Tag: beara

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Lios Lara Riding Stables

Here at Lios Lara we aim to offer safe, enjoyable equestrian activity all year round. With so many horses and ponies to choose from, Lios Lara Riding Stables can accommodate riders of all ages and abilities. Whether it be a family wanting to pass some time together or a small child having their first pony ride – we have something for everyone.

Who are we:

Born out of a young girl’s childhood passion for horses, Lios Lara Riding Stables is a family-run equestrian centre. Suitably qualified with a BA Hons in Equine Business, Annie O’Neill’s grá for horses, once a hobby, has now evolved into a thriving business. Supported by parents Julie and Mick and partner Tinso, also a keen and experienced horseman, Annie’s Coaching Cert, BHS Stage 2 Teach and BHS Stage 3 Horsemanship with Distinction guarantees her expertise in providing each and every customer with a unique experience with horses tailored to their individual level of riding ability.

What we do:

Lios Lara’s facilities cater for every equine enthusiast from the pleasure rider to the competitive. Providing either long or short term livery, Lios Lara provides riding lessons to both adults and children, in groups or individually, as well as a full trekking service amid the woodlands and hills of the beautiful Beara Peninsula which take in breathtaking views of the area. For younger riders Lios Lara hold pony camps, one day workshops, fun competitions and shows, mini-treks, children birthday parties, breaking and schooling service.

 

Mission Statement:

Lios Lara’s mission is to promote and encourage good Horsemanship in a safe and fun atmosphere, allowing students to work at their own pace while achieving individual goals. At Lios Lara we foster a caring and inclusive ethos where all who pass through our yard are respected and treated equally at all times. Annie’s qualifications include an Irish Pony Club B+ Test (Distinction), Occupational First aid, Safe guarding 1 and 2 and Garda vetting. All staff and volunteers over 18 are Garda vetted and hold Safe Guarding 1 as a minimum. Our stables are fully insured for all its activities.

 

Trek Beara’s woodland and hills while overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay, Bere Island and Ardnakinna Lighthouse.

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Beara Bridleway

The Beara Bridle Way, a track along which horse riders have right of way, is Ireland’s first ever horse trail. A booking with Lios Lara will kit you out for this horseback trail which hug mountain flanks overlooking 23 kilometres of rugged scenery, stunning seascapes and dazzling views of Beara’s sister peninsulas and South Kerry.

For those considering riding the Bridle Way, Lios Lara offers a range of options. Long and short treks are available, as well as half and full days riding on the Beara Bridle Way

Full day treks

This consists of approx 5 hours riding, doing the full route of the Beara Bridle Path. Starting at the stables, riding over the hill to Allihies, stop off point for lunch here. Heading over the copper mines road into Urhan and finally riding back over the hill to the stables. A very challenging route, both for horses and riders, this is geared towards the experienced rider. Steep inclines enroute. Min of 2 people and max of 3, depending on riders weights and heights. Please remember max weight our horses can carry is 15stone.

Price: €175 per person. Single supplement applies where only 1 person wants to ride the full day, price for single person is €200

 

Half day treks

This trek can range from 2 hours to 3 hours depending on the speed riding based on riders experience. A smaller route with just as much fabulous scenery and landscape as the full day. Ideal for novice riders, ideally able to walk and trot, great for riders getting good back into riding or for the  experienced rider. Great for groups of holiday makers. Min of 2 people and max of 5 people, depending on riders weights and heights. Please remember max weight our horses can carry is 15stone.

Price: €80 per person

Single supplement applies for 1 person price is €105

Family treks

Approximately 1.5 hours long, an enjoyable trek at a pleasurable pace. Ideal for a family wanting to spend a few hours together at an affordable price. Open for experienced and beginner riders , option for experienced rider to have a short canter while beginners stop and take in the view. 2 adults and 2 to 3 children , depending on riders weights and heights. Please remember max weight our horses can carry is 15stone.

Single supplement price: €40

For groups of riders under 4 price is €35 per person

€130 for family of 4

€150 for family of 5.

Livery

We offer over night livery for those wanting to bring their own horse on holiday. 5 star service, spacious 12×12 stables fully matted, automatic drinkers and use of our facilities. Bedding and hay included, we will do the mucking out for you so you can relax!

Price: €25 per horse per night.

Hire a guide

For those that bring their own horse, we can also supply a guide to take you over the paths if you are unsure of where to go. If you choose to ride out with one of our guides you will not be disappointed, all born and bred in Beara and bursting with knowledge of the area.

Price: please contact Annie for price

Booking

Full day treks generally tale place from June to September, this is when the horses are best fit for this kind of work work and the paths are more rideable. Half day treks go all year round but must booked well in advance, its not always possible to ride over the hill during the winter months, however we offer a lovely route along the Beara Way which is most suited to the winter months. To book, please email Annie at aonctb@yahoo.co.uk with all your relevant information, if you could fill out one of our rider assessment forms and send it with your inquiry alot of the information we require will be on this. This will speed up the process on our side. Once you have confirmed a booking with Annie, you will be required to pay a non refundable deposit of €50 euro per booking, and 100€ deposit of 3 or more or if more than on trek is booked. This is to secure your place. If you cancel you will loose your deposit, cancelling 48hours before the trek results in full payment. Please note full day and half day bridle path treks can only take place on weekends, Saturday and Sunday

https://lioslarastables.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/liability-lios-lara-form.pdf

Above is the link for for rider assessment form, these must be filled out for all bookings, this will be recorded as part of covid contract tracing as well as retaining specific information for the ride. Your details will be held on file in private.

*please remember that all visitors should follow the rules of the yard. Hats and body protectors are supplied by our school but not footwear, please arrive with appropriate footwear such as wellies or boots with a small heel to ensure safety. . No access to other parts of the yard. Please arrive 5 minutes or on time for your booked appointment. Our toilet is available if necessary but please sanitize before and after you enter. Payment can be accepted through card or revolut, if paying with cash please have the correct amount in an envelope. treks go ahead in all weather on the exception of weather warnings. All bookings are secured with a nonrefundable deposit, once your deposit is paid your booking is secured and cannot be changed or rescheduled unless in the event of government lockdown and restrictions. If you wish to reschedule your original deposit will not cover a rescheduled booking and so a new deposit will have to be paid

Thank you

For any more queries please call us.

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Area

Lios Lara Riding Stables, located at Tir na Hilan, near Castletownbere, is tucked into the sides of the Slieve Miskish Mountains which sculpt the beautiful Beara Peninsula. We are situated at the starting point of the Beara Bridle Way and on the route of the famous Beara Way.

On route to Lios Lara, you will pass Derreenasagart stone circle which beholds one of Ireland’s most impressive views onto the harbour’s mouth at Berehaven as well as Tir na Hilan raised ring fort.

 

You will also enjoy stunning views onto one of Europe’s deepest harbours, Ard na Kinna lighthouse, Dunboy and its Puxley’s mansion.

After your visit to our stables why not ramble through Castletownbere where you can enjoy quality West Cork food in our quaint cafés, restaurants and bars; local seafood and chocolate brownies a must! Beara is home to many art galleries and craft shops; browse to your heart’s content and choose a special item to remind you of your visit to Beara.

Castletownbere is an international fishing port and you are likely to hear Spanish, Portuguese and a host of other languages being spoken in bars and shops mingling alongside the soft West Cork brogue of the locals.

Castletownbere Festival of the Sea occurs during the first week in August. The regatta takes place on the Bank Holiday, and there are many events held during the week, including live music in the town square each evening.

The Beara Arts Festival also takes place each August where art exhibitions, drawing, writing and music workshops, and performances take place.

Some local attractions:

  • Ferry over to Bere Island; steeped in military history the island was home to four Martello towers and a Signal tower as part of a chain of British coastal defence.
  • Play golf at the 9 hole Golf Club, Castletownbere.
  • Fish on land and on sea, or take sightseeing boat trips of the harbour.
  • Rib it out to the famous nautical landmark, the Bull Rock, from Garnish.
  • Swim in one of Beara’s many safe inlets or the beach at Ballydonegan, gorgeous Allihies.
  • Ride over water to Dursey Island on Ireland’s ONLY cable car, and only European cable car that goes over sea water. Visit Dursey Island, popular with bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Without disturbing the peace of the Buddhist monks who run the DZOGCHEN BEARA RETREAT CENTRE, have a look at the breathtaking views from their cliff top meditation room.
  • Kayak with seals in Adrigole.
  • Learn local history with Beara Baoi Tours.
    Ask at Lios Lara for more detailed information.