Cranford Hotel Guide - Ashtree Stables hotels in Cranford, Ireland.

County Donegal is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and there are lots of ways to explore its amazing coast and magnificent countryside. You can do it on foot, in the car, or in the saddle - either by bicycle or on horseback.

Ireland is a hugely popular holiday destination among the equine fraternity. It has a rich horse racing heritage and, in The Curragh, is home to one of the most famous racecourses in the world. There are also hundreds of stables dotted all over the country which offer riders of all abilities the chance to use genuine horsepower to enjoy its scenery.

Hotels Close to Stables

Most of the stables are located close to towns and villages offering lots of comfortable and affordable accommodation. Whether you like staying in hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes or hostels, horse lovers will have no trouble finding somewhere to stay during a visit to Ireland.

Horsing Around by Your Hotel

Ashtree Stables is a fine example of a centre that offers members of the horsing fraternity a chance to do what they love in a stunning setting. The stables is located in the townland of Coole, near Cranford, overlooking the western banks of picturesque Mulroy Bay, and provide trekking and hacking opportunities for riders of all skill levels. It’s a great way to enjoy some quiet mountain roads, crystal clear air and amazing scenery.

Ashtree Stables is a member of the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, an organisation which sets out to promote the sport of amateur horse riding and the highest possible standards of safety and customer service.

If you want to stay close to the stables you can look for accommodation around Cranford or the larger villages of Milford, about eight miles north of Coole, or Carrigart, which is about the same distance to the south. A little further afield lies the county’s biggest town, Letterkenny, which is home to a wide range of hotels and guesthouses.

Out and About

If you embark on a trekking trip from Ashtree Stables the chances are you will enjoy some great views of Mulroy Bay, a sea loch measuring about seven miles in length. It provides a pretty backdrop for riders as they explore the area.

The peaceful village of Milford is close to some lovely beaches at Portsalon, Rathmullan, Downings and Tramore, while Carrigart, situated at the base of the Rosguill Peninsula, provides a pretty place to stop and recharge your batteries for a few hours.

Letterkenny, located about 17 miles south of Cranford, is home to the only cathedral in the county, a cinema, theatre and a regional cultural centre that plays host to fine art and multimedia exhibits as well as film screenings, music and drama. You’ll also find Donegal County Museum there. Set in a former 19th century workhouse built to offer famine relief, temporary exhibits stand alongside an impressive permanent collection of more than 8,000 artefacts dating back to prehistoric times.