If you prefer to soak up the area’s equine history and heritage, the National Stud in County Kildare will be well worth a visit and a tour. The beating heart of Ireland's bloodstock industry, it houses some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world.
A horse museum presents artefacts, illustrations and texts telling the history of the horse in Ireland, and includes a display of the skeleton of iconic Irish steeplechaser Arkle, a three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.
The stud’s Japanese Gardens, renowned as the finest of their kind in Europe, will provide more treats for the eye, while St Fiachra’s Garden captures the Irish landscape in its rawest and most beautiful state.
For those who relish three-day eventing, Ireland’s Ancient East will be buzzing from 27 May–2 June to the sights and sounds of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair. Taking place in a 100-acre farm in County Meath, this top-class Irish equestrian event features the best in dressage, cross country and showjumping.
The Country Fair will suit everyone from toddlers to great-grandparents, with plenty of good food, bars, entertainment, fun and a three-acre shopping village.
Or look further ahead to the Dublin Horse Show (15–19 July), regarded not just as a summer celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, but as one of the best equestrian shows in the world.
This potent mix of showjumping, style and socialising is one of the best places to soak up Ireland’s outstanding equestrian action.
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www.tatts.ie
www.irishnationalstud.ie
www.dublinhorseshow.com