Last Updated on June 16, 2023
Riding a horse is for many children their biggest dream but finding an equestrian centre that offers everything you need can be a time-consuming task. To make things easier, we made a selection for you of the best equestrian centres that offer horse riding lessons in Dublin. These stables are run responsibly, looking after the children’s and horses’ wellbeing, many of them have an indoor arena in case of bad weather and their trainers are friendly and patient. The Equestrian Centres mentioned here offer beginners and competitive horseback riding and some of them can be reached by public transport. The centres mentioned here also have special programmes such as therapeutic horse riding at Corballis Farm in Donabate, horse care lessons at Cherry Orchard or beach & mountain trekking at the Paddocks in Sandyford. Whether you are looking to join an equestrian centre in North Dublin or South Dublin we have covered all the best horse riding schools from Rathcoole to Swords.
North Dublin
Dublin 15, Ashtown
Ashtown Stables
Where else can you ride a horse and at the same time spot some deer? Ashtown Stables are located right next to Phoenix Park and their horse treks are leading through Phoenix Park. Ashtown Stables is a family-run equestrian centre with lessons for children from the age of 5 years and up. They offer holiday camps all year round where children learn everything from horse care to horse riding. The stables are located right across from Ashtown Train Station which makes it an ideal location to access by public transport. Lessons start from the price of €30.
Address: Ashtown Road, Ashtown, Dublin, D15 HFX5
Swords, Dublin
Kilronan Equestrian
A family business where children get to experience the true bond between horse and rider. Kilronan Equestrian has great facilities for horse riding lessons under all weather conditions. They have an indoor arena and an outdoor sand arena to ensure a great riding experience all year round. They also offer horse-themed birthday parties for your little horse enthusiast and their friends. At birthday parties children get to ride horses, get to know all the horses at Kilronan and get a small introduction to horse care by their friendly staff. Kilronan Equestrian is accessible by public transport and is one of the best places for horse riding in Swords.
Address: Kettles Lane, Cloghran, Swords, Co. Dublin
Donabate, Dublin
Corballis Farm TTRC
Let your child enjoy the most beautiful beach views when horse riding at Corballis Farm. Corballis Farm offers horse trekking on Donabate Beach and nearby forests as well as therapeutic horse riding for children with physical and emotional additional needs. Therapeutic horse riding is known to be a beneficial activity for children to increase their overall wellbeing with a Qualified Therapeutic Coach. Corballis Farm also has a great initiative for horse enthusiasts called Stable Club where children and teens get to learn horse riding, stable management as well as team-building skills at a weekly lesson. At this equestrian centre children can participate in group lessons, lunge lessons or book a private session with highly qualified trainers.
Address: Corballis, Donabate, Co. Dublin
South Dublin
Dublin 10, Cherry Orchard
Cherry Orchard Equine Centre CLG
Cherry Orchard Equine Education & Training Centre is a community training centre as well as an equestrian centre. At this horse riding school, there are group horseback riding lessons for children from the age of 6+. They also offer stable management lessons where children can learn how to take care of a horse. During the holidays, there are always pony camps for kids of all abilities to join in. Cherry Orchard has a specialised programme for teens aged 12 – 18 who would like to learn detailed equine care and teach horse riding to beginners in an engaging environment that requires teamwork and leadership. Children with additional needs can take part in assisted riding lessons with attentive and supportive horse trainers. Their facilities are of the highest standards. They have an indoor arena, an outdoor arena as well as a sensory riding trail and a cross-country training trek. Boots and helmets are provided for all students.
Address: Cherry Orchard Green, Cherry Orchard, Dublin D10XW08
Dublin 18, Carrickmines
Carrickmines Equestrian
This over-25-year-old family-run centre has a very good reputation for a reason. Their staff is friendly, their lessons are carried out with enthusiasm and their horse riding facilities are one of the greatest in the country. The classes for children are from the age of 6+. They offer training in competitive showjumping, eventing, dressage and polocrosse or regular horse riding. All children can choose to take part in the AIRE Amateur tests since the lessons follow the AIRE syllabus. Classes start at the price of €28 and hats are provided by the stables. At Carrickmines Equestrian you will find one of the largest sand arenas in all of Ireland with floodlighting to ensure a safe horse riding practice all year round. They also have an indoor arena for rainy days as well as a cross-country course. This equestrian centre offers pony camps and children’s birthday parties.
Address: Glenamuck Road, Carrickmines, D18 R922, Dublin 18
Dublin 18, Sandyford
The Paddocks Riding Centre
One of the most highly recommended horse riding centres in Ireland is located in the beautiful surrounding of the Dublin mountains. The Paddocks Riding Centre stretches out over 3000 acres and has 45 stables. The Paddocks offers lessons for children of all levels and allows children as young as 3 years old to participate in horse riding lessons. Their lessons start at the price of €30 and the riding centre provides hats and boots. These stables offer holiday camps and birthday parties which are extra special because you can even do BBQ at the Paddocks. This horse riding centre is great as well if you would like to go on an exploration as a family. They offer 1 – 2 day treks through the Dublin mountains where you can enjoy breathtaking views and have an unforgettable experience as a family. There are options for experienced riders as well as walkouts for beginners where all horses are led on the lead rein. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, have a look at more things to do in Dublin with kids that are adventurous and exciting like flying through the trees or exploring an old mysterious ship.
Address: Woodside Road, Sandyford, Co. Dublin
Dublin 24, Tallaght
Fettercairn Youth Horse Project
Fettercairn is a south Dublin community equestrian centre, offering horse riding lessons to children from all backgrounds and different ability levels. This centre takes a holistic approach to its lessons where children not only learn horse riding but also animal welfare, taking care of horses and stable management skills. At the horse riding lessons, children can take part in AIRE & BHS assessments if they like. There are lessons for children with physical and/or learning disabilities and an outreach programme for children from socially excluded groups. Fettercairn is putting a lot of effort into making horse riding accessible for children and teenagers of all backgrounds. Their lessons cost just €15 and helmets and boots are provided. You can also celebrate birthday parties at Fettercairn or sign your child up for a pony camp over the holidays. This equestrian centre is accessible by public transport.
Address: 24 Fettercairn Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Rathcoole, Dublin
Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre
At Calliaghstown, children from 5+ years old can learn horse riding in a safe and friendly environment with friendly and patient instructors. Children can choose to train for competitions in show jumping, eventing and dressage. There are private or group lessons available. Students are provided with boots, back protectors and hats for free and the lesson prices start at €25 per person. The arenas at Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre are great for all weather conditions. They have a floodlit indoor arena and two floodlit outdoor arenas. For adventurous riders, there are also cross-country tracks and forest tracks to explore. At these stables, you can also celebrate your child’s birthday party and have fun at holiday pony camps.
Address: Calliaghstown Cottage, Calliaghstown Lower, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin
If your child loves horse riding but is looking for some more fun things to do after school, why don’t you let them try themselves out and join the best dance classes for kids in Dublin? Dancing is great for expressive and artistic children, it improves coordination and teaches patience and resilience to children.