Slieve Aughty Centre

Slieve Aughty Centre officially opened in 1986, offering farm holidays for families. Owned and operated by Esther and Merel Zyderlaan, the centre quickly developed a reputation for delicious organic food, great horses and people and a welcoming atmosphere. Today, the centre caters for families, individuals and unaccompanied teens with horse riding, cycling and walking holidays, English language lessons, and festivals for the local community. We also have conference facilities for company trainings and workshops.

Since its beginning, Slieve Aughty Centre has been a leader in the area in environmental practices. The Centre grows most of its own fruits and veg in a large organic garden and sources meats and cheeses from local farmers. Everything is recycled, and not just the usual plastic and glass. Old household items and construction material is used to build furniture, mosaics, costumes, and more. Only eco-friendly cleaning agents are used at the centre, and the water is delicious and clean from our well. Most importantly, our eco-friendly practices are a part of who we are and reflect our professional and personal belief that it is ours and everyone’s responsibility to care for the Earth.

Surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of forestry beside the Slieve Aughty Mountains in East County Galway, the centre has a unique location. The area is remote and scenic, while lakes, rivers, the sea and shopping can all be reached easily. What we don’t offer is traffic, light pollution and over-stimulating lights and noise.

Slieve Aughty Centre is BHS (British Horse Society), AIRE (Association of Irish Riding Establishments) and Bord Failte approved.