About the Centre

Killarney Riding Stables was founded in 1968 by Donie O’Sullivan, and today is still run by Donie and his family. The stables offer horse riding in some of the most breathtaking scenery that Ireland has to offer. From trekking and hacking into Killarney National Park for a few hours to the 2 and 5 day post to post Trail Riding options. With over 40 years catering for the equine enthusiast, we provide a professional and enjoyable approach to riding outdoors, while at the same time giving varying levels of abilities a unique experience.

At the stables we provide riding helmets and rubber boots for Trekking into Killarney National Park.

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About the Activities

We have been specializing in guided Treks in the Killarney National Park for over 40 years. These are offered in a safe yet fun setting taking in stunning views of Killarney’s lakes, mountains, town and environs. Each group is accompanied by 1 + experienced guide(s), and it is all ‘English’ style riding. Beginner riders are catered for. The pace when out trekking is walking, trotting and cantering (slow gallop) according to ability.

Additionally we provide 2 dan 5 day long Post to Post Trail Rides along the Iveragh Peninsula of the Ring of Kerry. These trails are fully guided (2 or more per group), group sizes vary from 2-10 approximately. We have a full back up team on the ground at all times, and purpose built facilities/locations en-route post to post for both horses and riders.

About the Horses

Killarney Riding Stables is home to over 100 horses. With our breeding program in place with the last 15 years, we are happy to be able to home grow our stock. At any one time we can have between 30-40 horses from ages 1-4 that are growing up before we begin to train them in. We keep the horses on our many properties between Cork and Kerry and have a rota so that there is always about 30% of the ‘in work’ horses resting throughout the year, on their holidays (which we strongly believe is very important for their health and well being, they need some down time away from humans).

Our Farrier comes weekly, so every hoof and shoe is checked. Our equine dentist is a regular visitor to keep abreast of all things dental much to the horse’s dismay. And of course our vet does regular health checks too.

Our stock of 100 + horses include young un-trained horses, mares and foals, horses in training,and horses trained for trekking and trail riding and each year we bring on anywhere from 8-10 new horses. This compliments the older horses whose work gets cut back by the young ones coming on stream. We keep horses on into their retirement as we believe they are all faithful servants and deserve a peaceful retirement on the properties.

Our breeds range from Irish Draught, Connemara, Percheron, Shire, Cleveland Bay, Suffolk Punch, and Clydesdale to Irish Draught/Percheron Crosses, Shire Crosses, Fell crosses. Our horses are honest, willing and suited for what we do in our trekking and trail riding activities.

About the Facilities and Accommodation

Killarney Riding Stables is a state of the art trekking facility with efficient feeding and horse care practicalities in mind. We are one of the largest trekking centres in the country with over 40 years of trekking experience and know how. We cater for thousands of horse riders who partake in the daily trails into Killarney National Park each year. The Stables are ideally located adjacent to Killarney National Park and just 1 mile, (1.5km) from Killarney Town centre. We have car parking, reception area, toilets and provide riding helmets and rubber boots. All major credit/debit cards are accepted. We stay open all year, 7 days a week, with the exception of one week right before Christmas.

All our rides operate to an extremely efficient schedule taking into consideration both our reserved clients and horses. Groups are guided by our friendly and happy staff, whom are knowledgeable on the Park and are always there to help.

The Post to Post Trail Riding side to our family enterprise, the Killarney Reeks Ring of Kerry Trail Ride, operates for 2 or 5 days from May to September. We have been fortunate over the years to purchase lands en-route and build horse and rider facilities for the end of each day.

Trail accommodations are in nearby villages and towns, in B&anb;B’s and small family run hotels. All rooms have a shower and toilet and where dining is not available onsite there are many local options from fish ‘n’chips to gourmet dining. We have been working with the same hotels and guest houses for many years now.

Customer Testimonials

I took part in the trail last year in august and i loved it soooooo much. It was the best thing i ever did in my whole life.

Carina, Germany

Just wanted to tell you thanks for the great two-day trek last month, your family really made our (rare) getaway a fantastic experience and one I'll treasure forever.

Kathy, United States

We had a fabulous time in Ireland on our holiday with your family, and we both loved the horses we rode for the week. We would definitely do it again and recommend you to anyone who is thinking of taking a riding holiday.

Jackie & Jeni, United Kingdom

Directions to Centre

Killarney Riding Stables and Killarney Reeks Ring of Kerry Trail Ride Base is located just 1 mile (1.5km) west of Killarney Town centre, in County Kerry, Southern Ireland. We are 2 miles (3km) from the Train and Bus Stations in Killarney. We offer complimentary pick-ups from both.

Nearest Airport is Kerry International Airport www.kerryairport.com (10 miles/14km) Bus, Taxi and Car hire available.

Next nearest is Cork Intl. Airport www.cork-airport.com Bus, Train, Taxi and Car hire Shannon Intl. Airport www.shannonairport.com Bus, Taxi, Care Hire options.