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The caravan
A horsedrawn caravan is sometimes called a Romany Caravan. This kind of caravan has been used since about 1840 by Irish people living a nomadic lifestyle.
When you set out on your Romany caravan holiday you will be using the 'bow-topped' gypsy wagon traditionally used by Irish 'Travellers'. It is made mostly of wood and stretched canvas. A Romany caravan is designed to be as comfortable and as compact as possible - yet light enough for one horse to pull.
In constructing our eight Romany caravans we kept closely to the traditional Irish Romany design, and then added some refinements for your comfort.
Even the harness we use is authentic! During your Romany caravan holiday you will be using the same 'common' or 'cart-harness' used by Irish 'Travellers' for centuries.
Accommodation
The caravan has sleeping accommodation for 4 persons, and a breakfast cooker, electric kettle, sink/wash-basin, kitchen equipment and seating to allow holiday meals to be prepared and served in the caravan. Internal electric lighting is also provided. Tents are also available at a small charge.
The diagram below shows the lay-out of our horse-drawn caravans.
Practical Information
- Your caravan has compact and cosy seating and berths
for four persons.
- Sheets, pillows and duvets are provided, but you may,
if you wish, bring your own sleeping bags. Visitors
should bring their own towels.
- A breakfast gas cooker (two rings & a grill),
cooking and cleaning utensils, water container, crockery,
cutlery and tea-towels, are all part of the kitchen
equipment.
- Lighting is provided by gas or electricity.
- Sink/wash-basin, table, hanging-space, drawers,
shelves and built-in cupboards, complete the picture.
- Our horse-drawn caravans are about 5 metres long (about 7 metres with horse yoked), over 2 metres wide and weigh a maximum of 750 Kg.
Historical Note
Today's 'Travelling People' or 'Travellers', as they are now called, no longer live in horse-drawn caravans. They have, however, a continuing interest and involvement in the breeding and training of draught horses. Many of the quiet horses we use have their origin in the breeding pool developed by these 'Travellers'.
