Killarney National Park Horseback Ride: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Trail Excursion

Experience the beauty of Killarney National Park on a horseback ride through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore stunning landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy guided trails for all levels of experience.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Killarney Riding Stables - The most wonderful way to see the magnificent Killarney National Park is on horseback. Available all year round. Min 1 max 16 pax. All groups are guided, and all levels of experience catered for. Follow the riding trail into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, taking in the essence of Killarney National Park. All participants must be able to mount a horse with relative ease and not have any medical conditions which may be adversely affected with the riding of a horse. There is a maximum weight limit of 20 stone/280lbs/127kgs. Riders will be asked for their weight, height and riding experience levels: i.e: beginner, intermediate (10 years plus regular riding) or experienced (15 years plus regular riding).
What's Included
  • Horseback riding with a guide
  • Helmets and boots provided
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks.
Additional Information

Embark on the horse-riding route through the Knockreer Estate situated north of Lough Lein, truly absorbing the spirit of Killarney National Park. The stables are operational throughout the year, starting every day at 9am, with the offering of horse riding hacks, treks, and trails into the Killarney National Park, with durations varying from one, two, and three hours. The park is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981 and is also part of a designated Special Area of Conservation. Your journey will lead you past Lough Lein, the largest among the three lakes in Killarney, covering areas of extraordinary natural charm. Be ready for awe-inspiring sights of towering mountains, undulating hills, and a unique ecosystem, housing a variety of flora and fauna. The groups are under guidance and individuals with all levels of expertise are accommodated. For those who arrive without necessary equipment, riding hats and boots are available for provision.

  • *Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to prepare for the ride. The ride will leave promptly and not wait for late comers. No refund for late comers.
  • Please note children need to be 8 years and older to take a ride. Children under 8 years will not be allowed to ride
  • To best match each rider with the most suitable horse available, riders will be asked for their weight, height and riding experience levels: i.e: beginner, intermediate (10 years plus regular riding) or experienced (15 years plus regular riding).
  • There is a maximum weight limit of 20 stone/280lbs/127kgs.
  • All participants must be able to mount a horse with relative ease and not have any medical conditions which may be adversely affected with the riding of a horse.
Location
V93 FN32
The Riding Stables are located just 1.5 miles (2km) west of Killarney Town on the ‘Ring of Kerry’ / Dingle Road’ towards Killorglin (the next town). Situated on the right hand side of the road, with a large stone entrance to a Red Brick Stable Building clearly sign posted ‘Riding Stables’.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(40 Ratings)
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Kathy
Aug 17, 2024
Amazing experience! - Amazing experience !!! The riding staff was knowledgeable and friendly! The horses were beautiful and the scenery in Kilarney National Park was wonderful! An amazing way to experience the landscape!
Review provided by Viator
Jaclyn_d
Aug 16, 2024
A Beautiful Experience on Horseback - Wonderful experience to see Killarney National Park. The young ladies who were our guides were very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. We were running a few minutes late and they all waited for us to arrive. Highly recommend if you are traveling around Killarney
Review provided by Viator
Cheweylynn
Aug 5, 2024
Breathtaking views while on a great horseback ride. - Great experience and a fantastic way to see the beauty of Killarney National Forest while doing one of my favorite things—riding a horse. My friend was a beginner and very hesitant to go, but the staff made her feel comfortable, and she ended up enjoying it more than she thought possible. The horses were in great shape and well cared for. I always try to book a riding excursion on my trips, and this was one of the best. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shane_s
Jul 28, 2024
100% recommend this tour. - Guides Jelsha & Katelyn (forgive incorrect spelling) were excellent on our horseback tour. They were kind and very helpful. It was such an amazing experience with incredible views. It’s evident the horses are well cared for and trained exceptionally well.
Review provided by Viator
Erin_b
Jul 15, 2024
Amazing - Seeing the deer up close, the beautiful flowers & views. I highly recommend this tour. My kids, ages 9 & 11, loved it! The guides were very helpful and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Nynj10
Jun 25, 2024
Beautiful staff, horses, and scenery - Staff very nice and personable! Accommodating to allow my 11 yr old ride without parent... she loved it. Beautiful scenery (as viewed in my daughter's pics)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rhenee_a
Jun 21, 2024
Do it - Beautiful and my favorite tour of our trip. The guides made the trip a breeze especially with my zero riding experience.
Review provided by Viator
Chrislr9437vu
Jun 11, 2024
A great way to see the sights. - A great way to see the park. My daughter and I booked the experience and I'm so glad that we did. Although it was a little bit pricey, it was money well spent. We saw loads of the park while ride horses for the first time, what could be better. The instructors were excellent and really knowledgeable about the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connie_b
Jun 9, 2024
Do it!!! - So great!! 4 young ladies took us through the Killarney National park. They were sweet and helpful. The views were unbelievable, the animals we saw, the wild yellow irises were gorgeous! I would do this over and over again! If you are familiar with riding horses here are some tips: if you are used to a quarter horse with a soft pole that responds to light touch of the reins, DO NOT try that with these big horses. It will get you nowhere, they are large and in charge animals! It is a little hard to go from one style of horse and riding to something that is opposite in a lot of ways. But the horses pretty much know where to go and what to do so if you have never been on a horse, you will be just fine!! There was 1 girl in our group of guides that kept shouting at me, if my horse was a couple of inches out of line she would shout at me to lead her back into line. I don’t think my horse liked walking on the rocky paths or in wet areas, so she seemed to want to walk avoiding those areas, but I guess that was not an option. It got a little annoying after a while. But when you look around and see the scenery it’s easy to not stay irritated! I think she was just trying to do her job, but I was feeling a little over managed.
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie_c
May 30, 2024
Friendly and fun - Guides were great, horses were good, weather was stinky but that's Ireland for you!! Seriously, it was a fun trip around the park. We had a few breaks in the sun and our guide was engaging and professional. If you're used to western style riding be prepared, they ride more English and the horses will not respond to Western. I also was happy to see the horses are loved and well taken care of by the staff.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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