Europe > Ireland

Cross-Country & Drag Hunting with Louise

Join Equus member, Louise, for an unforgettable drag hunting and cross-country adventure in the breathtaking Irish countryside. You will start your stay with a day of cross-country jumping to get used to the horses before you set out on a drag hunting weekend - following a pre-laid scent trail, rather than pursuing a live animal as in traditional fox hunting. Perfect for confident riders who are ready to take on a challenge!
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Centre based holidays
4 days (3 days riding)
From £843

Itinerary

Highlights

- Experience the thrill of a Drag Hunt
- Join our team member, Louise – she will be happy to tell you all her stories and experiences riding around the world!
- Enjoy the Irish countryside
- At dinner times, you will be free to dine in quaint Irish pubs known for their fun atmosphere and traditional hospitality.
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  • Day 1 1: Home – Dublin - No riding

    Fly to Ireland. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request. International riders may find better connections into Dublin airport, which is about 2 hrs drive, or Shannon airport, which is 1 hour away.

    The best way to get to the Oak Lodge from the airport is to take a taxi or rent a car and self-drive (please contact us for directions).

  • Day 2 2: Cross-country - 3-5h riding

    Cross country training from approximately 10 - 11.30am. After lunch there is another cross-country session from around 1.30 - 3pm. This is the perfect way to warm-up before your weekend drag hunts, getting you used to the horses and way of riding, as well as building up your confidence.

    Please note that dinner is not included.

  • Day 3 3: Drag Hunting - 2-3h riding

    Today you will join a local hunt club and their hounds for a thrilling ride. On Saturday, drag hunts are usually held on site at the Flowerhill. On a drag hunt, riders follow a pre-laid scent trail, rather than pursuing a live animal as in traditional fox hunting. It combines the thrill of galloping across the countryside with the challenge of jumping natural obstacles, making it an exciting activity for both riders and spectators.

    Please note that dinner and capping fees (€100- €150) are not included and payable directly to the hunt secretary in cash.

  • Day 4 4: Drag Hunting - 2-3h riding

    Today, you will set off on a drag hunt in East Galway or in Co Roscommon from 10am to 12pm (noon).
    After the ride and some refreshments, you will be free to make your way to the airport to head home.

    Please note that dinner and capping fees (€100- €150) are not included and payable directly to the hunt secretary in cash.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride (half board).

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 1 riders and a maximum of 10 international riders, plus guides.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €50/£40/$55. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Please note that the cap fee is not included and is around €100-€150 per person. They are paid per drag hunt, directly to the hunt secretary in cash.

- Rider weight limit: 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 st
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Accommodation

Double room - guesthouse

Meals

Half board from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 4

Price doesn't include

Meals

Dinners
Beverages and personal extras

Transport

International flights
Airport transfers - we recommend hiring a car

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    13/02/2025 16/02/2025 £843 €1,020 $1,045
    Guaranteed departure
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Equestrian info

Horses

There are over 45 horses available at the stables. The majority of them are a cross between Irish draught and thoroughbred.

All the horses are trained in cross country and hunting and are suitable for different ability levels.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Riders must be confident at all paces in outdoor settings and should have some previous jumping experience.

Maximum rider weight limit: 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 st

Pace

The pace of the riding lessons will be dictated by the type of exercises you will be doing.

Tacking ability and participation

You will be expected to tack and untack your horse each day.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be riding fit and have good stamina.

The cross-country fences include a mix of natural logs, stone walls, ditches and a wide variety of other “man-made” obstacles. While on the cross-country training, most fences include two or more options to cater for less confident riders

Equestrian equipment

English tack.

Please note that both a helmet and body protector are mandatory to participate in this holiday (not available locally).

Travel info

Comfort

Oak Lodge is situated less than 15 minutes by car from Flowerhill in the Portumna town. The lodge is within walking distance from various restaurants and pubs in town.

Meals

Breakfast and pack lunches are included.
Dinner is at your own account.

Climate

The weather in Ireland is similar to that in the rest of the British Isles, although it is more likely to rain. You should always be prepared with a good quality raincoat and dress in layers as you might enjoy a glorious sunny day followed by one which is rather more wet and cold.

Tips

Tips are not mandatory but very welcome if you are pleased with the service provided.

Packing list

For the drag hunts you are expected to follow the typical dress code: black coat white stock with a pin and black gloves, tan britches black boots.

Please note that both a helmet and body protector are mandatory to participate in this holiday (not available locally).
Head
- Helmet

Upper Body
- The weather can be unpredictable in Ireland so we recommend bringing tops you can wear in layers, T-shirts, sweatshirts and vests etc.
- Body protector
- 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

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or riding trousers
- 1-2 pairs of trousers
- 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
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..

Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- 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 your hand luggage is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!