Fact Sheets & Video - Ireland

Hop on a horse and do as the Irish do

Connemara is the name given to the wild and barren western portion of County Galway, Ireland, which lies between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic.

From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. The region has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland, and it incorporates one of the most important Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas in the country. But beware - If you look for Connemara on road signs, you may be looking forever, because it's not a city or county, but an area or region, like the Burren in County Clare.

Here, in Ireland's Wild West, amid a stunning patchwork of bogs, lonely valleys, mountains and lakes, you can meet the very incarnation of an Irish Horseman, Willie Leahy.

Willie is said to be the first man to lead a vacation trail ride anywhere in the world & he has been leading horse lovers along the Connemara Trail, said to be the oldest trail ride in the world, for well over 30 years.

Today visitors can enjoy one of Willie's horse treks of 6 days or more, that are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Guests spend four to six hours a day on horseback before retiring in luxurious hotels or guesthouses scattered amongst the Connemara's mountains, coastline and quaint villages. Luggage is brought by car from accommodation to accommodation, while the catering problems are taken care of by the Connemara Trail's dynamic team.

Whether riding among castle and manor ruins & along mountain paths or along the endless beaches of the Atlantic coast, this is a way to explore Ireland like no other.

Further Information:

Connemara, Ireland

Air China fly return to London From $1722 ex Melbourne

$1740 ex Sydney

$1979 ex Brisbane

(02)9232-7277

Prices correct at 24/4/08 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus from London to Dublin from $130 one way

www.aerlingus.com

Prices correct at 25/4/08 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

Aille Cross Equestrian Centre - Connemara Trails

Co. Galway, Ireland

Connemara Trails,br>

6 day packages including meals from $2,259 a person twin share.

May - October

www.connemara-trails.com

Prices correct at 25/4/04. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply

Tourism Ireland

www.discoverireland.com.au