WELCOME TO DONEGAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Open for Beach Rides, Lessons & Pony Camps
Providers of high quality horse riding experiences for all ages and abilities.
Visit us to experience some of the best beach riding Donegal has to offer.
OPEN FOR BEACH RIDES LESSONS & PONY CAMPS
Donegal Equestrian Centre providers of high quality horse riding experiences for all ages and abilities.
Visit us to experience some of the best beach riding Donegal has to offer.
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Ride The Wild Atlantic Way
Our beach rides go onto Tullan Strand which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. The beginner trail is in the sand dunes alongside the Strand so you still get spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Horse Riding Lessons
On site riding lessons are available for all levels of rider. Experiences for young children from 4 years of age. Country lane walk out is part of all our beginner lessons.
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AIRE Approved
The centre is approved by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments.
ABOUT US
Donegal Equestrian Centre is situated 1 mile from the centre of Bundoran in south Donegal.
The centre offers high quality equestrian experiences catering for all ages and abilities.
The beauty of Ireland's dramatic north west coastline awaits riders of all abilities. Experienced riders get the opportunity to gallop down Tullan Strand and splash in the cool clear water of the Atlantic Ocean. Remember it's not called "The Wild Atlantic Way" for nothing! Beginner and novice riders can enjoy a quiet amble in the sand dunes whilst taking in those breathtaking views.
Whether it is the chance to gallop down the beach, improve your riding or have fun at Pony Camp. Rachel and her team will provide you with a memorable enjoyable horse riding experience in a fun, safe and controlled environment.
Horse Riding Experiences
Donegal Equestrian Centre offer a range of rides and lessons for all levels of rider.
Advanced booking required.
Bookings can be made online, by phone or email.
BEACH RIDES
- Beach Rides are for riders with prior experience who can rise (post) to the trot & canter English seat.
- 1½ and 2 hour rides.
- Beach Rides are on Tullan Strand which is part of The Wild Atlantic Way
- Sand Dune Trails are available for Novice & Beginner riders
Sand Dune Trails
- Novice & Beginner Trails not available for complete beginners
- All riders will be assessed in arena before going out.
- 1½ and 2 hour rides.
- Views of beach and mountains
- Ride alongside Tullan Strand part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
PONY CAMPS
- Camps run during all school holidays.
- Riding lessons, ride outs & stable management.
- Indoor arena for bad weather.
- Suitable for children from 7 yrs.
- Lots of fun whilst learning.
RIDING LESSONS
- One off beginner & family lessons for visitors.
- Regular weekly lessons for adults & children.
- Indoor arena for starter lessons.
- Large purpose built outdoor arena.
- Jumping lessons available.
Autumn/Winter 2024/5
From 11 September 2024.
Open Wednesdays - Sundays
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays (apart from 28 & 29 Oct)
Please ring/email for any late availability enquires.
Opening Hours
Day | First Ride Out | Last Ride Out |
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Mon & Tues | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Weds - Sun | 09:30 | 16:00 |
Mon 28 & Tues 29 Oct | 09:30 | 16:00 |
Open all year round.
Sign up to our newsletter for latest news on re-opening, rides and offers.
Don't take our word for it, read what past visitors have said about us !
If you have ridden with us and would like to leave a review please do so here - Leave a review
- Beginners, Wednesday, 11th September 2024, noon It was wonderful. I forgot how much I enjoyed riding and posting in a trot! Cloe, our instructor, was extremely patient and helpful and friendly. I am seriously thinking of taking up riding again due to her help! If we lived near that area, I would certainly be going more often!
The only thing I wish we could have done was ridden on the beach, but I understand why that was not possible given my companion's skill level and my not riding for some time. I would love to try again and have the beach experience.read moreread lessSharon28/09/242hr beach ride - Wednesday 18th @ 1:45pm Thoroughly enjoyed the 2hour beach ride on the beautiful Pongo! We went for a canter and gallop across Tullan Strand/Erne Estuary - and ended the excursion through the sand dunes. Highly recommend. Roisin was the utmost professional the entire duration and really made my day out a complete joy! Looking forward to returning again!read moreread lessDearbhla19/09/24Novice 1.5 hour 2pm. 28/8/2024 My daughter had a great time as usual. This was her third or fourth time riding with you. It makes her holiday.
Wouldn't change a thing!read moreread lessEna14/09/24 - Intermediate/Advanced 2 Hour Beach Ride on Sept 2 at 10am Great experience! Everything was well organized and we loved the horses & staff.read moreread lessJamie03/09/242 hours beachside Tuesday 2 September I had a wonderful ride on the beach and dunes. Because I was a little off season it was only me and one leader so it felt very luxurious. My horse was good-humoured, sweet and easygoing
/Lenaread moreread lessLena03/09/24Monday, 4pm group lesson Myself and my daughter had a really positive experience with you. This was our first time at the Donegal Equestrian Centre. I was really impressed by the quality of the tuition, the teacher really took the time to engage my daughter (who is generally a little shy, but loves horses!) and she felt so special afterwards. She learned a lot about kindness to animals aswell as receiving supportive instruction on handling the pony. She got so much out of this one hour lesson - thank you very much x
I too, really enjoyed the experience and was encouraged to take part in a way that benefited me too.read moreread lessKaren20/08/24 - 4 pm group ride for beginners We loved it! Our girls loved their horses and our instructors were top notch. It was perfect for our family.read moreread lessJohn17/08/24Beginners 2pm Saturday 22/06/24 My expectations were met on every level. My tutor Roschine took great time and care to make sure I had a great introductory experience to the equestrian world.
Her teaching skills and gift of communicating meant I felt well equipped and confidant.
I would recommend anyone thinking of using the Donegal Equestrian Centre to do, it was great value for money and such fun.
Thank you for having me. I will definitely be back.
Best, Christine.read moreread lessChristine23/06/241 June 2024 - 4pm What an absolutely amazing experience. We did this activity as part of a hen party. The horse riding was so much fun. Most of us were beginners and the team explained everything really well so we all felt comfortable. We all had a great time. The horses are all so lovely as were the instructors. Thanks for everything!read moreread lessKaren02/06/24 - Beginners...Saturday 1st of June It was my 7yr old son's firt time riding he was abit nervous and the girls teaching him put him at ease straight away ...they we're very clear on there instructions and chatted to him throughout the hole ride..Very friendly staff he had a fantastic time so much so its going to be our Saturday morning from now on 😊read moreread lessLaura02/06/24Beginner Friday may 31 10am This was an awesome experience for us! We had an incredible time. Would highly recommend to others! Felt very comfortable and our guide was friendly and helpful. Benson and Clive were very good hungry boys and we had a lot of fun.read moreread lessSamantha01/06/2413:45 - 15:45 It was an amazing experience I hope I can go again another time. I was on Leo and it was really exciting because I was never on a tall horse like that before! I loved galloping on the beach and seeing the nature everywhere, the rabbits were adorable but Leo didn't think so😂 There's nothing I would really change I think.read moreread lessSabrina27/05/24
- Beach,sand dunes ride 2hr Great experience, lovely location, friendly staff.read moreread lessLesley23/05/2412/5 @4pm It was my little girls first experience of riding a horse the instructor was amazing, very friendly and enthusiastic whilst giving clear instructions. Her little face lit up and she followed the basic instructions very well. Nutmeg was her horse and she loved her time with him, very well behaved horse for little learners. Thanks to all the team at Donegal Equestrian centre for helping fulfil a little girls dreams xxxread moreread lessAisling13/05/24Beginner Lesson Lovely experience! The instructor knew exactly what she was doing, and the horses were cutie pies! Definitely recommendread moreread lessRayana13/05/24
- Sand Dune 1 1/2 ride - beginners. 5/05/24 2.30pm We had a fab time and its something that we hadn't done before. I have to admit I was a little nervous but Susan our guide put us at ease and was lovely. Benson and Leo were perfectly behaved too. Would definitely recommend!read moreread lessEmma10/05/24Beginner It was a brilliant experience. My daughter absolutely loved it as did I. The instructor was very patient with my daughter and reassured her alot. I would highly recommend it and will defo be coming back.read moreread lessLiam21/04/24Novice 1hr 1/2 ride Beautiful views of the beach from the sand dunes. Beautiful horses and friendly staff. Highly recommendread moreread lessShauna15/03/24
- Beach ride I booked this for my daughter for her birthday and she said it was the best experience she has ever had! Staff were lovely and so were the horses! Highly recommend and we will definitely return. Thank you so much for an amazing experience.read moreread lessKate20/02/24Beginners experience - lunch time on the beach What an experience! Very friendly staff and make you feel very secure throughout your experience. Animals are well looked after and know exactly what they’re doing. I would highly recommend this experience and would definitely do it again. Great services!read moreread lessConor18/02/24Half hour beginners ride Excellent, very enjoyable. Guide was very experienced and friendlyread moreread lessMarcella02/11/23
- Beach ride and dunes Excellent ride, couldn't have asked for a better guide! The horses were wonderful, the stable was clean. Everything was provided, gave us helmets and boots. Our guide was super patient, making sure we were comfortable on the horse and in the saddle. The landscape was breathtaking. She even ordered the warm weather and sun out for us 🙂
I highly recommend. Roche - not sure if spelling correct, took photos for us, made sure we were confident and comfortable on the horse. Told us history about our surroundings, she was a perfect guide.read moreread lessElaine13/10/2311/2 beginner experience and beach trek Great experience, staff were really helpful and friendly with great patience for beginners and well experienced. We will definitely be back as soon as we can be!read moreread lessChristopher09/10/23Half day September 21 I had a great time riding on Clive with my guide Roisin. It had been over a year since I had risen and it was great to get back in the saddle. Riding on the beach in Ireland has been on my bucket list since I was about 9- 20 years later I finally did it. Thank you for a wonderful experienceread moreread lessKatherine04/10/23 - 90 minute Beginner Thursday Sept 14,2023 I was amazed that Elerie could get me, a complete beginner, confidently able to ride Clive so quickly! She taught me in a clear, to the point, most efficient way. Clive was the perfect horse for me to learn with and we rode the dunes together most comfortably! I did not expect to be riding so quickly and I couldn’t be happier!!read moreread lessDebrah16/09/23Novice 30/8/2023 @ 10:30 Great instructor. She was patient and informative. First horse didn't work for me and after switching horses I was grateful for the full time of the ride. Thank you to the instructor whose name I won't butcher by trying to spell but it rhymes with Mary! So sorry. Thank you. I was very pleased with the experience.read moreread lessMary-Ann01/09/23Aug 30, 2023 2hr Advanced ride Chloe and the horses Enzo, Leo, and Dolly were exceptional. We were also very pleased with the horses overall health/appearance and the condition of the paddocks/grounds. The cantering on the beach was just as good as walking through the dunes. We will be sure to come backread moreread lessKatherine31/08/23
- Horse riding between beach and dune It was really amazing, and such wonderful landscape ! Thanks also to my guide who was at the top 😉read moreread lessMorgane16/08/23Beginner Lesson, 10 Aug, 12:00-13:00 We loved our experience! Even though after a short hour our bottoms already were sore, we wish the lesson could’ve been longer. We had such a wonderful time and time seemed to pass so quickly.
The staff is very friendly and informative and none of us felt uncomfortable nor rushed.
Thank you!!read moreread lessAnna14/08/23August 4 at 14:00 As my 9 year-old granddaughter and I tour the entire country of Ireland, this riding lesson was a complete surprise for her. I'm happy to say she was thrilled.
After researching all the equestrian centers in the country, I chose the Donegal Equestrian Center, because they had lessons for every skill level of rider. My granddaughter is a complete novice, while I, 50 years ago used to be an expert, but now consider myself, almost a novice.
Our trainer was highly skilled, patient, fun, and allowed each of us to work at accomplishing the skill, and techniques of sitting a saddle properly, controlling the horse, posting properly, and so much more. It was a very in depth, and wonderful first time experience for my granddaughter.
Thank you so much Donegal Equestrian Centre for igniting the spark for the love of riding in my granddaughter.
After not riding for 50 years, I realize there is a huge amount I have forgotten. It's not quite like riding a bike. It was wonderful to be on horseback again. It brought back so many memories and I'm glad to be reminded of how to do everything properly.
When we return home to the USA, I'll see about getting her riding lessons.read moreread lessPaige05/08/23 - Half hour beginner’s ride Orla had a wonderful time with Fudge- everything was so well organised and pitched at the perfect level for a 4 year old beginner. Her instructor was lovely, very friendly and patient. The rosette at the end was a lovely touch, thank you!read moreread lessClodagh28/07/23Beginner We had a lovely time at the centre. The staff were so friendly and encouraging. The horses were beautiful. We had a great lesson and a lovely walk up the lane.
Thank you so much for a great experience.read moreread lessAisling13/07/23Friday 7th July 13 noon We took a family total beginners ride. 2 adults and 2 boys aged 4 and 7. It was perfect. Our boys were delighted with their ponies which were perfectly sized for them Billy Bob and Peggie Sue. The instructor (and assistant) who brought us around (sorry we actually can't remember her name!) was fun, friendly and more than expert at her job. She put us all at ease and made sure the horses did what they needed to. The horses were so gentle and our boys (and us) enjoyed it thoroughly. We would definitely recommend!read moreread lessDiarmuid09/07/23 - Beginner ride Roisin was an excellent instructor. I felt we have learned a lot in just an hour lesson.
It was really a lovely experienceread moreread lessJoanna29/06/23Saturday @1.45, an hour and a half trek Brilliant.. Arrived and were greeted by Roisin. Professional, reassuring and very friendly but very very competent and safety conscious. Introduced us to our horses, my lad was Clive.. A lovely well muscled and incredibly bidable horse, already tac'd up and ready to rock. The boss was on treacle another fine equine. It was great to see all the stock in such fine shape, horses really well cared for.
After an indoor trial to ensure we were horse ready we set off on an incredibly relaxing trek. The views were just spectacular with lovely hidden trails through the dunes toward the beach and an equally relaxing and enjoyable trek back home. We were treated so well by Roisin, never rushed and inspired confidence the whole way. Very chatty, pointing out local landmarks etc. And let us get comfortable with our mounts. I really didn't want to part with Clive when we got back to the yard. The absolute best way to spend an afternoon. A perfect experience from beginning to end.read moreread lessEimear25/06/231 1/2 Beginner Ride If this isn’t on your bucket list it should be! Riding a horse on the beach in Donegal was the highlight of our trip. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. Thank you for the amazing memories!read moreread lessKelly14/06/23 - Half Day Beginner Everything was perfect. This was the highlight of our whole trip. I have so many positive things I could share, but to sum it up we had the perfect instructor that took care to keep us safe and still have so much fun. She was the best! The ride itself was easy and the scenery was amazing. The horses chosen for us were calm and good-natured so you could just enjoy the experience and the beauty of riding through the dunes and on the beach without worrying. We truly loved everything and would highly recommend to all!read moreread lessGinger14/06/23Cantering on the beach 18/5/2023 I'm very happy for a tour. Guide was a nice lady (forgot her name), I enjoyed her company. I appreciate your way to check that horse and rider go together before entering the stabel area. Personally I prefer fresher horse, but I know that easy going one is safer for unknown riders. I Will recommend you for my friends.read moreread lessSusanna19/05/23Beginner Excellent location for horse riding,
The staff was very nice to as ,
Recommend very muchread moreread lessAdil17/05/23 - Beach - 21/04/23 - 01:45 Really enjoyed our day, guide was highly competent and easy going.read moreread lessDamian22/04/23Good fun had by all. Staff very friendly. Unfortunately, there is no coffee shop but kids had funread moreread lessEric02/04/2326/2/2023 @ 13:45, dunes/beach family ride Absolutely amazing experience! I recommend it to anybody, as the centre canters for all categories and can be flexible as well. We already know we will come back a d bring friends.
Me and my two girls (8&11y.o.) (all horse riding for couple of years) went with 2 instructors for a walk/trot in the dunes and a bit on the beach. My older daughter separated from us with one instructor and went for on the beach - her dream coming true... All three of us enjoyed it really really very much!!!! The instructors were brilliant, very nice, flexible, took videos and pictures for us. The horses were beautiful, smart and so well behaved. We felt really safe. Thank you so much!!!read moreread lessElena26/02/23 - Had a great lesson with Rachel! 2ad 2ch had us all trotting and riding on our own in 1 hour highly recommend!! Great family experience!read moreread lessTeresa04/11/22We were a group of three beginner riders. We were first got briefed by a friendly staff and practised how to command the horse. It was a wonderful guided ride to the beach, up and down the sand dunes. We were very lucky with the weather, so we had a superb view of the ocean and the vast sandy beach! We will definitely go back there again!read moreread lessKhanitthanan24/10/2201/09/22 beach/dunes intermediate ride It was such a magical wonderful experience. Thank youread moreread lessIrena11/09/22
- I can’t put into words how amazing and magical the beach ride was. It was truly an unforgettable experience. It was one of the top highlights of my trip to Ireland and I hope to be back one day!read moreread lessEliza07/09/22beginner and novice sand dune trail wed/thur 11.45 Really good very enjoyableread moreread lesssarah01/09/22beach ride 23/08/2022 9.45 looked professional, friendly staff. Good horses.
They would have liked more time on the beach.read moreread lessSue24/08/22 - My daughters had an absolutely brilliant dune ride. Highly recommend this place.read moreread lessGill19/08/22Beginner pony camp 8th-12th August Our 8 year old daughter had a wonderful time, thank you!read moreread lessCaroline15/08/22Really great experience riding Clive. Eleri was friendly and took some pictures and videos which was a nice touch. If I return to Ireland next year I will look to book again. Many thanks xread moreread lessHayley13/08/22
- Novice 3.45pm Dune Trek Thursday 11th August 2022 Excellent! All staff that I met were very welcoming and friendly, especially Rachel, who led the trek. The horse I got was very suited to my level of experience as I haven't ridden in a very long time. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have booked again for next week.read moreread lessTeresa12/08/22“Amazing horse ride in Donegal” An excellently run centre with lovely horses. Eleri, my guide was friendly and chatty and we had... read moreread moreread lessSJG1812/08/22We booked a lesson for 2 kids and what really made it was the staff were AMAZING. Right from the start they were all very friendly, Caoimhe was the trainer who was so chilled and the perfect temperament and really made it a great experience.read moreread lessWayne09/08/22
- Intermediate 90 minute ride 10am 29/7/2022 I was met by a member of staff in the visitors car park and completed the required paperwork to ride. The ride was a good experience with my instructor Eleri who took pictures for posterity. The time went quickly cantering through the surf on an near empty beach. Brilliantread moreread lessClifford07/08/225/08 at 9.45 beginner beach ride My daughter went on a beach hack and she loved it . She felt safe and instructor was very friendly and helpful.definitely will recommend this place .read moreread lessMaria06/08/22Absolutely brilliant. Brought grandchildren for a first lesson. Instructors were excellent and structure of lesson gave necessary basics followed by great experience to the children experienceread moreread lessMichael27/07/22
- “Highlight of my week in Donegal!” I had a fantastic ride out with the guide Eleri on the lovely Treacle. Cantering down the beach... read moreread moreread lessDublinGirlie26/07/22Had a great trek on Tullan Strand Beach its great they can do treks for experienced peopleread moreread lessLavina24/07/22“Great staff” Great time had by my four boys who were novices regarding house riding. The staff were very helpful... read moreread moreread lessbehyhouse22/07/22
- One Hour beginner course with kids Very accommodating management team who arranged a short notice booking based on our circumstances. Facilities, horses and equipment were first class. Instructors were so friendly to our kids and really encouraged them to have confidence in taking control of the horses themselves.
We will definitely be back to Donegal equestrian centre upon return to Ireland.read moreread lessAdrian19/07/22beginner 1hr 30 min excellent convenient and safe for my daughterread moreread lessDavid17/07/222 hour beginner beach ride, afternoon, 01/07/2022 Very welcoming. Felt very safe and looked after. Very good customer care. Will definitely be back.
There is no sign off the public road into the centre. Having a sign would help with finding the place.read moreread lessColin15/07/22 - Beginner We had a great experience and Caoimhe was super, very friendly, chatty and instructive. There was a lovely view of the beach and sea along the treck.read moreread lessMark08/07/22Child’s starter lesson. Staffs are very friendly and supportive which my autistic daughter badly needed. The way she listened to her instructor with great interest was amazing! It was her first horseback riding, and if only Donegal Equestrian is close to Navan I would surely bring my daughter to any lessons they may have available for her.read moreread lessLussel07/07/22Sand dunes Rachel was lovely and reassured us at all times we were safe on the horse as we were nervous.read moreread lessRebecca02/07/22
- Beach ride We had a brilliant time. Our leader Avery was fantastic, very supportive and accommodating. She made sure that my daughter and I felt safe and happy on our horses.read moreread lessMary01/07/22“Beach pony trek for a real novice” I booked this activity as this was my first visit to Ireland and to the Atlantic coast so felt it... read moreread moreread less946salh30/06/22Children's Group Lesson The girls had a fantastic time! The staff were excellent. Although the four girls had different levels of experience of horseriding, the staff ensured that they all enjoyed the lesson and challenged them according to their riding ability. I would highly recommend booking a lesson!read moreread lessPriscilla28/06/22
- Such a lovely 1/2hr introduction to pony riding for my little chatterbox 5yo. We rocked up without a booking and we were so kindly accommodated at short notice by Chloe and Fudge. Chloe was brilliant and so very patient with my daughter who had barely patted a horse before today. Thank you so much! She hasn’t stopped talking about it 😍read moreread lessDeborah28/06/22This was an amazing trail ride! I had so much fun; we did the perfect amount of cantering, along with relaxing parts then also more challenging areas! Also the views were beautiful, you could tell that some areas would be very difficult to get to unless you were horse back riding. My guide Tillery(?) Was very nice to talk to, knowledgeable about the trails, and also had some fun facts about the land! Would highly recommend to anyone who's thinking of choosing this facility.
-Daedynread moreread lessPamela16/06/22“Amazing (as usual)” I cannot rate Donegal Equestrian Centre highly enough. We booked two separate days of activities... read moreread moreread lessG9771YVlouisew11/06/22 - Beginners Sand Dune Sunday 5th June 3pm Thanks to the three lovely staff who looked after us, we had a great time.
Instructions were clear and staff were friendly and professional.
Everything was well organised, the booking process, getting your hats and boots beforehand, instructions while out on the horses.
We enjoyed getting to know the horses and the scenery on the dunes.
Would love to go again another time.read moreread lessEdel08/06/22“A great experience and lots of fun” We had an excellent experience at the Donegal Equestrian Centre. It was the first time my 8 year... read moreread moreread less585edelm03/06/22Wednesday 25.5.22 9.30am half day experience. Had a wonderful morning, groomed and tacked my horse. Got my saddle legs back with some coaching in the outdoor arena. Trekked through the dunes onto beautiful Tullan Strand for walking, trotting and cantering. Very experienced, attentive and friendly staff. Highly recommend the Donegal Equestrian Centre for your horse riding experience.read moreread lessAngela26/05/22