Horse and Wagon Holidays
Our Horse and Wagon holidays offer a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience. A holiday like no other, this experience offers a blend of relaxation and responsibility, where the journey itself becomes an unforgettable part of your adventure.
Our Wagons
We operate 3 wagons from our home base, which will be the point you start and end your trip. Each day your journey will be around 12 km, and you will work your way around a route through the lanes of South Laois. Each evening, your stop will be at a different farmer’s field where there is room for your wagon and for your horse to graze. The facilities and things to do vary from stop to stop.
During the day, there is a table and seating area at the rear and a long seat at the front of the wagon. In the evening, the rear seating area converts into a double bed and seating at the front converts to a bunk bed. The maximum load for the upper bunk is 50kg. The bottom bed of the bunkbed can be pulled out to make a second double if needed, it is also good length for taller guests.
If there are older children or four adults with you, we recommend bringing a tent. An additional standard 2-person tent, sleeping bags and roll mats can be rented on-site (upon prior request) for 40 euros for the week.
- 4-burner gas stove and sink
- Everything needed for cooking for five people.
- 2x 5l drinking water canister, cool bag and lighter.
- LED lights inside the wagon.
- Tea towels.
- Salt, pepper, washing up liquid and bin bags.
- Bedding and pillows.
- Tackle
- 1x 20l water canister for the horse
- Brushes and care items
- Treats / food
Route and Itinerary
You spend the first and last night in Making Tracks base station. After your arrival, we will discuss what experience you have and will choose the right horse for your abilities. You will also receive a handbook with all the important information, instructions and route plan. We will also go over the roads you’ll be taking on the map.
The morning after your arrival, you will be extensively instructed on handling the horses, unharnessing them, and driving the caravan
We will accompany you for the first few kilometres until you feel comfortable with everything. We will keep in contact with you during your journey if there are any problems.
Full week - Seven nights
Saturday to Saturday or Wednesday to Wednesday
- Check-in on Saturday or Wednesday from 2pm to 7 pm. Go through the map and introduction.
- The following day, we go through everything with the horse and wagon. Start journey on the road and stay at a route stop that night.
- Continue around the route to 4 more overnight stops. 3 Stops are very rural, and one is in the village of Durrow.
- Return to Making Tracks the night before checking out (Tuesday or Friday)
- Check out before midday on Saturday or Wednesday.
Short trip - Four nights
Saturday to Wednesday
- Check-in Saturday 2 to 7 pm. Go through the map and introduction.
- The following day, we go through everything with the horse and wagon. Start journey on the road and stay that night at a route stop.
- Continue around the route to 1 more overnight stop.
- Return to Making Tracks base night before checking out (Tuesday)
- Check out before midday on Wednesday.
Price List
Booking Information
Minimum driver age: 18 years with a valid driving licence.
Driving the wagon requires two people:
One handling directions and traffic management.
One driving the horse.
A driver can be provided at an additional cost (must be booked in advance).
Average fitness level required.
Comfortable walking — some sections involve walking with the horse.
At least one person must be able to lift 20kg overhead (needed to mount the collar).
Please notify us of any health issues when booking.
This is a physically demanding holiday. Even with horse experience, there are many new factors to consider.
We recommend:
Choosing a shorter trip (Saturday–Wednesday), or
Booking an additional driver to help with the horse and wagon.
Group Size
Two adults
OR one adult + one youth (14+ and confident around horses)
Two adults + 2–3 children
Three adults + 1–2 children
Four adults possible, but space will be tight
If you have older children or four adults, we recommend bringing a tent
Instruction on tacking up and caring for the horse
Instruction on wagon driving and road safety
Map and route
Use of Making Tracks facilities
On-call assistance during your trip
Liability insurance for the horse
Horse and wagon hire
Towels
Groceries
Stand fees at stopovers
Transfers
Liability insurance for guests
A €250 cash deposit is required on arrival and refunded after the trip.
Please arrange your own:
Third-party holiday insurance
Accident insurance
These must be arranged before travelling, as we cannot provide them.
Your household insurance may sometimes be extended to cover holiday risks — please check this yourself.
Our insurance does not cover visitors for claims against them for damage to other people or property.
FAQ's
It’s an advantage but not a must. We have horses suitable for all abilities.
Yes, but they must be well behaved, good with all other animals and able to sit calmly. They must not distract the driver and map reader of the wagon.
Yes, but we find older kids over the age of eight really enjoy it. They understand what’s going on and can help. For families with small kids, it can be quite stressful to navigate, drive the wagon and parent all at once.
Yes, we can store luggage at the base station while you are on trip.
Route will take you down the rural lanes of the Laois countryside. Expect to see is lots of fields full of animals and lush nature filled hedges, the true back roads of Ireland.
You will be on public paved roads but all rural roads. You meet mainly locals and farmers on these roads. They are quiet roads and expect to see a car every 20 mins or so. Some parts of the route and some days will be busier depending on what’s going on in the area.
Two of the stops have option for campfire (we supply wood). At base camp there is place for BBQ in our covered BBQ area.