What You’ll Do
Take a few hours to explore the forest and river, pass through old stone ruins, catch a glimpse of deer or red squirrel and enjoy the peace of this remote and rugged landscape. Your donkey companion carries a pack for your picnic, rain gear and camera, and a map that will help you find your way. Routes can be 1 km to 25 km, depending on your wishes and fitness. Your organic picnic lunch will keep you fuelled for the day and your donkey will become a close friend. Slieve Aughty Centre’s donkeys are friendly and quiet and make for a unique hiking experience.
What’s Included
A donkey companion on your walk
A Picnic Lunch
Picnic Sample Menu
Suitable for coeliacs and vegans
Homemade brown sliced bread
salad from our natural garden
Homemade hummus with lemon and garlic
Locally produced gouda cheese
Homemade fresh scones with home made jam and fresh cream
Homemade berry muffins with a flask of fair trade coffee or tea
Oat cookies for an energy snack
4 bottles of spring water or juice
***
Homemade cold calzone filled with locally produced feta cheese & home grown spinach seasoned with herbs from the garden
Fresh salad from our own garden with yogurt dressing
Locally produced gouda cheese
Homemade fresh brownies with a flask of fair trade coffee or tea
Small bottles of spring water and/or organic wine (on request)
About Our Member

In 1978, Esther Zyderlaan settled in Ireland and created Slieve Aughty Centre with the desire to welcome people to a nature based, sustainable place where they could relax in comfort surrounded by nature. Surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of Coillte forestry, the centre began with an organic garden and a few farm animals, offering farm stays for European visitors. The centre is a recognised Ecotourism Ireland Tour Operator, earning a silver award for its green practices and policies. Visitors can enjoy wealth of fun activities as well as dining on locally grown responsibly sourced organic food.
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Key Information
Dress for the outdoors, including sturdy hiking boots and rain gear.
Walking distance depends on how far the guest would like to go. The picnic field is about 2.5km from the centre but routes of up to 20 km are possible. The terrain can be rough and mucky and donkeys walk at a slow pace.
Directions from Loughrea
From the M6, follow the signs for Loughrea. At the second roundabout exit to Loughrea Town Centre. You will go straight through a traffic light and stop at a T junction. Turn left. Pass the Loughrea Cathedral on your right and turn right at the roundabout on to the R351 (Woodford Road) south from Loughrea. Lough Rea Lake will be on your right hand as you leave the town.
Travel approximately 10Km to The Hill Bar on your left side. After passing The Hill Bar take the next right turn at the four way junction. There is a petrol station and shop at this junction.
Drive a further 0.5Km and take the first left at the white house. The road is small and narrow, so don’t let that fool you.
Drive another 1.0Km and park in the car park on the left side opposite to the stables.
You have arrived!
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