Project Description

The Loop Head Bridle Way would follow the concept of the popular Beara Bridle Way (www.bearabridleway.com) in County Cork which was developed by Beara Tourism Development LTD in cooperation with Cork County Council. The Loop Head Bridle Way project would use the experience, pitfalls and potentials of those who have developed the Beara Bridle Way, which would allow for the Loop Head Bridle Way to be in place successfully within a relative short period of time.

Ireland has a long and proud equestrian heritage and Loop Head is home to many horse owners and equestrian businesses which attract those interested in equestrian pursuits from Ireland and abroad. A designated bridleway would be a much safer alternative for travelling on horseback than using main roads where drivers are not always knowledgeable or accommodating when meeting riders on the road.

It is envisaged to run the Loop Head Bridle Way along the proposed walkway from Kilkee to Kilrush (with an additional “lane” for horses) and from there along minor roads, boreens and farm roads around the peninsula. Forestry, unused farmland and bogland with suitable paths would also be ideal and would open up the countryside further for sustainable tourism.

Project Justification & Objectives

While horse riding isn’t being as heavily promoted as other outdoor activities, Ireland is known to attract countless equestrian enthusiast every year. The Beara Bridle Way Project has opened up many opportunities for equestrian tourism & related services on the Beara Peninsula and the Loop Head Bridle Way would do the same here.

The opportunities would not be restricted to stable owners and others directly involved in equestrian tourism: Extra income could be earned by B&B owners to provide for horse and rider. Land owners and farmers could gain additional income by providing a field for horses, horse-box-accommodation (“B&B for horses”) or by opening up old pathways along land borders or through forest plantations. New business ventures, e.g. Loop Head Bridle Way Clamping, guided heritage and nature tours on horseback, etc. are also possible.

All this would directly contribute to Loop Head Together’s overall objective and create income for existing businesses, new business opportunities and employment.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Loop Head Together

• Loop Head Tourism

• Board Failte

• Clare CoCo

• Coillte

• Landowners

• Trec Ireland / Turas Trec

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!