Slieve Aughty Riding Centre

Overview

Slieve Aughty Riding Centre is a certified Ecotourism Ireland destination nestled in the foothills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, just 10 km north‑west of Loughrea and a 45‑minute drive from Galway City. Spread over 17 acres of organically‑managed land, the centre is surrounded on three sides by more than 2,000 acres of Coillte forest, giving visitors a true wilderness feel while still offering the comforts of a 4‑star eco‑resort.

The heart of the site is its equestrian operation – a family‑owned stable with over 30 well‑trained horses and ponies, a 20‑acre cross‑country course, and a large all‑weather sand arena. Complementing the riding facilities are the Three Towers Eco‑House (a 9‑bedroom guest house with an organic kitchen), a range of glamping lodges, a craft workshop, a toddler playground, and the award‑winning Slieve Aughty Woods Café & Winebar, one of only two organic‑certified restaurants in the West of Ireland.

History & Background

Founded in 1986, Slieve Aughty Centre has grown from a modest horse‑riding school into a full‑service eco‑resort. The family owners expanded the site in 2012 with a sustainably built guest house and have since added conference rooms, a library, a garden pergola and a dedicated arts‑and‑crafts space.

The centre is accredited by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE), Failte Ireland and the British Horse Society. Its organic kitchen is certified by the Irish Organic Association, and the whole site follows a strict “Leave No Trace” policy, using biodegradable cleaning agents, chemical‑free pasture management and renewable energy where possible.

Awards & Sustainability

Slieve Aughty Riding Centre was awarded a Gold award by Ecotourism Ireland for its “Walking with a Donkey” experience and “Family Green Holidays” programme. The centre also holds:

• Ecotourism Ireland certification (Gold level)
• Irish Organic Association certification for the Three Towers Eco Kitchen
• AIRE, Fáilte Ireland and British Horse Society approvals These recognitions underline the centre’s commitment to low‑impact tourism, sustainable food production and responsible horse‑care.

What to See & Do

Equestrian Adventures

• Trail Riding – Guided hacks through endless forest paths, with routes ranging from a 40‑minute introductory trek to full‑day excursions. Riders of all abilities can join; children as young as five may take a lead‑rein pony ride, while experienced riders can test themselves on the 20‑acre cross‑country course featuring over 40 natural obstacles such as water jumps, stone walls and ditches.
• Riding Lessons – Qualified instructors run group (1 hour) and private (40 minute) sessions for ages 5‑95. Lessons combine arena flatwork, theory and trekking, and are offered Wednesday to Sunday. Advanced riders can book clinics, BHS courses or use the all‑weather arena for focused training.
• Donkey Walks & Pony Camps – Gentle donkeys can be led through the forest while children enjoy safe pony rides to the Enchanted Forest. Pony camps run in February, Easter, summer and October. Donkey walks require a booking and cost €10 for a short walk, €25 for a full 40‑minute ride.
• English‑Language & Corporate Programmes – Short‑term English immersion courses combined with riding, plus team‑building days that blend horseback activities, donkey walks and outdoor problem‑solving challenges.
• Adult Riding Getaways – Evening organic wine tasting and specialised training programmes for adult groups seeking intensive riding holidays.

Enchanted Forest & Family Activities

The Enchanted Forest is a self‑guided fairy trail complete with a gnome village, witch’s hut, stone ring and wishing‑tree tag. Every visitor receives a biodegradable map, fairy dust, a nature journal and a pencil. Pony rides into the forest cost €10 for a short ride and €25 for a full 40‑minute experience.

Other family‑friendly amenities include:

• Arts & Crafts Room – Paint, craft and create keepsakes.
• Toddler Playground – Safe outdoor play area.
• Farm Animals – Meet Eileen the pot‑bellied pig, alpacas, sheep and friendly donkeys.
• Walking & Cycling Trails – Over 50 km of quiet lanes and forest tracks suitable for all fitness levels. The trails connect to nearby country roads that lead to the Abbert River, a popular spot for trout fishing.
• Birthday & Party Packages – Customisable celebrations with pony or donkey rides, craft activities and the centre’s famous organic pancakes.

Food, Drink & Events

The Three Towers Eco Kitchen serves certified organic meals prepared from garden produce, including a popular organic pancake breakfast and clay‑oven pizza on Friday evenings (April‑October). Seasonal festivals – Spring/Easter, Halloween and Christmas – add themed activities, charity rides and craft workshops.

Accommodation

• Three Towers Eco House – Nine individually decorated rooms (seven with shared balconies), en‑suite bathrooms and organic breakfast. No televisions; Wi‑Fi is available in public areas only.
• Boho Eco Lodge & Chalet de Florence – Glamping‑style lodges with wood‑burning stoves, communal coffee/tea stations and private bathrooms. Ideal for groups up to 23 guests.
• Birds n Bees Lodge – A cosy two‑bedroom lodge with bunk beds, perfect for families.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring/Easter – Egg‑hunt in the Enchanted Forest, themed pony rides and a special Easter brunch.
• Summer – Friday pizza parties, extended kitchen hours and longer trail‑riding days.
• Autumn – Halloween “Witches’ Walk” through the forest, pumpkin carving workshops and night‑time lantern rides.
• Winter – Warm organic soups, mulled wine at the café and the “Comfort, Calm & Country Air” weekend retreat.

Facilities & Amenities

In addition to the riding facilities, the centre offers:

• Pilates / Yoga studio – Small class space for wellness sessions.
• Conference & Meeting rooms – Suitable for corporate retreats and workshops.
• Library & Classroom – For school groups and educational programmes.
• Locker rooms, showers and toilet block – Free for guests.
• Free on‑site parking – Includes spaces for horse‑trail trailers.
• Stable‑card & Gift‑card schemes – Purchase lesson packages (5‑ or 10‑class cards) or gift vouchers online.
• Wi‑Fi – Available in the café, guest house lounge and conference areas.

Safety & Visitor Guidelines

• Helmets are mandatory for all riders; body protectors are required on the cross‑country course.
• Acceptable footwear: sturdy boots with a small heel – no flip‑flops, sandals or open‑toed shoes.
• Long trousers must be worn in the yard; shorts or skirts are not permitted.
• Dogs are welcome on a leash in the café and garden areas but are not allowed inside stables, arenas or paddocks.
• All riding activities must be booked 24–48 hours in advance; same‑day bookings are not accepted.
• Children must be supervised at all times; the minimum age for formal riding lessons and forest treks is 5 years.
• The centre follows a strict “Leave No Trace” policy – visitors are asked to take any litter home and use the biodegradable map and journal provided for the Enchanted Forest.

Practical Information

Opening Hours – Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am‑6:00 pm year‑round (some sources list 10:00 am‑6:00 pm Wed‑Sun – please confirm). The Organic Kitchen operates daily for lunch and dinner (seasonal hours). Enchanted Forest walks are open daily; donkey rides require a booking.

Booking – All riding activities, lessons and donkey walks must be booked at least 24–48 hours in advance. Reservations can be made via the centre’s reservation page, the Hopoti platform, or by phone. Stable‑card lesson packages (5‑ or 10‑class) are available online and expire after three months.

Contact & Directions

• Phone: +353 (0) 90 974 5246
• Email: info@slieveaughtycentre.com
• Address: Kylebrack, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 DX77, Ireland
• From Loughrea: take the N66 to the round‑about, follow the R351 south, pass the Hill Bar, turn right at the four‑way junction, then left at the white house. The car park is on the left.

Facilities – Toilet block, locker rooms, classroom, small library and free Wi‑Fi in public areas. The all‑weather arena and cross‑country course are open to riders who bring their own horses or hire from the centre’s stable.

Accessibility – Paved paths lead to the café and Enchanted Forest entry point. Wheelchair access is limited to the central building and café area; forest trails are uneven and best suited to able‑bodied visitors.

Parking – Free on‑site parking for cars and horse‑trail trailers.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

• Loughrea – Explore the historic town centre, Loughrea Lake and the medieval Abbeyknockmoy ruins (just a short drive away).
• Abbert River – A short cycling route leads to this scenic river, popular for trout fishing and picnics.
• Coole Park – About 30 km north, the National Folklore Collection and beautiful woodlands make a pleasant half‑day outing.
• Galway City – Within an hour’s drive for cultural attractions, shopping and nightlife.

FAQs (excerpt from Galway Tourism) Can I visit just for lunch without riding? Yes – the Organic Kitchen and Enchanted Forest are open to the public. Minimum age for riding? Formal lessons and forest treks require riders to be at least 5 years old; younger children can enjoy gentle pony rides around the yard or the popular donkey walks in the forest. Group and school trips? Absolutely. Slieve Aughty is a popular choice for eco‑friendly school tours, birthday parties, and corporate team‑building days, offering a mix of outdoor education, riding, and craft workshops.