Wide open spaces, green forests and natural trails have earned County Wicklow the title of the Garden of Ireland. It’s been appreciated for its beauty for centuries, as is demonstrated by the name of the county and the regional capital, Wicklow Town, which comes from the old Norse for Viking’s Meadow. Speaking of Vikings, the timeless quality of the scenery in this part of Ireland led to it being chosen as the film location for much of the Amazon Prime series called, of course, Vikings. The action of this series takes place against the backdrop of this county landscape with all traces of modernity removed. It’s easy to get a feel for this yourself if you come here for one of the most ancient activities practised in Ireland - horse riding.

Taking a ride on the back of a noble animal like a horse is an incredibly rewarding way to connect with the world around you, and we want to help you to have this experience here. This county boasts mountains for trekking, countryside for hacking and a long coast line for galloping across the sand with the sea breeze in your face. And horses aren’t just for riding. They can be playmates for your children, companions for corporate training days and even assistants in health and wellbeing sessions. With all of this on Dublin’s doorstep, there’s no way you can say no to an equestrian adventure in this area!

Where are the best places to go horse riding in Wicklow?

• Bray: Just a stone’s throw from the Irish capital (if you can throw a stone 20 kilometres) Bray is easy to get to and even easy to enjoy. One of the best activities you can do here is join a horse for a journey through some beautiful outdoor areas. You can visit the quaint village of Enniskerry, trot around the grounds of the Kilruddery Estate, or chill out with the horses at the well maintained stables in the countryside that surround Bray.

• Greystones: The town of Greystones, named after the grey boulders that line its coastline, has won the title of “most livable community” in the world twice in the last 20 years. The horse population is certainly happy to live here, and they provide newcomers and repeat visitors, experts and novices, with riding opportunities that put a smile on everyone’s faces.

• Newtoun Mount Kennedy: Travelling down the Irish Sea coast, you get to Newtown Mount Kennedy. Whatever kind of equestrian experience you’re after, you’ll find it here. There’s family friendly trekking, entry level horseback rides and even horse holidays and children's camps. Quiet country lanes, bridleways and comfortable stable facilities mean that you’ll have a wonderful time here, no matter what you choose.

• Roundwood: Do you like the sound of trekking through unspoilt, private woodland? Then you should plan a trip to the exclusive, 55 acre site, near Roundwood. There’s enough space here for routes of all difficulties that lead through varied surroundings and include some great views. And what’s more, there’s no noise or exhaust fumes from traffic.

• Wicklow: Outside the county town, the village of Gleneagles is the starting point for some of the best horse riding excursions in the area. As well as trekking through the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, you can head for the beaches of Brittas Bay and gallop through the surf, kicking up clouds of spray. These are adventures that you can enjoy as a lone rider, or with a group, with corporate events being particularly well catered to here. Or, if that all sounds a bit too conventional, why not have a life coaching session in the saddle? You’re sure to gain some clarity as you talk things out while traversing some spectacular countryside.

• Arklow: In the south of the region, thie town of Arklow is a popular holiday destination. If you’re travelling from overseas, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a stable here which is accustomed to hosting foreign language groups, and giving them equestrian tuition with some English language tips thrown in.

• Hollywood: No, it’s not the movie capital of the USA, but you can have a cinematic experience here. Wicklow’s Hollywood is a small settlement located at a pass in the Mountains. Taking a horse or pony trekking in this area is a wonderful experience for both horse and rider, with views across the county and out to the Irish Sea on a good day.

What are the options for organising an excursion?

- When it comes to organising an adventure with horses, it helps to be familiar with the terminology. Trekking refers to rides of different lengths that you complete at a slow to medium pace. These can be suitable for inexperienced riders, and adjust to your schedule, with durations from 1 hour to half a day. Hacking is a word which you’ve probably seen before, but you might not know what it means. A hack is a short ride, of a maximum of two hours, which acts as a work out for the horse. They need to get their heart rate up regularly, and cantering over rough terrain is the perfect way to do this. Both of these options are perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the county, whether you’re an individual, or a group of any size.

- Aside from riding, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the company of horses here. Some of them are specifically geared towards children, like pony camps or stable days. These can involve fun and games with horses and ponies, or more educational experiences where your son and daughter can be inducted into the routine of the stable, learning about horse care, hygiene and stable management. An activity of this kind might last half a day, a full day, or take place over the course of a week or so during the school holidays.

Requirements to do this activity

There’s nothing exclusive about the equestrian community here. While some experiences are reserved for experienced riders, hacking for example, there are activities that can be enjoyed by absolute beginners or mixed groups. Treks through the region's landscape can be arranged to avoid difficult terrain, and feature only the calmest horses. Youngsters can get involved with these excursions too, with some stables offering horse riding experiences to children as young as 4 years old, and there are even specialised rides for people with disabilities in some parts of the county.

You can’t get to know this county without getting to know its animals, so book an activity with us today to ensure your place in the saddle!