Irish Equestrian Adventure & Dublin Horse Show August 2015
Since it was first held in 1864 the Horse Show has become a Dublin institution. A celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers. It is one of Ireland’s largest events, a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming tens of thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world. This magnificent tour of Ireland allows you to enjoy Dublin City and the Famous horse show, but also enjoy some of the most rural and beautiful parts of the country that include the deeply rooted equestrian culture. With access to the best treks and trails Ireland has to offer; let the local Irish experts here at Destinations customize your dream equestrian experience in Ireland.
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ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Shannon Airport, pick up your rental car. Stay in Connemara 2 nightsArrive in Shannon Airport, and pick up your rental car. Drive to the magnificent Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara Co. Galway where you’ll stay for 2 nights. Get settled in to your accommodations today, and take in all that Connemara has to offer. There are a number of charming fishing villages dotted along the coast for you to explore, and the scenery will take your breath away. Bask in the deeply rooted culture, delicious food, and incomparable hospitality. Day 2: Errislannan Manor Riding Centre, day of trekking.Today, visit ‘Errislannan Manor Riding Centre’. Established in 1970, this equestrian Centre is renowned for its beautiful scenery. Also see the‘Manor Connemara Pony Stud’. The riding Centre offers long or short treks over heather covered moors and along the shores out to the end of the peninsula, home of hares, larks, otters and all kinds of seabirds. The Connemara ponies are homebred, and sound. Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity! Day 3: Galway City & Galway equestrian Centre, tour & Stay 1 night.Depart Connemara and continue on to Galway City, where you’ll stay 1 night at the Twelve Hotel. Enjoy a great day exploring Galway City, known as the “City of the Tribes” since the time it was ruled by patrician families hundreds of years ago. Galway is a thriving and bustling city famous for the arts. Enjoy a delicious meal and traditional Irish music at a local pub. Explore the ‘Galway Equestrian Centre’ and take a ride this afternoon. Enjoy your time at their superb facilities and perhaps visit their tack shop. Day 4: Cliffs of Moher, burren, Ailwee Caves. Stay in Killarney 2 nights.Drive south today towards Killarney, Co. Kerry, where you’ll stay for 2 nights at The Cahernane House. En Route to Kerry, stop and visit the Cliffs of Moher. Soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic ocean on the coast of County Clare, this site will astound you. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk on the Burren, with its limestone lunar landscape, druidic altars, stone age fireplaces and exotic plant life. Explore The Ailwee Caves, home to majestic underground waterfalls, and the Birds of Prey Centre, which houses birds from around the globe. Enjoy a hands on experience with professional Hawk handlers. Day 5: Visit The Killarney Riding Stables for trekking adventure.Spend today at ‘The Killarney Riding Stables’, which were established in 1968. Approved by the Irish Tourist Board and the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, the Stables are home to some 70 horses. Killarney Riding Stables offers Hacking, Trekking and Trail Riding into the ‘Killarney National Park’. The trails go into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, taking in stunning views of mountains, lake, wildlife, flora and fauna. This is a remarkable way to see the beauty of Killarney. Day 6: Drive North. Tour Kilkenny. On to Co. Wicklow, stay 1 night.Depart Kerry today, and drive North East towards Co. Wicklow. En route, stop in Kilkenny for a tour, visit Kilkenny Castle, and a bite to eat. Kilkenny is Ireland’s finest example of a medieval town. Onward to Co. Wicklow where you’ll stay for 1 night at The Rathsallagh House. Wicklow is Ireland’s ‘horse Country’, bordering with County Kildare which features The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. Day 7: Tour Glendalough & Irish National Stud. On to Dublin, stay 4 nights.Visit the enchanting treasure that is ‘Glendalough’, the ruins of the sixth century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin. The ruins feature the finest example of an ancient round tower. Tour the ‘Irish National Stud’ today. Nowhere better symbolizes all that is great about County Kildare, the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred industry, than the stud, a unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty that is home to some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world. The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910. Drive on to Dublin this evening, return your rental car, or say goodbye to your driver guide, and check into Brooks Hotel in the heart of the City, for a 3 night stay. Day 8: Explore & tour Dublin City today.Explore Dublin City today. Dublin is a prosperous and dynamic capital city, with a proud colorful past and a thriving present. Highlights include Trinity College, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Stroll along Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping area. Dublin is filled with fantastic restaurants and traditional pubs, where you may sample cuisine from around the world. Visit the Guinness Brewery at St. James’ Gate, and the Jameson Distillery. Meander through Temple Bar, and take in some traditional Irish music. Day 9: Enjoy events at The Dublin Horse Show.Enjoy all the events of the infamous Dublin Horse Show! The Dublin Horse Show is held at the RDS, The Royal Dublin Society. The Horse Show is a Dublin institution. A celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers. The Dublin Horse Show began in 1868 on the lawns of Leinster House. The first Shows featured led horses, ‘leaping’ demonstrations and the Stone Wall competition. In 1881 the Show was moved to Ballsbridge where it has been held annually ever since. The show boasts one of the largest prize funds of any equestrian event in the world. Catering for everyone the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show includes an exhibition of crafts and antiques, a diverse range of shopping and exhibition stands with many food outlets, restaurants and bars on site. Day 11: After breakfast, go to Airport & return home.After a delicious Irish breakfast, enjoy your private transfer to Dublin Airport, where you’ll prepare for your return flight home. Slan Abhaile! *The Dublin Horse show takes place from August 5th – 9th 2015. Why not extend your stay or customize your itinerary to include more days at the show! Contact one of our travel experts for planning assistance. Your Ireland Trip Includes:
AirfareAirfare is not included but may be booked with us at competitive rates – just let us know your preferred dates and U.S. Departure airport* PricingPlease contact our travel experts for current pricing 1800-832-1848
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