County Wexford, with its sandy beaches and rolling countryside, offers an inviting landscape for equestrian enthusiasts. Its scenic bridle trails and well-established riding centres make it a prime destination for those eager to explore on horseback.
A Historical Bond with Horses
Horses have long been part of Wexford’s cultural and agricultural heritage, integral to farming, transport, and sport. The county’s equestrian legacy dates back centuries, with local estates breeding horses for work and competition.
County Wexford upholds a strong rural horse tradition with thoroughbred breeding and training, notably featuring Redmondstown Stud (associated with legendary trainer Jim Bolger, producer of multiple Classic winners like Teofilo, Dawn Approach, and Mac Swiney). The county has produced top trainers including Aidan O’Brien (born here, later moving to Ballydoyle) and supports point-to-points, local hunts, and National Hunt elements through dedicated yards and its foundational role in nurturing elite talent.
This tradition continues at places like Shelmalier Riding Stables, Wexford’s longest-established centre, operating for over 40 years. Wexford’s deep connection to horses provides a rich foundation for visitors seeking to experience its landscapes through riding.
Development of Equestrian Tourism
Equestrian tourism in Wexford has grown through efforts to create accessible trails and modern facilities. Bridleways along the southeast coast, through Courtown Woods, and across the Blackstairs Mountains offer riders diverse routes.
Centres like Shrule Equestrian Centre and Wexford Equestrian Centre have expanded opportunities, providing lessons, treks, and holiday packages. These developments ensure Wexford remains a welcoming hub for riders of all abilities.
Bridle Trails and Local Opportunities
Wexford’s bridle trails showcase its diverse landscapes, from the coastal paths of Cahore Beach to the forested trails of Forth Mountain.
- Shrule Equestrian Centre, between Ballygarrett and Kilmuckridge, offers beach rides along Cahore’s south beach, ideal for confident riders.
- Shelmalier Riding Stables, near Wexford Town, provides scenic hacks through 3,000 acres of forestry on Forth Mountain, with views of the coast and Blackstairs Mountains.
- Ballycanew Riding Centre, less than 15 minutes from Courtown, offers treks through picturesque countryside.
- Kingsford Equestrian Centre, in Barntown, provides forest walkway treks, perfect for families and beginners.
Tour Operators and Facilities
Wexford is home to several operators and facilities catering to equestrian tourists.
- Shrule Equestrian Centre, AIRE-approved and run by James Cosgrave, offers beach rides, lessons, and pony camps, with two floodlit outdoor arenas and livery for up to 10 horses.
- Shelmalier Riding Stables provides lessons, pony camps, and scenic treks, with indoor and outdoor arenas for all levels.
- Wexford Equestrian Centre, a top-class venue, offers lessons, showjumping, and livery services, with access to outdoor arenas and a horse walker.
- Kingsford Equestrian Centre, set in a restored farmhouse, provides tailored lessons and forest treks.
- Bloomfield Farm Equestrian Centre, near Enniscorthy, offers group and private lessons for all ages, with a pay-by-the-month system and a focus on rider comfort.
These facilities, equipped with modern amenities, ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
County Wexford:
Ireland’s county Wexford combines coastal beauty with historic sites, with the Hook Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest, offering scenic coastal views. The Irish National Heritage Park recreates ancient and medieval settlements, while Wexford’s beaches, like Curracloe, provide sandy shores for walking. Other attractions include the historic town of Enniscorthy and its castle. Wexford is Ireland’s 13th largest county by size (2,351 square km) and 14th largest by population (163,919). Population peaked at 202,033 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 83,308 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Wexford is Ireland’s eighth most visited tourist county with around 229,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings– Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Equestrian
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
