shared with single beds and bunks in the rooms.  Bathrooms are shared.  All meals are served in the family kitchen and guests have a den (sitting room with kitchenette) for their use in the evenings.

The Self Catering Apartment can accommodate six people in shared accommodations. If you bring a seventh group member, they may stay with the Foleys and ride for free.

Area Attractions

Clonshire is beside the town of Adare, voted the prettiest town in Ireland. This is a very horsey part of the Emerald Isle. One advantage of riding at Clonshire is that you may be training with other Irish equestrians. It’s always a plus to get to meet locals and discover what horses and horse life is like in Ireland. This vacation is also suitable for non-riders, who may wish to play golf, sightsee or relax in beautiful Adare while their companion rides. Adare is small and quaint with upscale boutiques, fine dining and casual food and local pubs. Equestrians will especially like The Country Dresser, a tack store with select riding gear and clothing, including the Barbour brand of waxed and quilted apparel. You are in an ideal location for visiting the Ring of Kerry, Dingle peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick's Hunt Museum, and Bunratty Castle.