Horseback Riding at Mount Juliet in Ireland

“I’ve ridden in Alberta, Canada and all over Ireland,” said Power. “What I like about riding in Mount Juliet is that it’s so picturesque. Every day there’s something new to make you happy.”

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Nancy Brown horse riding in Kilkenny, Ireland

Nothing makes me happier than riding during an equestrian holiday in Ireland. I wasn’t aware that Mount Juliet housed one of the most prestigious equestrian centers in Ireland. So famous in fact that some of the finest equestrians have come to ride here before shows in Dublin or to take lessons from world renowned Grand Prix dressage riding instructors.

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Equestrian holidays in Ireland by River Nore

I had picked up the brochure in my hotel room and read about the strong connection between horses and Mount Juliet Estate that dated back over 400 years. How magical to know that others rode horses by the River Nor as I did just recently.

With two all-weather arenas and a 30 acre cross country course, there’s something for the beginning rider or the accomplished equestrian. I opted for the one hour trail ride that took me by the waterfall, River Nore and along the manor house grounds. Our spring ride in March had us seeing wild flowers and yellow daffodils throughout the estate.

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Acres of trails to ride on the private Mount Juliet Estate

“What I like about riding in Mount Juliet is that it’s so picturesque. Every day there’s something new to make you happy.”

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Wild flowers and daffodils surround horse and rider

Need to Know:
Jacqueline Malone owns Mount Juliet Equestrian. Thirty quality horses are available to ride at the equestrian centre (that’s the proper spelling in Ireland.) I had the pleasure of riding Junior a 17.2 hand full Irish Draft horse. Thankfully, the center has a wonderful natural stone mounting block on property.

During my visit, the one hour ride cost 40 euro, 2 hour trail ride 70 euro and 20 euro for 1/2 hour lead outs for young children. Picnic rides and private lessons are available with advance notice.

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Admiring the waterfall in Co Kilkenny, Ireland

Insider Tip:
Ballylinch Stud is across the river from Mount Juliet Estate. Lady Helen McCalmont’s loved horse racing and had the stables built in 1914. Ballylinch is the second largest stud farm in Ireland and the fifth largest operation in Europe.

Guests of Mount Juliet are able to visit the stud farm and learn about its history, from its early war horse efforts from use on the battlefronts of Flanders to today, where Ballylinch Stud stands 7 Group 1 winning stallions. If you stay in a riverview room, you’ll be able to watch the mares and colts trot around in the pasture.