Riding Along the Irish Sea

Photos courtesy Sea View Equestrian

Imagine an immersion in Ireland and its culture, all from the back of a horse. That’s the experience you’ll have if you go riding just outside of Dingle town in County Kerry, Republic of Ireland.

Located on the southwestern shores of Ireland, Dingle and the surrounding areas boast some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland. Equestrians looking to ride through this stunning part of the country can visit Sea View Equestrian.

Situated in a small town called Ballydavid a Gaeltacht, where Gaelic is freely spoken, Sea View is located right underneath Mount Brandon, the highest peak in the Dingle Peninsula’s central mountain range. Set on a family farm that has been handed down for generations, Sea View features old stone buildings and a livery of around 25 mounts that are mostly Connemaras and Irish Sport Horses.

“Horses are our passion, and we pride ourselves on excellent horse welfare and happiness,” says Katy Scott, manager of Sea View. “Our horses are sure-footed and very good at their jobs.”

The stable offers a variety of trail rides for beginners to experienced riders. The one-hour Com Valley Trek is suitable for all riders, and takes customers to into an unspoiled glacial valley with unique and magical scenery, according to Scott.

“This peaceful and serene ride will take you through the truly impressive and beautiful valley that lies right underneath the Mount Brandon range,” she says. “You will cross clear rivers and see waterfalls and old peat bogs where the farmers used to cut turf for the fire. You may be lucky enough to spot the wild goats that live in the mountain range.”

A two-hour trek to see the Three Sisters peaks takes you on a trot through quiet and colorful winding lanes that lead out onto the famous Slea Head drive.

“On the way to the stunning beach of Feohanagh, you take in remarkable views of the Three Sisters, and hack past farmlands and unspoiled countryside,” says Scott. “We then take a good canter down on to the Slea Head before crossing the river at Feohanagh beach.”

After the river, riders enjoy another canter or even a gallop alongside the beach.

“After a cool-off and a paddle in the water, we return home with a couple more canters while taking in views of the Mount Brandon range and the entrance to the Caoirm Valley,” says Scott.

Half- and full-day treks at Sea View take riders through the traditional village of Ballydavid and to the beach in Muireach, which is nestled in a cove and protected from the roaring Atlantic by the peaks of the Three Sisters.

“Once on the beach, you can canter or gallop along the shore, or take your horse wading in the sea,” says Scott. “Have a camera ready because this beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Ireland.”

For more information, visit Sea View Equestrian at www.seaviewequestrian.com.

This article originally appeared in the February 2016 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!