Birr Equestrian Centre
Birr Equestrian Centre
5
About
Birr Equestrian Centre has been catering for riders and horse enthusiasts for over forty years under the direction of Noel Cosgrave and his team of dedicated instructors. The centre is open 7 days a week to cater for your every need and there are a range of services from entertainment to sales and breeding. Birr Equestrian Centre is A.I.R.E. and Board Failte approved and all instructors are certified by the British Horse Society. Located in the Midlands we offer riding lessons; cross country treks and tuition; hourly, half day and full day trekking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains; trekking holidays in conjunction with local accommodation providers; pony camps and much much more! Carriage Driving, Archery, Laser Shooting and Clay Pigeon Shooting are also available on site.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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5.0
44 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Sandra M
Rossnowlagh, Ireland98 contributions
Jul 2021
I have been looking forward to going to Birr for the last three years!!
I booked a hack for myself and my 11 year old daughter.
I have some experience of horse riding but my daughter doesn't but I told the gentleman that and booked it all
When we got there we were greeted by a lovely lady but unfortunately she didn't accompany us on the hack.
We left the arena without even doing a circle of it. We also had with us two smaller children accompanied by their mother who was walking along.
My daughter wasn't shown how to guide the horse or hold the reins, in fact I heard the girl snap at her a few times about where she was putting her hands, to lean forward on the horse on the way up the hill etc
There was absolutely no interaction with us and it totally felt like the grooms that came with us were bored. At one stage the young girl even say, I am not taking these horses on a trek again.
My horse only got a bit of excitement when he was going home!!! The only thing was it was a very hot day.
But I wouldn't be in a hurry back and I wouldn't recommend the centre to anyone. Sorry!!
I booked a hack for myself and my 11 year old daughter.
I have some experience of horse riding but my daughter doesn't but I told the gentleman that and booked it all
When we got there we were greeted by a lovely lady but unfortunately she didn't accompany us on the hack.
We left the arena without even doing a circle of it. We also had with us two smaller children accompanied by their mother who was walking along.
My daughter wasn't shown how to guide the horse or hold the reins, in fact I heard the girl snap at her a few times about where she was putting her hands, to lean forward on the horse on the way up the hill etc
There was absolutely no interaction with us and it totally felt like the grooms that came with us were bored. At one stage the young girl even say, I am not taking these horses on a trek again.
My horse only got a bit of excitement when he was going home!!! The only thing was it was a very hot day.
But I wouldn't be in a hurry back and I wouldn't recommend the centre to anyone. Sorry!!
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are really sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your visit with us, please be assured that we will discuss your comments with our staff and strive to ensure that these issues don't happen again. Once again apologies.
Written 21 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Henry T
Syracuse, Italy34 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I would highly recommend the slieve bloom mountain trek. A steady pace for beginners and opportunities for the better experienced horse and rider to let off some steam. Then back to Kinnity Castle for a pint of stout and salmon sandwich. They don’t hire horses for hunting any more but can advise you on the local hunts. Lessons for beginners and intermediate, my kids have been going for years now. The 100 word minimum review requirement by trip advisor is way to much for a reticent man like myself to fulfill so im rambling on here so that someone at trip advisor might take notice.
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashleyxod
Dublin, Ireland7 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Booked an hour long horse trek for 4 of us during our stay at Kinnity Castle and could not recommend the experience enough. I was a bit nervous as a beginner and having never been on a horse before but maeve ensured to make it a wonderful experience for us all and made me feel so calm and truly enjoy the experience. Maeve was just exceptional. The 5 horses were also so well behaved and placid. I could not say a bad word about the experience, it was a bucket list activity for me and I am so glad I did it. Overall an amazing experience. Thank you Maeve.
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clo
Muscat, Oman4 contributions
Sept 2021
My son and I booked a 1 hour trek leaving from Kinnitty Castle Hotel today and it was fabulous. From the initial contact to our dismount I was very happy. Noel lead us today and was very friendly, professional and courteous . We felt very safe at all times and really enjoyed the views and the trails. Often horses just plod along on trails and then get a little excited once headed towards home but that was not the case here, they were perfect gentlemen the whole way and rode at a pace comfortable to us. I really hope that on our next visit to Ireland we can come and do a longer trek. Many thanks to Noel and the two Jacks for a great time. Highly recommend.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your kind words.
Written 21 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John H
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Great ride out with Maeve through Slieve Bloom mountains starting at Kinnity Castle. in had a gorgeous 16.2hh Gelding called Black Jack calm and experienced horse. I have experience so we had a lovely cancer and overall highly recommended relaxing day.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mkenna
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Went too burr equestrian centre yesterday. All I can say is it was class. The owner is very nice. This is my second time to ride. The lovely senery and sheep and baby lambs running around the fields beside you is breath takeing. We were there for hour and a half and only 25 Euro great value. If you want to see a lovely country side this is the place. Will be going back 10 out 10 .
Written 10 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelly w
12 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I had the pleasure of going out on a 2 hour trek with Noel's nephew during my visit. I specifically wanted to ride in the mountains, which brought me to Kinnitty. It was easily one of the best rides of my entire life! I am a dressage rider back home in the states and was craving some galloping through the Irish country side. I was certainly not disappointed! We cantered through the woods, crossed streams, and across Irish fields. It was straight out of a dream! The horses were very safe and well spirited and cared for. Noel and his nephew were both sweet and charming, and really added that authentic irish feel to the entire trip. I just wish I had gotten to enjoy the previous night's party at the pub! Sounded like so much fun. I'll come back here any chance I can. My only regret is not being able to ride with them longer!
Written 18 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly,
Thank you so much for your lovely review, I will pass on your compliments to Andrew and we hope to see you again very soon!
Written 16 October 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CrinkleDublin
Dublin, Ireland188 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We kicked off Christmas this year with a Sunday morning visit to the Birr Equestrian Centre. They were doing a Christmas special. My 3 grand children, novices to horse/pony riding were so excited. From the moment of registration, we could not have asked for a better experience. Children chose their ponies, thinking deeply about which pony they would like while a very patient young man, let them think, did not hurry them up and was so kind. Ours were then kitted out with hats and mounted on very quiet ponies. They were then led, one by one, around the arena, even walking over jumps. The staff were all so helpful, caring and yet very safety conscious. Maebh, who was in charge, has an ability to be attentive while all the time keeping an eye on everyone in a calm, confident and professional manner. Our group were besides themselves with excitement. We were able to view their progress from upstairs where there was a kettle to make cups of tea and a huge tin of Quality Street sweets and red lemonade.The children could not believe their luck. Then they were called down to the arena and as their names were called out, each child was presented with a beautiful rosette.
Older, experienced children encouraged and helped younger children. Later Santa Claus arrived ....on a horse. Such excitement. I would encourage anyone with children to make this a stop, make the detour, come to Birr. On top of all that, the price was 10 euro a head. The best value we have had for years.
Older, experienced children encouraged and helped younger children. Later Santa Claus arrived ....on a horse. Such excitement. I would encourage anyone with children to make this a stop, make the detour, come to Birr. On top of all that, the price was 10 euro a head. The best value we have had for years.
Written 23 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry T
Syracuse, Italy34 contributions
Jan 2021
good knowldegable staff, kids enjoy the lessons, inside and outside ring, large fields for good days too. Jumping
Written 8 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan M
United Kingdom8 contributions
Aug 2019
The two of us booked a two-hour trek in the Kinnitty Castle grounds, led by a lovely girl called Kiera. The weather was great and Keira told us lots about the local area and much besides. The horses seemed more than happy and made the journey very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this equestrian centre if you are in the area! Thank you!
Written 28 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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