Overview
Slieve Aughty Centre has been running since 1986 from its base in Kylebrack, just 15 minutes south of Loughrea in County Galway. More than a traditional riding school, it operates as a fully integrated eco-resort spread across 17 acres of organic land, backed by over 2,000 acres of Coillte forestry. The centre is built around a simple premise: reconnect visitors with the seasons, the soil, and the natural rhythms of the west. Whether you are looking for a structured equestrian programme, a gentle woodland walk with a donkey, or a meal grown in the on-site garden, the centre provides a grounded, screen-free escape from the usual tourist trail.
The Slieve Aughty Landscape & History
The surrounding mountain range, known in Irish as Sliabh Eachtaí, stretches across the border of Galway and Clare. The name is traditionally linked to the Cenél Áeda na hEchtge, an ancient tribal grouping that once inhabited these wild uplands. The range is split into two parallel ridges by the Owendallaigh River, which eventually feeds into Lough Cutra. While the highest peak, Maghera, reaches 400 metres, the hills are low-lying and heavily wooded, creating a sheltered microclimate that supports rich birdlife and dense mixed forestry. The riding centre makes use of this terrain, routing treks through quiet, traffic-free tracks that follow the natural contours of the land.
Horse Riding & Equestrian Adventures
The equestrian programme has been running for over 25 years and caters to everyone from first-time riders to advanced cross-country competitors. All sessions are taught by qualified instructors and blend arena work, theory, and trail riding. The centre is accredited by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) and the British Horse Society (BHS), as well as Fáilte Ireland.
- Guided Forest Treks – Hour-long rides through the woodland for riders aged 12 and up. An experienced guide leads the way, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
- Lead Rein Rides – A 40-minute introduction for ages 7+, where staff walk alongside and lead the horse or pony at a relaxed pace.
- Mountain Trotters – The children’s programme (ages 7+) focuses on grooming, tack care, safe handling, and riding skills. Lessons run for two hours and include games, vaulting, and natural horsemanship. Riders can work towards graded levels tested four times a year.
- Adult Lessons & Clinics – Group and private sessions cover flatwork, jumping, and cross-country. The centre also hosts specialised workshops, including the BHS Horse Owner’s Course and centred-riding clinics.
- Cross-Country Course – A 20-acre arena featuring over 40 natural obstacles like banks, water jumps, and stone walls. Body protectors are mandatory for jumping work and must be brought by the rider; helmets are supplied.
Riding operates in all weather conditions, so waterproofs and wellingtons are recommended. Bookings are managed through the Hopoti platform, with a 24–48 hour advance notice required. Stablecards (5 or 10 lessons) offer discounted rates and expire three months from purchase. Cancellations made 24 hours before a lesson are refunded to your stablecard; shorter notice results in a forfeited fee.
Family Activities & The Enchanted Forest
Families without riding experience will still find plenty to explore. The grounds include a toddler playground, a self-serve arts and crafts room, and a farmyard home to alpacas, sheep, donkeys, and Eileen the pot-bellied pig. Donkey walks through the woods can be booked in advance: €10 for a short walk or €25 for a full 40-minute experience. Pony camps run during February half-term, Easter, summer, and October.
The standout attraction is the Enchanted Forest, a self-guided trail set in a native woodland grove near a flowing stream. The path winds past a gnome village, a witch’s hut, a stone ring, and a wishing tree where children can hang biodegradable tags. Entry costs €5 per child and €2.50 per adult. For younger visitors (ages 4–12), a one-way pony ride to the forest gates is available for €25, with parents walking alongside. Each child receives a forest pack containing a map, wishing tree hanger, and nature journal.
Certified Organic Dining
The Slieve Aughty Woods Café & Winebar holds official certification from the Irish Organic Association, making it one of only two organic-certified restaurants in Ireland and the only one in the West of Ireland. The kitchen sources ingredients from local producers and the centre’s own kitchen garden, which has been cultivated since the centre’s early days by founder Esther. Salads, herbs, and seasonal vegetables are picked fresh daily.
Dining options shift with the seasons. From April to October, the centre hosts Friday Pizza Parties in the Italian garden using a traditional clay oven. From October to April, these are replaced by cosy Tapas Nights in the restaurant. The café menu runs Wednesday to Sunday during spring and autumn, Friday to Sunday in winter, and daily throughout summer and school holidays. Large table bookings and group menus should be arranged in advance.
Sustainable Accommodation
Guests can extend their stay in a range of low-impact lodging options. The Three Towers Eco House features nine individually designed bedrooms, most with access to shared balconies overlooking the forest and gardens. In line with the centre’s eco-policy, rooms do not contain televisions, and Wi-Fi is restricted to public areas. A communal coffee and tea station is available on the first floor.
For self-catering, the Chalet de Florence eco-lodge sleeps up to six people across a double loft bedroom and two sets of bunk beds, complete with a wood-burning stove and open-plan kitchen. The Birds & Bees Lodge, Boho House, and various glamping options (including a refurbished horse-drawn wagon and Landrover pods) provide alternative stays for families and small groups.
Practical Information & Getting There
- Address: Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 DX77
- Phone: +353 90 974 5246
- Email: info@slieveaughtycentre.com
- Parking: Free on-site car park for day visitors and guests
- Accessibility: Main buildings and café are level-access. Forest trails and riding grounds involve uneven ground and are best suited to able-bodied visitors.
- Directions: From Loughrea, take the R351 south past Lough Rea Lake. Continue approximately 10km until you reach The Hill Bar on your left. Turn right at the four-way junction, drive 0.5km, and take the first left at the white house. Follow the lane to the car park on the left.
The centre is roughly 45 minutes from Galway City and sits within easy reach of nearby historic sites like Abbeyknockmoy and the scenic Abbert River. Bring a packed lunch if you plan to walk the forest trails, or arrive hungry for the Friday evening pizza in the garden.