EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I spent a week with my daughter (age 13) and son (age 11) at CCS. We looked at several other options in Southern Europe and Ireland but decided to book with CCS as the program seemed very personalized to the wants and needs of each individual rider in our group. It was exactly the right choice. CCS far exceeded my expectations. My daughter was able to ride to her heart's content; several days I think she was on a horse for 6+ hours which was apparently a CSC record! My son, a beginning rider, had lots of personal attention and made absolutely amazing progress in his riding skills. His riding instructor at home was in shock when we came back. He said he was so improved that he was like a completely different rider. Because I was traveling with children, I also liked that safety was top priority for the instructors and on all hacks and excursions. I know that on programs with a less personalized approach, they can often try to cater to the average rider in the group and those who are not as experienced can be pushed to do things beyond their comfort or experience. This was not at all the case at CSC. I felt like each hack or excursion was carefully planned around me and my children. We would do some parts together and then break into separate groups as needed to offer more challenge for some and to keep others within their comfort zone. The horses were also a dream. Very well behaved and of varying levels. Kieran matched everyone with a great horse for their level. If anyone is coming along as the 'non-rider' in a group of riders, I think CSC is great for this. I had not ridden in a number of years and planned the holiday at the request of my horse-crazy daughter. I had some great hacks and also did a few lessons with the kids, but I didn't feel like I always needed to ride. There were plenty of excursions to beautiful estates, gardens and shops to keep me entertained outside of riding, and the delicious lunches, dinners and sweet treats were also a high point of each day. Thank you again to Niall, Kieran and the rest of the CSC team. We had an amazing holiday and are already looking at schedules to plan a return!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heaven on earth. Most amazing people ever. You know they care not only about you but their horses. Best experience ever will be back and tell everyone I know. Thank you CCS.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had no idea how to ride horses before this trip—it was my first time! Over the course of two weeks, I learned so much. By the end of the first week, I was ready to enjoy some amazing trails in the mountains, where we saw a stunning waterfall, and I even rode on the beach—an unforgettable experience! The horses were incredibly gentle and well-cared for, which made each ride so enjoyable. I will never forget Bowie, Rothko, and Guinness—what amazing horses to ride! Niall and Carole were fantastic guides, providing expert instruction and warm Irish hospitality that made me feel right at home. They taught me everything, from tacking a horse to washing and getting them ready for a ride. I learned so much and can’t wait to go again. This adventure combined the beauty of nature with the charm of the people, making it truly unforgettable. I can’t recommend CCS highly enough!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely amazing experience horseback riding with CCS! The scenic trail took us through breathtaking Irish landscapes – we rode past lush forests, rolling hills, friendly sheep, and even a stunning waterfall. The horses were incredibly gentle and well-cared for, making the whole ride so enjoyable. Niall and Carole were fantastic guides, offering not just expert guidance but also warm and friendly Irish hospitality that made us feel right at home. The beauty of the nature combined with the charm of the people made this an unforgettable adventure. We can't recommend it highly enough!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently got back from a week riding holiday hosted by CCS, and it was an absolute dream! Kieran, Niall, and Carole went above and beyond to tailor a week of riding and countryside excursions for us, from arena lessons, to riding on the beach, to braving the cross country course at Devil’s Glen… and non-riding adventures, like seeing local historical sites and a food and whiskey tasting that was extraordinary. We had fantastic dinners arranged at different nearby restaurants every night, each one different and delicious. Our hosts went above and beyond in every way, from adjusting the agenda to meet our needs, to having refreshments and snacks waiting for us at the end of nearly every ride. They kept us well outfitted for the days with extra rain and protective gear on loan. And we absolutely loved the little country estate we stayed at, which felt special and authentic. As for the riding, the horses were fit and mannerly, with plenty of options to accommodate our desires and the different activities. This was my first trip to Ireland, it couldn’t have been better, and I hope to visit CCS again. Many thanks!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I spent last week at the piece of heaven that Kiean and Niles keep for horsepeople from near and far. What first catches your eye, as soon as you arrive at Country Cottage Stables, is the wonderful Sugrarloaf Mountain and green Irish pastures. It was with that view that we set off on fabulous hacks masterfully guided by Kiean into the surrounding nature and also onto the nearby seashore. I take away great technical riding tips that Kiean shared with during an enlightening lesson at the arena. Last, but not least, Niles' and Kiean's hospitality and warm spirits can be felt by all riders at the stable. I truly hope to return.
"CCS" IS the BEST! - Country Cottage Stables and its four-legged inhabitants, the magical Horses, along with Kieran, Niall, Stephen, and of course "Harvey" have spoilt me for any other Holiday EVER! From the... read more minute our Canadian Contingent of 8 arrived, we were spoilt with the most FUN riding times Ever!. Super Instruction! Trekking, Riding on the Beach, Training on the fascinating private Estate cross-country with a magnificent castle (of course!) in the background, Galloping on perfect footing up a Training Race Track, enjoying Gourmet TailGates after each Ride, Dining at 5 star Restaurants .(our favourite Evening was with Table just set for two in the magnificent dining room at the Cottage). I am running out of breath and I have not even touched on the amazing historical tours we took, all week long. The Week went All Too Fast. Oh! and there are not 1, but 2 Spas to be spoilt at if one is keen. When can We come back?!
grits m
Fabulous riding trip to beautiful Enniskerry, Ireland - Hard to say what we enjoyed the most - the riding, the hosts, the food, the variety of both riding and dining experiences, the "cultural" sites we visited, including the... read more whiskey distillery at Powerscourt; the historic home and treetop walk at Avondale; and Avoca, the oldest wool weaving mill in the country. This trip was fabulous, and so personalized both to what we wanted to do and see AND to the different riding levels as between my daughter and me. Kieran, Niall, and Carole were all such great hosts: attentive, gracious, engaging, considerate. From the big picture (riding, dining, transportation, shopping, cultural sites) to the personal details, like (i) Niall's preparing egg salad sandwiches from his chickens' eggs at the yard (the barn) and Kieran's elderflower tea made from a bush at the yard on the day we didn't have time to go out to lunch between morning and afternoon rides, (ii) lovely tailgates from the back of the Range Rover on the days we did our cross-country ride and our early morning beach ride, complete with fresh sliced fruit, yogurt, Irish brown bread and jam, butter (oh, that Irish butter!), juices, and sparkling as well as flat water, and (iii) arranging a food pairing with the whiskey tasting at Powerscourt. Did I say the horses were wonderful? And Kieran was determined to find a perfect fit for each of us - I think I rode 6 different horses while I was there (and enjoyed every one!). We loved the whole trip and would go back - in fact, we hope to!
Wendelin W
Wonderful - They all were so very accommodating. Great experience to see Ireland.
The food was so tasty. Even though I don’t ride horses, they took care of us. Showing us all... read more the sites.
Carol A
