Equestrian

If you’re not an experienced horse-rider, but would love to try it out, there’s no need to worry. Almost all equestrian centres are happy to take on any level of expertise, and qualified instructors can quickly help you establish balance and confidence on the horse that has been specially selected for you. 

For those who know how to ride, you can practise your existing skills surrounded by Ireland’s beautiful countryside. Equestrian centres should have all the equipment that you need, but as with any activity, bring comfortable clothes that are rainproof, and a decent pair of walking shoes. Ireland's weather is famously unpredictable, so make sure you have clothes packed for all weather!

Of course, you could opt to take a horse-drawn caravan for the duration of your holiday. But whether you’re on horseback or being drawn by a sturdy steed, if your trail takes you along roads, the Road Safety Authority in the Republic of Ireland and Road Safe NI gives advice on horse safety and the rules of the road.

There are plenty of treks and trails for you to choose from, including those that bring you down to the golden beaches around the island – it just depends on how far you want to go. The riding centres will advise you on the lengths of treks available.

Meanwhile, cross-country riding combines speed, agility and precision as you tackle banks, water obstacles, drops and wooden logs around some of the island’s excellent cross-country courses. For more advanced riders, there’s usually the option to bring your own horse. If you’d like to improve your skills, you can try out a cross-country lesson. A qualified instructor will help you tackle obstacles, as well as build your confidence.

Safety is of paramount importance, so always listen to the instructions given.

Horse racing is in our DNA – a visit to the Irish National Stud in County Kildare tells a lot of the story – so it’s almost hard to choose just one place to go. Summers are definitely made all the better by the Galway Races, while the lazy days that linger after Christmas are perked up by meets at Leopardstown in Dublin and Down Royal Racecourse, County Down.

Punchestown in Kildare is a rite of passage for thousands of race-goers every year. Navan in Meath, the Curragh in Kildare, and Downpatrick Racecourse are also justly famous for their feisty atmospheres. In fact, if you’ve never experienced the electric buzz from a day out at the races before, Ireland would be an excellent place to start!

The cream of Ireland’s shows are the Dublin Horse Show and the Belfast International Horse Show – both bring equestrian fans and general audiences in their droves. There are other Irish Horse Shows that don’t take such a huge international stage, but are well worth checking out.

If you want to see where it all begins in the thoroughbred world, a trip to a horse sale will give you a glimpse into the lives of some of the top names in Irish racing: Goffs in County Kildare, Goresbridge in County Kilkenny, Tattersalls in County Meath, Sweet Wall in County Antrim, and Ballintaggart in County Armagh are names that are known in racing circles worldwide.