KILVAHAN HORSE-DRAWN CARAVANS
Kilvahan, Portlaoise, Co.Laois, Ireland
Tel:353-502-27048 Fax:353-502-27225
We offer a holiday where up to four people travel independently with a horse and fully fitted gypsy caravan, through Laois and the beautiful Irish Midlands, for a period of one to two weeks.
The Horse-drawn Caravan Experience
Horse drawn caravans offer the perfect opportunity to step out of the hectic bustle of modern life and unwind in the beautiful Irish Midlands. The freedom of the countryside is yours at a slow and relaxing pace. You decide what your holiday will consist of - whether to travel quietly through the remote backroads, stopping off perhaps to view a medieval round tower or to partake in some of our fishing, golfing or swimming facilities.
Whatever you decide you will experience a truly unique holiday that is relaxing and fun.
Starting your Holiday
We are situated at Kilvahan, five miles from Portlaoise. Here you will begin your holiday by meeting your hosts and taking part in our enjoyable training session.
Caravans
The caravans are bases on the gypsy caravans of old and can sleep four people with the beds converting to tables and seating for day use.
Horses
Your horse will be an Irish Draught Cross Mare chosen for her pleasant temperament. Full tuition on caring for your horse and harnessing etc. is provided.
Routes
The routes offered run through the counties of Laois and Kilkenny. From the wonderfully scenic Slieve Bloom mountains through the Nore valley to the medieval splendor of Kilkenny. We will provide maps and details of the routes and stopovers available.
People
Meeting the local people is very easy with this holiday. Your horse will graze at a different farm every night and you are likely to get drawn into conversation with the farmer or his/her family. Undoubtedly you will find the people of Laois and Kilkenny. very friendly, open and helpful.
Formed in 1993 Kilvahan Horse-drawn Caravans is based in the beautiful hilly farmland of Co. Laois at a magnificent Georgian farmstead which offers you, our guests, full facilities - toilets and showers, landscaped caravan parking area, picnic gardens and barbecue, old world lounge with open turf fire etc.
We operate with 17 caravans all of which are new, authentic and fitted out to a luxury standard. Our horses are purchased fro Dublin coal-yards, they all have a minimum of 3 - 4 years experience in the city with traffic, making them ideal for pulling caravans. No previous horse experience is required by you, our quest.
Visitors travel through the county on a variety of quiet country roads, passing rivers, lakes, forests, historical sites and of course lots of pubs. At night you may park at one of 14 designated stopover points, these may be quiet country pubs, or rustic farm houses, they all offer good toilet and shower facilities, caravan parking and an area for the horse to graze in. You may also form your own route if you wish and stopover at any farm where permission is forthcoming.
As a young family run company we pride ourselves on quality, friendliness and efficiency. A lot of time will be spent with you ensuring that your individual expectations of Ireland and Horse Drawn Caravans are fulfilled. Our high standard has been recognized. In 1994 we won the Leinster Tourism Enterprise Award sponsored by the Irish Farmers Association and last year,1995, we won 2nd place in The National Tourism Awards sponsored by the The Irish Tourist Board.
We invite you to enjoy and experience this wonderful holiday at Kilvahan, Ireland's premier Horse Drawn Caravan Centre.
Further Information on Stop over sites:
Cappakeel Campsite
