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The British Horse Society Ireland

         
 
     
 

Horse Trails

 
 

This section aims to show places where you can currently ride your horse off-road. Click on the map or use the drop down search box, Or you can view all the trails here... 
Search for routes in...
 

Select an option to search for and click on go, or use the map on the right.

If you intend to ride in any of the forests, we recommend you contact Forest Service NI +0044 (0)28 9052 4480 or Carol Ryan at Coillte +00353 (0)120111132 first for permit information and also in case any of the trails are temporarily closed due to Forestry Operations etc. 

Or you can view all the trails here...

Co.Down Co.Londonderry Co.Antrim Co.Tyrone Co.Donegal Co.Fermanagh Co.Armagh Co.Leitrim Co.Cavan Co.Monaghan Co.Louth Co.Dublin Co.Meath Co.Westmeath Co.Roscommon Co.Sligo Co.Galway Co.Mayo Co.Offaly Co.Kildare Co.Laois Co.Wicklow Co.Wexford Co.Carlow Co.Kilkenny Co.Waterford Co.Cork Co.Kerry Co.Limerick Co.Tipperary Co.Clare Co.Longford

Are You Riding Responsibly? Know the code before you go.

Respect other countryside users
Keep to designated trails/areas.
Go slower in areas of reduced visibility.
Do not ride on crops or poach up the surface.
When the ground is very wet...wait for another day
Ride slowly past livestock/wildlife.
Leave gates as you find them.
Do not bring dogs along while on horseback.
Tell someone your route & when you should return.
Wear fitted approved standard riding hat, with appropriate riding boots.
Carry switched off mobile phone, hoof-pick & twine.
Take care on roads, wear fluorescent, reflective clothing.
Ensure tack is sound and properly fitted.
Take all litter home; don't muck up the car park.
Always follow the ethics of LEAVE NO TRACE

Access To The Countryside in Northern Ireland

Generally speaking, public access is restricted to:
areas of land which are in public ownership and to which the public are invited to use,
public rights of way, or
where the public have the landowner’s permission to visit.
In some areas of Northern Ireland, there is de facto access to open land. This means that the landowners tolerate access but, irrespective of the historic use of the land, there is no legal basis to the situation.

Permissive Paths

A permissive path is not a public right of way but a route which the landowner has given permission for people to use. Most paths in Country Parks and over National Trust land are permissive. So too are some paths which district councils have negotiated with private landowners. These agreements may include for insurance and maintenance by the district council. A permissive path may only be used by the public under the terms and conditions agreed by the landowner. Most permissive paths are only open to walkers.

BHS Toll Rides

There are currently two trails in Northern Ireland open to BHS members who pay for a Toll Ride permit. For more information go to http://www.bhsireland.com/join-toll-ride.asp

Public Rights Of Way

Anybody can use a public right of way that is:
a public footpath - on foot only
a bridleway - on foot or on horseback (but not bicycle)
a carriageway – on foot, on horseback, on a bicycle or in a vehicle (subject to any Roads Service legislation)

Beaches

Although many beaches are open to the public, there is no automatic public right of access. You should be aware of local by-laws and other restrictions, and also avoid crossing private land to access the seashore.

The Access to the Countryside Order 1983 is available at:
http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/access_countryside1983.pdf


Most of the responsibility for access to the countryside in Northern Ireland lies with district councils and local issues should be referred to the access or countryside officer at the relevant District Council.
District Council Countryside Officer, contact details:
http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/countryside_officers_july_2008.pdf

 
 
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