Days Out NI
Horse riding Castlewellan

Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre

Forest-park trekking and lessons at the foot of the Mournes

3 photos
Treks by bookingLessons & rides — pre-booked
Book aheadBeginners welcome
CastlewellanHorse riding
Get directionsOfficial website
Around£38Per session
Check agesAges
Beginners OKWelcome
Treks & hacksOut on the trail
On siteParking

Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre — Forest-park trekking and lessons at the foot of the Mournes.

  • What you can do: guided treks in the forest park, arena lessons, summer pony camps.
  • For beginners: beginners welcome, BHS approved.
  • Cost: Around £38 for a two-hour hack per a recent review; check current prices when booking.
  • Booking: Pre-book by phone.
  • What to wear: long trousers and boots with a small heel; safety equipment is provided.
Plan your visit

Treks and hacks

The draw here is the forest park. Treks take you along the quiet, car-free routes of Castlewellan, and one reviewer describes a two-hour Sunday morning hack costing around £38 as good value. Horses are described as quiet and friendly and all safety equipment is provided, so beginners are looked after.

Guided treks through Castlewellan Forest Park Quiet horses suited to complete beginners Lessons in the indoor arena all year Summer pony camps for children Right on the doorstep of the Mourne Mountains
Good to know before you go:

Summer pony camps run in the school holidays and treks go out through the season. Ring ahead to book a camp place or a hack.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 👖Long trousersLeggings or jodhpurs — anything that won’t rub against the saddle.
  • 👢Boots with a small heelSo your foot sits safely in the stirrup — no trainers or wellies with no heel.
  • 🧥A layer for the weatherYou’re outdoors and moving slowly — bring something warm and waterproof.
  • 📱Your bookingLessons and treks are matched to your level, so they need to know you’re coming.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
trekking centre and riding school
What you can do
guided treks in the forest park, arena lessons, summer pony camps
Experience needed
beginners welcome, BHS approved
Cost
Around £38 for a two-hour hack per a recent review; check current prices when booking
Booking
Pre-book by phone
What to wear
long trousers and boots with a small heel; safety equipment is provided
Facilities
indoor arena; access to Castlewellan Forest Park trails
Address
123B Ballylough Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9JQ, Co Down
Questions

Before you go

Can total beginners have a go?
beginners welcome, BHS approved
How much does it cost?
Around £38 for a two-hour hack per a recent review; check current prices when booking
Do I need to book?
Pre-book by phone
What should I wear?
long trousers and boots with a small heel; safety equipment is provided
Getting there

Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre is at 123B Ballylough Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9JQ, Co Down. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

About Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre

This is the one to pick if you want to ride out rather than just circle an arena. Mount Pleasant sits right beside Castlewellan Forest Park, so treks head into traffic-free forest trails with the Mourne Mountains all around. Reviewers rate the guides as friendly and the horses as calm, which is exactly what a nervous first-timer wants.