Jo Iwasaki review 2 Jan 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding in the absolutely beautiful countryside. Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre was in a very scenic location among mountains and hills that house ancient forts as well as green fields. Clare is knowledgeable about the locality and knows a lot of people there. I was very warmly welcomed - I have never dreamt of spending such a wonderful Christmas holiday - they even gave me Christmas presents!!
She is also a very experienced riding instructor. I have been a little rusty in riding as it has been years since I rode the last time, but never worried under her guidance. Her lessons really focused on communicating with and caring horses which suited me very well. I feel that my riding skill has improved significantly after the holiday.
I must also mention our visits to local pubs. They were atmospheric and probably the best of best Irish pubs.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be clear as to what you would like to do (within reasons, of course). Clare is very accommodating and will help you do what you would like to achieve, either it is about riding or about enjoying the countryside. We have corresponded beforehand to decide what my stay would consist of. My stay was thoroughly tailored accordingly and was very satisfying as a result. Of course riding is dependent on weather and, though I was fortunate as it was entirely dry during my stay, one may need to be flexible to a degree. It is advisable to take spare clothes and waterproof as it may drizzle.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The place is run in a manner that is considerate to the environment. Clare tries her best to resource food stuff as organically and as locally as possible. To have the Trekking Centre helps the local economy as guests would visit the pub/learn handycrafts/music etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. I had a wonderful time there and would really like to say thank you to Clare and Lily.
Ed Sommers review 14 Apr 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable and exciting part of my vacation was learning about grooming the horse and communicating with it, not simply getting on the horse and riding.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be very clear about what it is you want to get out of the experience...Clare, the owner, seems adept at crafting a variety of experiences based on customer needs and expectations. She designed a five-day itinerary for me that met my
expectations and even made sure I had gluten-free foods in my room, as I had requested.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it benefited local people. The County Tipperary landscape is as beautiful as any in Ireland and the people are as friendly. More tourist business in the area is needed to show off the county's assets.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great. I learned a lot, enjoyed myself, and met very nice people.
Sue Tetlow review 12 Mar 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding at speed up and down the mountains of Tipperary on fabulous sure footed horses! Also enjoying the beautiful scenery and experiencing a traditional Irish music night at one of the local pubs!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take the opportunity of going on a longer horse ride and enjoy too a music session at a pub if possible. Be prepared for all weathers.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes ...the owner of the trekking Centre cooks with local ingredients where possible and recycles.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A perfect opportunity to experience the beautiful Irish countryside on horseback. Clare Leon the owner of the trekking centre is very knowledgeable, welcoming and hospitable. We had a lovely couple of days in Ireland with one day riding.
Natalka Cmoc review 9 Nov 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in Tipperary hills.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book in warmer months. If you don't want to drive in Tipperary, Clare the owner found a driver for us with very reasonable rates, personable and knowledgeable of the area. It was very practical and enriched the visit.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We enjoyed ourselves. I already recommended it to others.
Carole Roccuzzo review 27 Jun 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The last day; a full-day ride to Upperchurch and Knockalough; a relatively fast pace, with natural obstacles to negotiate on surefooted horses (and including lunch at Kinnane’s Bar with said horses). Also, the Thursday evening spent at Jim o'the Mills was unique.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take plenty of light weight protective clothing and a sense of humour.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. A warm welcome, skilled horsemanship and well trained horses, unspoilt countryside.
Katherine Shields review 28 Oct 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The horseriding in the countryside was nice. Claire was really helpful and nice.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have a car - it is a bit of a way out of town.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Els Desmedt review 14 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We stayed for one week as a family with our two daughters aged 11 and 18 years. Nobody knows heaven - so nobody can tell, is it a Black HOLE in the atmosphere...? But there is a place on Earth too few people know... The Black HILL! And if there exists a heaven on earth, I guess this should be the place - you really can reach the sky (if you are sitting on horse-back of course) and you have a circular (360 degree) view over 100 kms wide. Nobody will disturb you and if for some reason you want to hide (rain?), Clare, your guide, will bring you safely back and let you stay (or rest) in her fairytale house... There you can relax and 'fill up your senses' with all kinds of books and music ... even some singing (can you hear the angels singing??). Would you believe me, if I tell you this place REALLY exists!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Who ever has the possibility to go there - forget the Irish rain and open your heart to enjoy this peaceful area and this holiday with horse whisperer Claire and her daughter Lilly.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We, as a family, with a particular place in our hearts for horses, enjoyed the kindness, friendliness, and the sympathy, of this particular place. Would you believe me if I tell you that, on top of this all, the gastronomy, daily served by (angel) Lily, has more than a heavenly touch... Only the French wine is imported from earth... but... so divine!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I certainly can recommend it to all horse and people lovers.
