Moycullen Riding Centre
About
Moycullen Riding Centre is situated near Galway city, in the magnificent surroundings of the Connemara countryside. They offer one and two hour treks along bog roads and across mountains. Or why not try their beach ride on Rushing Bay off Galway Bay. Private and group lessons for beginners also available with qualified B.H.S.A.I instructor.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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5.0
199 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
0
David M
County Cork, Ireland7 contributions
Oct 2022
The entire team at Moycullen Riding Centre was a pleasure to work with. Communication leading up to the day was flawless and they were very patient with me as I made & adjusted travel plans. On the day of our trek, we had a wonderful time. The scenery is stunning and we felt in good hands. It was truly an unforgettable experience and the perfect way to engage with that majestic landscape.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen McK
Galway, Ireland3 contributions
Aug 2022
I enjoyed a fabulous beach ride with Moycullen Riding Centre in Rusheen Bay, Galway, last week. The weather was warm, the views over Galway Bay to Clare were gorgeous, and of course, the horses were perfect (as always! I also take riding lessons with Moycullen Riding Centre). We had a big range of abilities of those riding with us, as Moycullen RC is great at catering to riders at every level. Some people walked the whole way on placid horses, others enjoyed a brisk trot and a few lucky ones enjoyed a fast canter on the sand . We were out for a little over an hour and I enjoyed every minute of my time up on Nemo. Tommy is the best guide and instructor to have on a trek and is great fun while Sandra is equally great and was a perfect organiser. I am saving up to go again as soon as possible! Thank you Tommy and Sandra and Nemo! (review written by my 12-year-old daughter)
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Home User
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We had a great time here. My husband and I brought the kids here, we have never rode a horse. The staff got us a suitable horse to rid. We went in a group up the lane to the hills. The horse was guided by a lovely girl as I was scared my horse could wonder off. We felt relaxed riding the horses. There is car parking The stables had toilets and tea/coffee shop with seating. We could pet the stable horses. It was a great afternoon for the kids out in the good weather. I would strongly recommend it and definitely be back next time I visit Galway.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meghan Dowds Roddy
Belfast, UK12 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Absolutely wonderful experience here. Tom and his wife were the most welcoming and friendly people and all the guides were just lovely! So relaxed and easy going, it made it so easy to relax and feel confident with the horses. The views while out trekking were breath taking too. Loved every second of it! Horses were simply beautiful! Thank you Alfresco 🐴
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laurie M
Avignon, France14 contributions
May 2022
We had the chance to do the Beach horse ride at the end of May, we are riding since we are kids so we were scared to be bored or with low level and actually we were alone, and it was so great ! What was really fun is that we both had horses that matches with our personnality I was riding Pochahontas really dynamic and willing horse and my friend was riding Jess a more chill horse who take it easy. We really had a great time there and I definitively recommand it to anyone who would like to enjoy a beach horse ride with Moycullen whatever your level they will find the perfect horse and profide you an incredible time. The only thing I regret is that it wasn't longer and that we didn't asked our guide to take a video of one of the gallop on the beach
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jane P
Denver, CO2 contributions
Jun 2022
Well trained ponies for trail rides. Super safe.Horses are well cared for. Guide accommodated us at the last minute and am thankful for service and hospitality
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elizabeth F
County Tipperary, Ireland6 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
It was so lovely to be back at Moycullen Riding Centre. Once again big welcoming smiles from Sandra and Tom. We were bang on time heading off on our trek with a really lovely group with lots of chatting & laughter. The pony I was riding was very settled and I was very comfortable riding him. I got a nice canter out of him and with the experienced help of Tom I was never unsure of myself or my pony. Cannot wait to get back to Moycullen for another trek. Highly recommend it.
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maya Chae
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Friends
the instructor was very nice, professional and pleasant to talk to. the group members (6 of us) were great and I’m so happy that worked out, we all got along well and I made some new friends today.
The ride out to the beach was not good for me. Despite being in an “advanced group”, there seemed to be people of all different levels there. There were people who had only ridden once, people who have only done group horse treks (like this) a few times, and people who have years of experience. I happened to have the most experience in the group and was given a nightmare of a pony. Sorry Fresco, you’re very sweet on the ground but that’s about it. If I had known you’d try to buck me off when I asked for a canter or refuse to leave a patch of grass you found every 10 feet, I would have said I’ve never ridden in my life. He definitely had my number, even though he was a Connemara pony he was quite strong. I’m 5’3, 115 lbs and when he decided to throw his head down and munch on grass, there was quite literally nothing I could do. even with a riding crop it was near impossible to get him back on the path and with the rest of the group. I got maybe 3-4 seconds of a canter out of him. It was hard enough to get him to trot. the riding instructor had to come over and twirl the lead in his hand to get him going. That’s when he started bucking (when Tom would come over and try to get him to move for me). €90 spent on blistered hands, strained leg muscles, and a pony that refused to move half the time.
My advice for this trek? if you want a temperamental horse be honest and say you’re an experienced rider. Ponies are more stubborn than horses, that’s just an unwritten rule in the horse world. They will also test you right off the bat. If you’re not firm with them they’ll know what to get away with and at that point you might as well just get off and walk.
The ride out to the beach was not good for me. Despite being in an “advanced group”, there seemed to be people of all different levels there. There were people who had only ridden once, people who have only done group horse treks (like this) a few times, and people who have years of experience. I happened to have the most experience in the group and was given a nightmare of a pony. Sorry Fresco, you’re very sweet on the ground but that’s about it. If I had known you’d try to buck me off when I asked for a canter or refuse to leave a patch of grass you found every 10 feet, I would have said I’ve never ridden in my life. He definitely had my number, even though he was a Connemara pony he was quite strong. I’m 5’3, 115 lbs and when he decided to throw his head down and munch on grass, there was quite literally nothing I could do. even with a riding crop it was near impossible to get him back on the path and with the rest of the group. I got maybe 3-4 seconds of a canter out of him. It was hard enough to get him to trot. the riding instructor had to come over and twirl the lead in his hand to get him going. That’s when he started bucking (when Tom would come over and try to get him to move for me). €90 spent on blistered hands, strained leg muscles, and a pony that refused to move half the time.
My advice for this trek? if you want a temperamental horse be honest and say you’re an experienced rider. Ponies are more stubborn than horses, that’s just an unwritten rule in the horse world. They will also test you right off the bat. If you’re not firm with them they’ll know what to get away with and at that point you might as well just get off and walk.
Written 19 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Theresa
Leicester, UK29 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
Excellent. I conversed with Audrey to arrange my beach ride who was very efficient and friendly. I met Tom my guide who was health and safety conscious and I immediately could see how happy the horses were and so well turned out. Tom was just Great. The weather was Windy and some rain and the horses so good. Tom made such an effort to ensure I had a memorable ride. Thank you for a great time and the opportunity riding your beautiful horse. Theresa Mansfield
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clare H
Manchester, UK5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Took my daughter and I on a hours trek onto " the tops" overlooking the moors and beyond . Tom was brilliant and I felt confident riding ( as I'm a beginner) . The horses were beautiful and happy healthy horses and were a joy.
A very lovely riding school
We will be back again when we are in Galway again
A very lovely riding school
We will be back again when we are in Galway again
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I've been trying to reach them since last week too, am inquiring for openings the week of Oct 22. I've not heard anything back from any of the venues I've tried (tripadvisor contact info, on their website info, & directly from my email). Their website recommends reserving in advance, but I'm finding that hard to do. Any more direct contact information you can give?
Shannon S
Yakima, WA5 contributions
I got ahold of them via email at info address, but that was back in the spring... perhaps they are slowing down/getting ready for winter? I wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to go! If you can't get ahold of them may be worth stopping by as it's only a few minutes from Galway and hopefully at that time of year they wouldn't be too busy to fit you in.
Da2011
Santa Cruz, CA384 contributions
I have made several attempts to contact them and inquire/reserve beach riding for our upcoming trip. None of my emails have been answered. Does anyone know how to reach them? or should I avoid them because they are no longer giving rides?
JAfromNYC
Staten Island, NY15 contributions
Unfortunately it took me a few attempts to reach out to them, but they are still giving rides. They are located off the beaten path in Galway. It is awesome. Goodluck and I hope you get to experience it
Iasán Ó Riabhaigh(Jason Ray), Tipperary.
36 contributions
I am a beginner and I have only been on a horse once before.I am planning a trip to Moycullen this coming August and I was wondering if I would need to book a trek in advance,and if so,when would be the ideal time to book?
Iasán Ó Riabhaigh(Jason Ray), Tipperary.
36 contributions
I am a beginner and have only been on a horse once before.I am planning to visit Moycullen this coming August and I was wondering would I need to book a trek in advance,and if so,when would be the ideal time to book?
jem9699
Lehigh Valley, PA23 contributions
Are helmets provided? My daughter and I would like to visit this June but I'm not sure that all of our gear will fit in our luggage. Thank you in advance :)
petermodginger
County Cork, Ireland
There is Helmets provided , BUT don’t fit you at all , not comfortable at all.
If you want body protectors There is LOTS OF BROKEN ones there too.
Pony’s/Horses are half dead , they are worked too hard and don’t get a break. When my children have been doing horse riding for 1 year. There horses are way too worked hard.
Brouchers are “Too good to be true” I love the picture of the Horses on the beach, the site is located no where near the beach.
Tom was our instructor who had to crack a branch off a tree to give to my daughter to hit the pony as it was “half dead” worked way too hard.
1 helper there was on her phone for the whole 1 hr Treck.
Wouldn’t recommend to go here again.
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Moycullen Riding Centre | | UPDATED November 2022 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Moycullen Riding Centre
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- (4.44 km) White Gables Restaurant
- (6.40 km) West Restaurant
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- (10.66 km) Esquires Coffee (Galway)
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