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Inclusive riding, thoughtfully delivered

Riding at Bantry Bay Equestrian Centre is calm, inclusive, and unhurried. Sessions are adapted to the individual and delivered at a considered pace, in a safe, respectful environment set within quiet, open grounds with views across Bantry Bay.

Happy Team
Happy Team
Happy Team

About Our Centre

We are a long-established, female-led equestrian centre that has been part of the West Cork community for over 20 years. We offer calm, inclusive riding in a supportive environment where people of different abilities learn together, and where care for horses and riders always comes first.

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Years Experience

Years
Experience

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Horses & Ponies

Horses
& Ponies

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Open 7 Days

Open
7 Days

Our Vision

To be a calm, trusted equestrian centre where people of different abilities can ride and learn together, supported with care, dignity, and respect. We aim to provide inclusive access to horses in a way that protects welfare, strengthens confidence, and contributes positively to the local community.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver calm, inclusive riding in a safe and supportive environment, adapting sessions to the individual while prioritising dignity, confidence, and horse welfare. We aim to offer accessible, mixed-ability riding that welcomes people of different needs and experiences, without labels or pressure.

Our Approach

A calm, inclusive approach, adapted to the individual and grounded in care for people and horses.

Regular Riding Lessons

Structured, mixed-ability lessons focused on learning, confidence, and enjoyment at an individual pace.

Riding Lessons

Regular Riding Lessons

Structured, mixed-ability lessons focused on learning, confidence, and enjoyment at an individual pace.

Riding Lessons

Regular Riding Lessons

Structured, mixed-ability lessons focused on learning, confidence, and enjoyment at an individual pace.

Riding Lessons

Therapeutic & Inclusive Riding

Supportive riding adapted to individual needs, delivered within a calm, mixed-ability setting.

Teeth Whitening

Therapeutic & Inclusive Riding

Supportive riding adapted to individual needs, delivered within a calm, mixed-ability setting.

Teeth Whitening

Therapeutic & Inclusive Riding

Supportive riding adapted to individual needs, delivered within a calm, mixed-ability setting.

Teeth Whitening

Treks

Calm, traffic-free treks along private farm tracks and woodland, with panoramic views across Bantry Bay.

Teeth Whitening

Treks

Calm, traffic-free treks along private farm tracks and woodland, with panoramic views across Bantry Bay.

Teeth Whitening

Treks

Calm, traffic-free treks along private farm tracks and woodland, with panoramic views across Bantry Bay.

Teeth Whitening

Standards & Progression

Standards & Progression

Training at the centre is guided by clear standards and a thoughtful approach to progression. Georgia’s wide experience supports riders to develop in a fun, stimulating, and supportive environment.

She is a Horse Sport Ireland Level One coach with over two decades of experience teaching riders from beginners through to international level, and completed her initial training over several years with Swiss Olympic event rider Heinz Wehrli.

Progression is supported through the Capall Awards system, which is used as a practical guide to learning rather than a formal exam process - thorough, confidence-building, and designed to reduce pressure.

Testimonial Image
Testimonial Image
Testimonial Image

National Champion

I began riding at Bantry Bay Equestrian Centre at the age of four, and the training I received then laid the foundation for everything that followed. Georgia’s calm, patient approach is focused on good horsemanship, confidence, and understanding the horse.

She has continued to support and mentor me through the years. As a trainer now, I can clearly see how valuable that early grounding was, and how much it continues to shape my work today.

Lucy O'Connor

Professional Rider & Trainer

Our Facilities


Our Facilities

We offer well-maintained indoor and outdoor arenas, providing a safe and supportive environment for riding year-round.

Indoor Arena

A large, well-lit indoor arena with a viewing area for families and visitors.

24 Hours Ready

Indoor Arena

A large, well-lit indoor arena with a viewing area for families and visitors.

24 Hours Ready

Indoor Arena

A large, well-lit indoor arena with a viewing area for families and visitors.

24 Hours Ready

Outdoor Arena 1

A spacious, flood-lit outdoor arena allowing riding and lessons beyond daylight hours.

Accurate Diagnostics

Outdoor Arena 1

A spacious, flood-lit outdoor arena allowing riding and lessons beyond daylight hours.

Accurate Diagnostics

Outdoor Arena 1

A spacious, flood-lit outdoor arena allowing riding and lessons beyond daylight hours.

Accurate Diagnostics

Outdoor Arena 2

A large, flood-lit arena offering a more private setting for focused, low-distraction riding.

24 Hours Ready

Outdoor Arena 2

A large, flood-lit arena offering a more private setting for focused, low-distraction riding.

24 Hours Ready

Outdoor Arena 2

A large, flood-lit arena offering a more private setting for focused, low-distraction riding.

24 Hours Ready

Cross Country

A natural cross-country area with water, banks, and varied jumps, set against the backdrop of Bantry Bay.

Pay Installment

Cross Country

A natural cross-country area with water, banks, and varied jumps, set against the backdrop of Bantry Bay.

Pay Installment

Cross Country

A natural cross-country area with water, banks, and varied jumps, set against the backdrop of Bantry Bay.

Pay Installment

Maggie Murphy's Trail

Maggie Murphy’s Trail is a peaceful mountain trek along a private farm track, winding through woodland and native planting with wide views over Bantry Bay.

Accurate Diagnostics

Maggie Murphy's Trail

Maggie Murphy’s Trail is a peaceful mountain trek along a private farm track, winding through woodland and native planting with wide views over Bantry Bay.

Accurate Diagnostics

Maggie Murphy's Trail

Maggie Murphy’s Trail is a peaceful mountain trek along a private farm track, winding through woodland and native planting with wide views over Bantry Bay.

Accurate Diagnostics

Events

The centre regularly hosts equestrian events, including West Cork TREC and Special Olympics programmes.

Our People

A small, dedicated group who care deeply about our riders, our horses, and how things are done here.

Georgia
Lead Instructor
& Manager
Georgia
Lead Instructor
& Manager
Dagmara
Trek Leader
& Stable Manager
Dagmara
Trek Leader
& Stable Manager
Alanah
Assistant Instructor
& Exercise Rider
Alanah
Assistant Instructor
& Exercise Rider
Lenia
Trek & Lesson Assistant
& Exercise Rider
Lenia
Trek & Lesson Assistant
& Exercise Rider
Sol
Trek & Lesson Assistant
& Exercise Rider
Sol
Trek & Lesson Assistant
& Exercise Rider

Experiences

Reflections from families and riders at the centre.

Before You Ride

Starting somewhere new can feel uncertain. Before riding, we invite you to have a conversation, visit the centre, and take the time you need to find what feels right for you.

01

Start a conversation

The best way to begin is with a conversation. You’re welcome to get in touch by phone or email to ask questions, talk things through, or share a little about what you’re looking for - with no obligation to book.

02

Visit the Centre

03

Find the right fit

04

Ride at your own pace

Appoinment

Before You Ride

Starting somewhere new can feel uncertain. Before riding, we invite you to have a conversation, visit the centre, and take the time you need to find what feels right for you.

01

Start a conversation

The best way to begin is with a conversation. You’re welcome to get in touch by phone or email to ask questions, talk things through, or share a little about what you’re looking for - with no obligation to book.

02

Visit the Centre

03

Find the right fit

04

Ride at your own pace

Appoinment

Before You Ride

Starting somewhere new can feel uncertain. Before riding, we invite you to have a conversation, visit the centre, and take the time you need to find what feels right for you.

01

Start a conversation

The best way to begin is with a conversation. You’re welcome to get in touch by phone or email to ask questions, talk things through, or share a little about what you’re looking for - with no obligation to book.

02

Visit the Centre

03

Find the right fit

04

Ride at your own pace

Appoinment

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone’s situation is different, and it’s natural to have questions. We’ve answered some of the most common ones here, and we’re always happy to talk things through if you need more information.

Are your lessons suitable for beginners?

Yes. We regularly welcome beginners, as well as more experienced riders and those returning to riding after a break. Lessons are adapted to suit the rider’s experience, confidence, and comfort level.

Do you cater for more experienced riders?

What should I wear for a lesson?

How do I book lessons or sessions?

Are lessons mixed-ability?

Do you offer quieter or low-stimulus sessions?

Do you offer therapeutic riding?

Do I need a diagnosis or referral to ride?

Are your lessons suitable for beginners?

Yes. We regularly welcome beginners, as well as more experienced riders and those returning to riding after a break. Lessons are adapted to suit the rider’s experience, confidence, and comfort level.

Do you cater for more experienced riders?

What should I wear for a lesson?

How do I book lessons or sessions?

Are lessons mixed-ability?

Do you offer quieter or low-stimulus sessions?

Do you offer therapeutic riding?

Do I need a diagnosis or referral to ride?

Are your lessons suitable for beginners?

Yes. We regularly welcome beginners, as well as more experienced riders and those returning to riding after a break. Lessons are adapted to suit the rider’s experience, confidence, and comfort level.

Do you cater for more experienced riders?

What should I wear for a lesson?

How do I book lessons or sessions?

Are lessons mixed-ability?

Do you offer quieter or low-stimulus sessions?

Do you offer therapeutic riding?

Do I need a diagnosis or referral to ride?

Help us care for
our horses & ponies

Help us care for our
horses & ponies

We're saving a retirement fund for our beloved horses and ponies. Thank you so much for helping us protect their lifelong care.

*Once off and recurring options

Opening Hours

Opening Hours

Check out Bantry Bay Equestrian's opening hours to plan your visit.

Check out Bantry Bay Equestrian's opening hours to plan your visit.

Monday

09:00 - 18:00

Monday

09:00 - 18:00

Monday

09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday

09:00 - 19:00

Tuesday

09:00 - 19:00

Tuesday

09:00 - 19:00

Wednesday

09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday

09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday

09:00 - 18:00

Thursday

09:00 - 18:00

Thursday

09:00 - 18:00

Thursday

09:00 - 18:00

Friday

09:00 - 18:00

Friday

09:00 - 18:00

Friday

09:00 - 18:00

Saturday

09:00 - 18:00

Saturday

09:00 - 18:00

Saturday

09:00 - 18:00

Sunday

09:00 - 18:00

Sunday

09:00 - 18:00

Sunday

09:00 - 18:00