I’m sitting in the back seat of an SUV, listening to one of the world’s most sought-after horse trainers and former champion jockey explain his daily routine. We’re cruising through some of the greenest hills I’ve ever seen, and there is a mist whisking through the air, ensuring the driest our group will be all day is slightly damp. Johnny Murtagh was a champion jockey five times throughout his racing career before he started his own horse training facility. The facility is in Curragh, Ireland, where he first started racing. Seeing his operation is usually reserved for his clients, such as the Aga Khan and Qatar Racing.
“Is he coming along? He’s got a bit of attitude,” Murtagh calls to one rider as he passes our car. He checks in with each rider out on the field while the horses trot past us. It’s kind of an unreal experience, and something about my trip to Ireland that is truly singular, which feels like an increasingly tall order in a world where just about every travel experience has been shared by countless others.
Through an exclusive tour offered by Anantara The Marker, I was on a private group tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these horses are trained, which I also got to hear about from Murtagh and his wife while sitting in their beautiful kitchen. It is one of several ultra-unique experiences the hotel offers. The Marker is just one of many hotels these days that are trying to bring in guests not only by providing high-end hospitality but also unparalleled excursions that speak to the traveler’s desire to have unique adventures.
“The modern day traveler is looking for authentic experiences, immersing them in the culture of the destination they visit,” says Hannah McGrath, the property’s marketing and communications manager. “We pride ourselves in showcasing the true magic of Ireland from the moment guests walk through our doors.”
