Donegal from the Saddle explores the most spectacular landscape of North Donegal around the magical beauty of Sheephaven Bay. The terrain is wild and rugged with breathtaking scenery, miles of secluded sandy beaches, mountains, rivers, lakes and bogs.
Explore the rugged untamed beauty around Sheephaven Bay on our Five Day Trial Ride or enjoy a Midweek or Weekend Horse Riding Package tailor made to suit you. You will experience magnificent landscapes, miles of golden sandy beaches, mountains, rivers, moor and bog.
You will experience the wilderness, fused with peace and tranquility as you climb high into the mountains,gallop over isolated beaches and meander over hillsand valleys. Here is the place to unwind as youdiscover the hidden secrets of a landscape never to be forgotten.
Dunfanaghy Stables
Horse riding is a well-established activity at the hotel and is extremely popular with our guests. The centre is approved by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments A.I.R.E., the British Horse Society B.H.S. and the Irish Tourist Board.
The stables are managed by John and Helen McDaid. Helen was born in County Wicklow and comes from an equestrian background. Her father was an active horse breeder with whom Helen worked and gained experience before going on to gain her qualifications as an approved instructor with the British Horse Society (B.H.S.) and the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (A.I.R.E. Helen also has a qualification in stud management from the Irish National Stud, where she studied during her early years of training.
John was born in Moville, County Donegal and is the third generation of a well-established family business of Farriers. John spent his childhood days acquiring the traditional skills and techniques of the trade alongside his father, who in those days was one of the leading Farriers in the area. John went on to complete his training as a Master Farrier and is also the holder of a Bord na gCapall Diploma in Farriery. John now has his own forge and a thriving business in which he employs and trains potential Farriers. The riding-school operates from Easter onwards and caters for all levels of experience with the emphasis on safety at all times. Qualified and experienced staff are on hand to assist all riders. There are safe ponies for young children and mature horses to suit adults at all levels.
The terrain in the area is ideal for riding through magnificent unspoiled scenery. Explore the beauty of the beaches, bogs, mountains and the surrounding countryside. There is provision for one hour rides on the beach for beginners as well as two and three hour rides and a full day for the more experienced riders.
As a special concession there is a 10% discount on the price of one and two hour rides available exclusively to guests staying at Arnold’s Hotel.