Bantry Bay Equestrian

Bantry Bay Equestrian Bantry Bay Equestrian Centre - riding lessons too! 5 minutes from Bantry town on the main N71 Cork road opposite the turning to Durrus. Call us on 087-7765539

Join us at Hollyhill just 5 minutes from Bantry next to the main road to Cork (N71 at the junction with the R591) for a trail ride to Maggie Murphy's cottage. There's no traffic to worry about as you make friends with your horse or pony before we set off on our private farm tracks. We ride through the ancient woodlands of Hollyhill full of Scots pines, oaks, alder and holly trees. The track climbs

gently through the woods before emerging above the tree line, riding safe paths past heather, gorse and beautiful fuschia. Maggie Murphy's Trail leads to the ruined cottage where our horses rest as we take in the breathtaking views down Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay. Bring your camera because we often see deer, kestrels, wild goats and other wildlife. Maggie Murphy's Trail is suitable for riders of all abilities and we have a wide variety of safe horses and ponies. Rides are accompanied by experienced and fully insured guides and riding hats and body protectors are provided. You should allow 1-2 hours at Hollyhill including the time spent getting to know your pony and for any photos you might like to take. Maggie Murphy's Trail costs €30 per rider. Riding lessons also available.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU ☺️ Well done to all the volunteers who made our open a day roaring success🤗We couldn’t have done it...
05/09/2026

THANK YOU, THANK YOU ☺️
Well done to all the volunteers who made our open a day roaring success🤗
We couldn’t have done it without you guys. You were amazing from staffing the café to leading the Ponies to showing everybody around and making all those lovely new people feel welcome.

To all the new people who came and tried riding for the first time, well done you did amazing and by the smiles you left with we can tell we’ll see you all again very soon🥰

We had a great age range in attendance from two-year-olds to let’s put it politely Granny aged🤪

We are looking forward to meeting you all again soon whether it’s in the 11 am on a weekday for the returning mums and and older who were finally getting round to having a go themselves. Or to welcoming lots of youngsters to the half hour lessons in the afternoon on weekdays or Saturday mornings.

See you all soon!🐴🐴🐴🐴

🤗FREE OPEN DAY Saturday, 5th September from 2–5pm🤗An opportunity for children, teenagers and adults to discover horses ...
01/09/2026

🤗FREE OPEN DAY Saturday, 5th September from 2–5pm🤗

An opportunity for children, teenagers and adults to discover horses 🐴

I’m sharing details of an upcoming Free Open Day and introductory riding programme at Bantry Bay Equestrian Centre, Hollyhill, Bantry, next Saturday at 2pm.

Horse riding can offer much more than simply learning to ride. Spending time with horses can help develop confidence, balance and coordination, responsibility, patience and resilience alongside fitness. The calm, focused interaction involved in caring for and working with horses can also support emotional wellbeing and help those who experience stress, anxiety or low confidence.

We are holding an Open Day on Saturday, 5th September from 2–5pm, where all can meet the horses and instructors, tour the facilities and ask questions without any commitment. We also offer an introductory package of four sessions for €90, designed for complete beginners, nervous first-timers, young riders and those returning to riding. We welcome all ages from 3 upwards, our youngest rider today is 4 and our eldest rider are in their 70’s.

We’re particularly keen that riding should feel accessible, welcoming and inclusive. Schools can arrange group visits, and quieter, sensory-friendly slots are also available

31/08/2026

…..and some of the wildlife is WILD 😜 🤣🤣

It’s not just riding lessons around here, guys. So far today, a sleepy bee on a mounting block. Signs of a badger in the...
31/08/2026

It’s not just riding lessons around here, guys. So far today, a sleepy bee on a mounting block. Signs of a badger in the yard and is that a Kerry slug? Lots and lots of wildlife in this beautiful part of the world.

Open Day coming up😊If you want to come and have a look in a relaxed atmosphere before you decide to try riding as a spor...
25/08/2026

Open Day coming up😊

If you want to come and have a look in a relaxed atmosphere before you decide to try riding as a sport or as a way of winding down and relaxing come on Saturday the 5th of September🥰

It’s a very informal afternoon where you get to chat with regulars and staff and take your time to absorb the atmosphere of our place while meeting the horses and ponies 🥰
Tea/coffee available and short trial rides for prospective riders to make sure you like it before you commit to lessons 😊

Schools can organise to bring Special Classes for an acclimatisation day on Wednesday 17th September by appointment.
These days are kept quiet with plenty of helpers to show you around and introduce the ponies.
For appointments for the Wednesday 17th WhatsApp 0877765539.

School starts next week 😳Not all new riders have this expression on their faces🤣😅It’s that time of year again where you ...
22/08/2026

School starts next week 😳

Not all new riders have this expression on their faces🤣😅

It’s that time of year again where you book the kids in for different sports after school.

To make it easier for you here are some tips about using our online booking system.

https://hopoti.com/en-ie/stable/BantryBayEquestrianCentre

1. You can book lessons as drop ins as long as a space is available 😊
2. If you prefer a course of lessons you can buy 4 or 10 lessons at a discount. These are sold as stable card credits. Then you book the dates/times that work for you using the credits
3. You can cancel/rebook lessons up to 24 hours beforehand for no fee.
4. The bookings close online at midnight for the following day. If you don’t remember to book in you can always check by WhatsApp on 0877765539 to see if I can fit you in😎😉

We try to accommodate all abilities and ages so if you are booking your kids in why not join them? 🥰 It’s one of the few sports that can be enjoyed by the whole family together.

Neurodivergent people are drawn to horses and we adapt our lessons to whatever we need to accommodate everyone.

ALL ARE WELCOME 😃

21/08/2026

🚨Summer Holidays are nearly over 🚨

Book in if you’ve been meaning to come all summer and haven’t got around to it yet, there’s still time and spaces to enjoy a trek while the weather holds☀️☀️☀️

https://hopoti.com/en-ie/stable/BantryBayEquestrianCentre



📚✏️

17/08/2026

Look at the baby newts😍
It’s great what wildlife you see here even in the water trough 😳

The cloudy eclipse 😍
12/08/2026

The cloudy eclipse 😍

Cuddles before bed🥰
11/08/2026

Cuddles before bed🥰

Address

Opposite Junction Of N71 And R591, Hollyhill
Bantry
P75RT39

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+353877765539

Website

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