About the Centre

Bel-Air is a family run country house hotel and equestrian centre, located 45 km from Dublin airport. The centre is set in the midst of 200 acres of farm and parkland with breathtaking views across the countryside out to the sea. We are probably best known for our cross-country ride-outs, and specialise in building rider confidence on the cross-country course. Bel-Air caters for the experienced rider, and takes great care to match horses and riders. 

We offer riding holidays and short breaks, but you are also welcome for just a ride-out or a lesson. After riding you can relax with a pint or a cup of tea in the hotel. Also guests who don’t ride will enjoy the whole setting of a working farm, horses, and the beautiful surroundings.

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About the Activities

We specialise in building rider confidence over cross-country fences on experienced horses. Other riding is available too: flat-work, show-jumping, cross-country jumping, clinics in all disciplines and hacking through fields and forest. Special riding holiday packages can be tailored to suit your particular needs. In the autumn we also arrange mock-hunts.

About the Horses

Horses at Bel-Air are either home-bred or carefully selected Irish sport horses. They are a mix of Irish draught, thoroughbred and connemara, which gives a quality horse with an excellent temperament. As youngsters, our home bred horses gain experience on the hunting field as well as competing in all disciplines before they are introduced to clients. This results in well-schooled, experienced horses that are a joy to ride. They will look after you when you need it, and yet rise to the challenge a more experienced rider is looking for.

• Simoni, 16 hh grey mare, home bred Irish sport horse
• Izzy, 16.1 hh coloured mare, Irish hunter
• Barney, 16.2 hh grey gelding, registered Irish draught
• Spirit, 15 hh coloured mare, quality Irish cob
• Nala, 16 hh bay mare, home bred Irish sport horse
• Halfpint, 15 hh bay mare, quality Irish cob
• Red Millie, 16.1 hh chestnut mare, home bred Irish sport horse
• Samson, 16.1 hh bay gelding, Irish sport horse
• Cracker, 16 hh bay gelding, Irish sport horse
• Clint, 16.2 hh grey gelding, registered Irish draught

About the Facilities and Accommodation

Bel-Air is a country house hotel with a homely atmosphere. The hotel dates back to the 1890s, while the stable yard was built with the original house in the 1750s. The place is full of history, with records going back as early as the 1500s. For instance, Sir Roger Casement spent a lot of time here and his signature can still be seen on a bedroom wall.

Bel-Air is a listed building, with most of the original layout still intact. We have 10 en-suite bedrooms, many of which have the high ceilings, fire places and other features of the old country house. The roaring log fires in the reception and the bar make it hard to leave once you sit down.

Customer Testimonials

Just when I think it couldn’t possibly get any better… it just does! Can’t wait to return...

Andy, UK

Bel-Air is certainly a very special place for me ... it has a soul. The special combination of people, horses and the place itself make Bel-Air unique. The warmth of the welcome and the friendliness of everyone I have met there is truly outstanding. I felt 'included' in absolutely everything from the very first day... and then it just got better and better! Which, I guess, is why I keep on coming back for more.

Andy, UK

Bel-Air has given me a wonderful 3 years of riding. My confidence has continually grown thanks to the brilliant quality of the horses and the encouragement of the experienced   friendly instructors. Add to that a great social scene that makes the riding at Bel-Air all the more enjoyable.

Aisling, Ireland

Directions to Centre

We are just outside the village of Ashford in Co. Wicklow, which is 45 kilometers south of Dublin airport, just off the N11. You will find detailed directions on the Bel-Air website.
Website: www.belairhotelequestrian.com

You can also find us on Google Maps