The annual gathering of the horsey set in Dublin is not just Ireland’s premier show jumping event of the year, but a fixture in the social calendar as well.
Some of the World’s best show jumpers will be here, competing for large prizes in competitions thoughout the week, culminating in the Nations Cup, for the Aga Khan Trophy on the last day of the show. This is as much a social as an equestrian event, with horsey people from all over the country gathering for a week of competition by day and hard partying by night.
There are national jumping competitions for horses and ponies, International show jumping in the main arena, hunters, side saddle competitions, cobs, Connemara ponies, dainty and elegant show ponies, even donkeys.
It is an arena for selling horses too, with buyers from all over the world paying particular attention to the young horse events, hoping to pick up tomorrow’s star performers. For many of those who are showing horses success means going home with no horse but a vastly improved bank balance!
More than horses…
Away from the horses there is a huge indoor exhibition with craft workers and businesses from all over the country showing and selling their wares and hoping to pick up some orders from the many foreign visitors who attend. There is entertainment of all sorts, from music and street performers to novelty and exhibition events.
An ever popular fixture is the Band of the Irish Defence Forces (aka ‘the Army Band’), who in addition to playing at big events in the main ring play a really fun selection of music at the bandstand daily. Thursday is Ladies day – when the hats and outfits scare the horses and wow the fashion conscious in the crowd.
It’s a wonderful show and if you plan to attend count on spending the whole day here – there is so much to see and do you may even want to come back for a second one!
Date and details for 2024 subject to confirmation.
Dublin Horse Show Map & Information
General admission tickets can be bought at the entrance, though for special events in the main arena you’ll need to buy tickets in advance. You can also book by calling:
- 0818 719 300 (from within Ireland)
- 0844 847 2455 (from the UK, including Northern Ireland)
- 00 353 1 456 9569 (from anywhere else)
