Road Trip in Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way - Sligo and Donegal (Part 1)

Impossible to come to Ireland without horseback! The country has a strong equestrian tradition and horses of reputed breeds. During my road trip to Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way, I stopped at the Island View Riding Stables for a horseback ride in Sligo County? I did well, this ride is one of the best I've done on my travels!

The name of the stable intrigued me: a stable with a view on an island, it looks pretty good, right? Indeed, it deserves quite its name: the location is quite paradisiac, facing the ocean and two islands. One belongs to the owners of the stable, the other is rented to them and they can therefore use it. The stables are a little breeding, their young horses grow quietly on these islands. That makes dream !

The Island View stables organize walks of varying lengths for riders of all levels. You can leave 1h, 2h, half a day, one day but also book a week of hikes around the stable. There is enough to see that you do not do the same twice! If you are a beginner, it is also possible to opt for a formula courses and walks. When I was there, a family had booked a week of riding, during which they first learned the basics in career before going for a walk. It's ideal, it allows to make walks a little more friendly with paces (and to have a little more feel to master that if you stick directly on a horse without further explanations!).

For the confirmed ones, I guarantee you that you will treat yourself ... The horses of the stable are very well trained, both adorable, tonic while having a mouth (and thus a brake! ...). I myself mounted Mo, a cross between an Irish Cob and a Connemara. The mixture is surprising but really nice, it gives a "Irish cob lightened" 😛 Small fun detail, this dear Mo is the first horse I saw with a huge mustache on the tip of the nose. Funny, is not it?

My girlfriend Emilie was when she went up Jasper, a Connemara she literally fell in love with and she would probably have left if he could get into the car (and the owner of the stable had wanted to let him go, which was not won either). Very good horses, anyway! On the equipment side, nothing to say either: stool and harness in good condition, bombs and chaps loaned on demand ... Nickel!

We left 3 hours, for a horse ride alternating side sea and land. We first went on the beach, then into the land, the dunes and ended up with a final lap on the beach. This allowed us to enjoy a maximum of the beach (it is still the total foot!) But also to appreciate a beautiful diversity of landscapes: between the beach and its translucent water, dunes, meadows and surrounding mountains (including the impressive Ben Bulben), it was superb!

We have alternated the paces all along the ride: not, but also several good times of trots, several small gallops and others faster ... I was able to appreciate all the power of Mo during a huge and fabulous galloping on the beach: the beach is so long that we have plenty of time to enjoy it and the horses give it to our heart! The dream, I tell you

We were accompanied by Ursula, the friendly owner of the stable. Ursula is German but fell in love with Ireland for a first time in the country. She then returned several times and finally settled there: a beautiful love affair with Ireland (and her Irish husband!).

At the back of the stable, the family also has guest rooms, an apartment for rent and a small café area (located in the breakfast room of the guest house). I encourage you to go for a tea after your walk, so you can enjoy the fabulous view of the islands. I would have stayed there for the night moreover (the apartment to rent has the same view, it makes you dream, right?).