Equestrian
Saddle up and see the countryside the way nature intended - on horseback. There are lots of equestrian facilities throughout the district, all happy to provide for the experienced and the first-timer.
Equestrian Visitors Guide 2010
Ballynahinch Riding Centre
13 Ballycreen Road
Ballynahinch
T 028 9756 2883
Tuition, hacking on county roads, forest and beach rides in Newcastle.
Direction: Situated two miles from Ballynahinch. From Newcastle follow A24 to Ballynahinch. Continue through Ballynahinch, stay left. Follow signs for Hillsborough. Continue on for approx two miles to the first crossroads, turn right, and it's the third house on the right.
Mount Pleasant Riding and Treking Centre
15 Bannonstown Road
Castlewellan
T: 028 4377 8651
F: 028 4377 0030
E: info@mountpleasantcentre.com
W: www.mountpleasantcentre.com
Tuition, riding & trekking through Castlewellan Forest Park (traffic free). Floor light sand school, showers & changing rooms.
Ideal for novice and experienced (BHS approvedl).
Age Range:
6 years plus
Opening Hours:
7 days a week all year round
Cost:
Please contact property directly for Admission Rates.
Downpatrick Race Club
24 Ballydugan Road
Downpatrick,
BT30 6TE
T: 028 4461 2054
F: 028 4461 5923
E: info@downpatrickracecourse.co.uk
W: www.downpatrickracecourse.co.uk
The second oldest race course in Ireland and home of the Ulster Grand National. Holding the reputation as one of the friendliest racecourses in Ireland, horse racing has taken place at this course for over 300 years. A covered grandstand and associated facilities are catering for over 2,500 people. A new dedicated hospitality building holding up to 450 people is available for hire on non-race days.
Facilities include: Tote facilities, betting facilities, fast-food restaurant, corporate lunches and free parking. Magificent views over the Mourne Mountains and Drumlins of Down.
Tullymurray Equestrian Centre
145 Ballydugan Road
Downpatrick
T: 028 4481 1880
E: turleyelaine@hotmail.com
W: www.tullymurryequestrian.com
International size indoor school. Cross country course affiliated to Eventing Ireland Society. Children's Camps. Show-jumping and working hunter arena. British Horse Society approved.
Age Range:
All ages
Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday
Inclusive Fee:
Riding Lessons
Adult £15 per hour, Child £14.
Directions: From Newcastle take main A24 towards Clough. Then take right turn at roundabout for A25 to Downpatrick - travel approx two miles along this road on left hand side and watch out for the large black and white sign for Tullymurray Equestrian Centre.
Mourne Trail Riding Centre
96 Castlewellan Road
Newcastle
T: 028 4372 4351
E: MgtNewsam@aol.com
W: www.mournetrailridingcentre.com
Trail riding through Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough Nature Reserve and on the beach.
Prices:
Adults £18 per hour, £35 for 2 hours. Experienced Children £15 per hour, £30 for 2 hours.
Directions:
From Newcastle take A50 for Castlewellan for two miles. At the second cross roads, the centre is on the left.
Lessans Riding Stables
126 Monlough Road
Saintfield
T: 028 9751 0141
E: info@lessanridingtables.com
W: www.lessansridingstables.com
Tuition, trekking and hacking on quiet country roads.
Age Range: All ages
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 21:00
Fee: £14 per hour for group lessons
Directions: From Downpatrick take A7 for Belfast. Continue straight through trafffic lights at Saintfield. Approximately one mile through town, take lane off main road to the right signposted Lessans Riding Stables. Continue up lane and over a side road bearing to the left. Riding stables at the top of the hill.
Accommodation
Accommodation Ballynahinch
Accommodation Castlewellan
Accommodation Downpatrick
Accommodation Newcastle
Accommodation Saintfield
Contacts
Downpatrick Tourist Information
The Saint Patrick Centre,
53a Market Street
Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ
T 0 28 4461 2233
F 0 28 4461 2350
E downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk
Newcastle Tourist Information Centre
10-14 Central Promenade,
Newcastle, BT33 0AA
T 0 28 4372 2222
F 0 28 4372 2400
E newcastle.tic@downdc.gov.uk