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Signature Hosted Trip - Saddle Up & Slow Down in Ireland - April 2027

Apr 14 - 22, 2026

Saddle Up & Slow Down

A Signature Hosted Journey Through Northern Ireland & Donegal

Created exclusively by Margaret Critz of For the Good Times Travel and Hazel Patterson of Crindle Bespoke Experiences

This isn't just another tour of Ireland. It's a journey created by two women who believe the best way to experience a destination is to slow down long enough to truly know it.

Hosted by Margaret of For the Good Times Travel alongside Hazel of Crindle Bespoke, this intimate small-group adventure combines luxury accommodations, unforgettable horseback riding, authentic local connections, and the stories that bring Northern Ireland and Donegal to life.

Limited to just eight guests, every detail has been thoughtfully planned to create meaningful experiences you simply won't find on a traditional itinerary.

Along the way, you'll...

🐴 Ride beautiful horses through the countryside, along breathtaking coastlines, and to the iconic Mussenden Temple.

🏰 Stay in hand-selected boutique hotels and one of Ireland's most beautiful castle hotels.

🌊 Discover the dramatic Causeway Coast, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the spectacular landscapes of County Donegal.

🌿 Meet the people who call this region home, from gardeners and farmers to artisans, storytellers, and horsemen, through experiences created especially for our group.

🍽️ Share unforgettable meals, from fireside farm lunches and foraging experiences to a sunset beach supper filled with music, stories, and laughter.

✨ Enjoy time to slow down, explore charming towns, relax at your castle hotel, and simply soak in the magic of Ireland.

This Journey Is for You If...

  • You'd rather experience Ireland than simply see it.
  • You believe the best memories come from genuine local connections, not checking landmarks off a list.
  • You enjoy discovering places through the people who call them home.
  • You appreciate small groups, unhurried days, and time to truly soak in each destination.
  • You love experiences that aren't available on a typical tour.
  • You enjoy luxury that feels welcoming, comfortable, and authentic rather than formal or flashy.
  • You appreciate thoughtful details, meaningful storytelling, and unforgettable moments over packed schedules.
  • Whether you're an experienced rider or simply love being around horses, you're excited to experience Northern Ireland from a truly unique perspective.
  • What Makes This Journey Different?

    Some of the best journeys begin with an unexpected connection.

    When Margaret of For the Good Times Travel first met Hazel Patterson of Crindle Bespoke, they quickly discovered they shared the same philosophy about travel. Both believe the most meaningful experiences happen when you slow down, immerse yourself in a destination, and connect with the people who call it home.

    That shared vision became the inspiration for this journey.

    Together, Margaret and Hazel thoughtfully designed this experience, drawing on Hazel's deep roots in Northern Ireland and Margaret's passion for creating meaningful, story-rich travel experiences. To bring that vision to life, they partnered with the expert team at Wilderness Ireland, whose exceptional guides and operational expertise ensure every detail is seamlessly handled from beginning to end.

    Rather than creating another sightseeing tour, they created a journey centered on authentic local connections, meaningful experiences with people, animals, and nature, welcoming hospitality, exceptional food, rich storytelling, and time to simply enjoy being in Ireland.

    Every experience has been intentionally chosen to help you experience Northern Ireland and Donegal in a way that feels genuine and personal. Whether you're riding an Irish Cob along the beach at sunset, watching remarkable sheepdogs at work, sharing stories around a fire, lingering over lunch on a local farm, exploring a historic walled city, or simply relaxing with a pint in a neighborhood pub, you'll experience Ireland through the people and places that make it so special.

    Hosted by the People Who Created It

    Margaret and Hazel will travel alongside you throughout the journey, sharing the places they love, introducing you to friends and local hosts, and making sure every guest feels welcomed from the moment the adventure begins.

    Small by Design

    With only eight guests, this journey offers the flexibility, conversation, and genuine camaraderie that simply isn't possible with larger tours.

    Time to Slow Down

    You'll visit iconic places like Giant's Causeway and Glenveagh Castle, but we've intentionally left room for something just as important: time to wander, linger, ask questions, and enjoy the unexpected discoveries that often become the most treasured memories.

    Because we believe the best journeys aren't measured by how many places you visit. They're measured by how deeply you connect with them.

  • Your Journey at a Glance

    Day 1 | Welcome to Ireland
    Meet your fellow travelers as we journey from Dublin to the historic walled city of Derry.

    Day 2 | Heritage & Horses
    Meet Hazel, tour Crindle's farm, enjoy your first ride through the countryside, and experience the warm hospitality that makes this place so special.

    Day 3 | Gardens & Local Flavors
    Explore beautiful Brooke Hall Estate before enjoying an unforgettable fireside foraging and culinary experience.

    Day 4 | The Signature Ride
    Ride to the spectacular Mussenden Temple for exclusive horseback access before exploring the charming seaside village of Castlerock.

    Day 5 | Coastline & Stories
    Discover the Giant's Causeway before ending the day with a sunset beach ride, seaside supper, and traditional storytelling.

    Day 6 | From Derry to Donegal
    Experience life on a working sheep farm before settling into the elegance of Lough Eske Castle.

    Day 7 | Castles & Crafts
    Explore Glenveagh Castle and National Park while discovering Donegal's rich artistic traditions.

    Day 8 | Slow Down & Savor
    Relax at the castle, explore Donegal Town, or venture to Slieve League before celebrating together at our farewell dinner.

    Day 9 | Until Next Time
    Return to Dublin with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper connection to this remarkable corner of Ireland.

  • Time to Wander

    Some of the best travel moments aren't planned.

    Throughout the journey, we've intentionally left time to slow down, linger a little longer, and discover places at your own pace. Whether that means finding a cozy pub, browsing local shops, enjoying a quiet walk, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, these unhurried moments are part of what makes this trip so special.

    During your free time, you might choose to:

    • Wander the historic streets and city walls of Derry
    • Explore independent shops, bookstores, and local galleries
    • Settle into a traditional pub for live music and conversation
    • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Donegal Town
    • Relax in the spa or wander the grounds at Lough Eske Castle
    • Discover artisan boutiques featuring Donegal tweed, pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted gifts
    • Find a quiet café for coffee and homemade treats
    • Take in the coastal scenery at your own pace
    • Simply sit, breathe, and enjoy the beauty around you

    We believe the most memorable journeys leave room for serendipity. Some of your favorite moments may be the ones you never planned.

  • Pricing Information

    Pricing

    Because this is an intimate hosted journey with a maximum of eight guests, pricing is based on the final group size. As more guests join the journey, the per-person cost decreases.

    Number of Guests

    Double Occupancy Price (per person)

    5 Guests

    £X,XXX

    6 Guests

    £X,XXX

    7 Guests

    £X,XXX

    8 Guests

    £X,XXX

    Single Occupancy Supplement: £XXX (limited availability)

    A deposit of £XXX per person reserves your place. Final payment is due XX days prior to departure.

    Your Journey Includes

    • Eight nights in hand-selected boutique hotels and luxury castle accommodations
    • Daily breakfast, plus included lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary
    • Luxury transportation throughout the journey
    • Professional driver-guide services provided by the expert team at Wilderness Ireland
    • Expert hosting by Margaret of For the Good Times Travel and Hazel Patterson of Crindle Bespoke
    • All activities, sightseeing, and admissions outlined in the itinerary unless otherwise specified
    • Hotel gratuities and local guide gratuities

    Not Included

    • International airfare
    • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
    • Personal expenses and shopping
    • Alcoholic beverages unless specifically included
    • Optional additional equestrian experiences for guests who wish to spend even more time in the saddle

    This signature journey is limited to just eight guests and requires a minimum of five guests to operate.

    Want to Extend Your Adventure?

    Arrive a few days early to explore Dublin or Belfast, head south to discover more of Ireland, hop over to Scotland, or continue your travels elsewhere in Europe. Margaret would be delighted to help you create a personalized pre- or post-trip itinerary tailored just for you.

    Additional planning fees and travel costs apply.

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Your Advisor

Margaret Critz

For The Good Times Travel

SOT - Florida: ST39093

SOT - California: 2164892-40

SOT - Washington: 603 308 394

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margaretcritz@forthegoodtimestravel.com

5012299356