Ireland Horse Riding Holidays

The Republic of Ireland is a country just to the west of Great Britain, although the northern ‘head’ of the island, Northern Ireland, is considered a part of the United Kingdom. The Republic uses the Euro whereas the pound is used in Northern Ireland; both however share a passion for horses and horse racing. This is evidenced by the fact that the governing body for horse racing covers both territories – it is run in an ‘All Ireland’ fashion.

The country is very well served with transport links to Great Britain. There are multiple ferry destinations as well as good flights to the UK and beyond – there are 5 airports in Northern Ireland and 18 in the Republic, the most busy being of course in Dublin. Dublin has very strong links to London and to Manchester in England, but flights go across the world. There is also a considerable road and train network throughout the country, and you can get a car there on a ferry if you are travelling from across the sea.

The passion for horses is intense: as a whole island Ireland has a population of around 6.1 million, but has 26 racecourses. Scotland, which has a population of around 5 million, only has 5 racecourses. The courses are divided as 2 in Northern Ireland and the remaining 24 are in the Republic. There are many famous Irish jockeys, such as Kieren Fallon, and there is an enormous number of prominent Irish trainers. Much of the top horse breeding and training takes place in Ireland and as a result Irish horses, riders and trainers are a significant presence in UK and world horse racing.

Ireland is known for its animal husbandry and breeding, and its horses are no different: there are a great deal of Irish horse breeds that are used for riding, racing, exhibitions and work. The national breed of the country is the Irish Draught. An Irish Draught is a strong horse that was used in farming, and is now used in riding and other activities. It is often used to breed the Irish Sport Horse (or the Irish Draught Sports Horses), or ‘Irish Hunter’. Unsurprisingly the Irish Sport Horse is used for recreation and the horse is the favoured mount in fox hunting. The Irish Sport Horse is extremely popular in America and the export of these horses is a very lucrative business. The breed is also a popular choice in eventing – dressage, cross country and show jumping.

But Ireland also has a great deal to offer the casual horse rider. The Republic has many more horse riding centres than Northern Ireland. There is a significant concentration of stables in the south and West of Ireland, in County Limerick, Kerry and Galway. Horse riding centres can cater for all levels of riders, from new riders to experienced riders. Children and adults are all welcome, and many centres are close to or provide accommodation of all levels, from small bed and breakfasts to top-class luxury hotels.