Horse Racing & Equine Events

October 2, 2010 to October 11, 2010.
Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest events in Ireland and has been held each October for longer than anyone knows.

The fair draws massive crowds for a week of competition alongside dealing in horses and other livestock. There are also fun fairs, street performers and numerous other events.

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August 4, 2010 to August 8, 2010.
This is the big event of the year for Irish show jumpers and horse breeders, a hugely competitive event with classes for all types of horse from tiny ponies to thoroughbred stallions.

And it’s not just the horses who are in competition. It’s an event for the style conscious too, with hotly contested best-dressed events for both women and men.

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May 12, 2010 to May 14, 2010.
The biggest event in Northern Irelands equestrian calendar, with the cream of show jumpers as well a show horses and young stock in attendance.

There is plenty for the non-horsey set to enjoy too, with livestock competitions, a large trade show, a food pavilion with cookery demonstrations and lots of fun activities for kids.

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July 26, 2009 to July 28, 2009.
One of the richest races in the world, and at the centre of 3 days of great racing, this is the highlight of the annual racing calendar in Ireland.

But it isn’t all about horses. It’s also an occasion where fashion is very much to the fore with ladies wearing expensive outfits and extravagant hats attracting just as much attention as the thoroughbreds on the track.

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April 20, 2010 to April 24, 2010.
This is Ireland’s Cheltenham and a very big event in the area – kids are even given time off school to attend!

It is a friendly occasion, very much a family event, and most of Ireland’s best national hunt horses will be there.

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April 4, 2010 5:00 pm to April 6, 2010 5:00 pm.
One of the premier events on the the Irish racing calenders, this 4 day festival always has highly competitive racing, especially in the featured events, the Powers Gold Cup Novice Chase, Irish Grand National and the Ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle.

It’s very much a family event, with lots of entertainment to keep those less enthusiastic about the horses happy.

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December 26, 2010 to December 29, 2010.
For many people Christmas is not Christmas without a day or two at Leopardstown races. It’s a very festive event, with families very much in evidence.

For those serious about the racing, rather than just the major social event that it is, the cream of Irish and British National Hunt horses will compete for serious prize money.

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