Comfort
Accommodation at the eco-lodge and eco-house, in double or twin rooms. Triple rooms and family cottages are also available on request.
Bedrooms are large and individually designed, with natural materials.
Tea and coffee is readily available at the bar.
Please note that in keeping with the centre's ethos, you will find no TV in your room. WiFi access is available in public areas.
Meals
All ingredients are locally sourced and even home-grown in Esther's beautiful garden. The restaurant at Slieve Aughty has received an organic certification, and is one of the only certified restaurants in Ireland!
Breakfast: homemade bread, eggs, cold meats, cheese, cereals and porridge. All organic.
Lunch: Garden salads, bread, cheese, soup, pasta salad, homemade cakes
Dinner: An assortment of dishes including soup, bread, salads, lasagna, apple crumble. On Fridays, the centre runs a "Pizza party" using their stone oven for all the guests (in the summer and weather dependent).
Water, tea, coffee and apple juice are complimentary throughout your stay. Soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits are all available at the bar.
Climate
Galway has an oceanic climate which is changeable and can be wet. In Spring the temperatures range from 8-12c. April is particularly pleasant. In summer (May-July) the highest average temperatures are 18-20c, whilst in Autumn (Aug - Oct) the temperatures range from 14-18c. September is considered to be mild and temperate. The coldest months are January and February and sometimes temperatures drop below zero. Snow is rare, but there can be heavy rainfall at any time of year.
Tips
Tips are left to your discretion.
Packing list
Head
- Helmets are mandatory. Your riding hat must comply with the official regulations (fixed peaks are not acceptable when cross-country jumping).
Upper Body
The weather can be very unpredictable in Ireland so we recommend bringing tops you can wear in layers, T-shirts, sweatshirts and vests etc.
- Body protector (if jumping)
- Half or long-sleeved cotton shirts (to provide protection from the sun) or T-shirt in a quick-drying material
- A light raincoat that you are comfortable in
- A lightweight fleece or jumper
- A swimsuit
Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or riding trousers
- 1-2 pairs of trousers suitable for dinner at the Conor's bar
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)
Hands and feet
- Short jodhpur boots and half chaps are the best option as they are much cooler and easier to transport, but if you are used to riding in your long boots and want to wear them this is fine.
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves
Other useful items
- Toiletries
- Small medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor (at least 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
Our Recommendations
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- Any liquids in your hold luggage, such as shampoo, moisturizer, over 100ml should be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- In your hand luggage take any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your boots/ hiking shoes and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in you hand luggage is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
