Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch
Review
Just a short drive from Portlaoise, Fossey Mountain Spring Ranch feels like stepping into the American West without leaving the Irish Midlands. Owned and run by the charismatic Michael and Esther Lacumbre, this is one of the most original, lovingly crafted attractions I’ve visited in years. Michael, a former jockey and seasoned horseman, has a rare gift for putting both horses and riders instantly at ease, and that calm confidence is infectious. From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail shines, right down to the ranch’s own saloon. Come to learn to ride, stay to deepen your connection with these animals through riding lessons, trail rides, barrel racing and roping, with archery on the itinerary if you fancy it. More than anything, you leave feeling inspired, grounded, and closer to the horse. If any attraction deserves a spot in this book, it’s this ranch, probably the only kind in Ireland.
- Top 100 Review
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Location
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Nearby Eating Out
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Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant
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Nearby Accommodation
The Kilkeshin Hotel
While I don’t usually endorse larger group hotels, the Irish-owned So Hotel Group, consisting of 6 hotels, created by the experienced Pat McDonagh, is an exception,
Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant
Just a short hop off the M7 between Dublin and Limerick, Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant is the kind of stop that proves the best places are still family-run. Nearly 250 years in the same family is no small feat, and you feel that heritage the moment you walk in
The Auld Shebeen Gastro Bar & B&B
The Auld Shebeen Gastrobar & B&B here in Athy, Co. Kildare is a hidden gem among local accommodations. With only a few rooms, this boutique B&B emphasizes quality over quantity, offering an intimate and welcoming experience that truly stands out locally.
Nearby Iconic
Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant
Just a short hop off the M7 between Dublin and Limerick, Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant is the kind of stop that proves the best places are still family-run. Nearly 250 years in the same family is no small feat, and you feel that heritage the moment you walk in
The Thatch Crinkill
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