This particular festival dates back to the 1870's and has plenty of races throughout the week with the largest prize around 200,000 euro's and is televised throughout the world. It has the famous reputation of being a spirited and lively affair just like the owners and the horses and the event attracts around 200,000 race enthusiasts yearly. It is set during the last week of July at the Ballybrit Racecourse and is a fantastic day out for all equine enthusiasts.
2)The Dublin Horse Show 2008 06-10th August
This is a massive exhibition set in the heart of Ireland's capital Dublin over the massive RDS complex. It is heavily based in the equine world but if you enjoy shopping there are plenty of stores available in the trade hall with around 300 individual stalls. The high light of the week is of course the racing and is the winning of the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy this involves eight countries have rivalled for the title.
3)Castle Leslie in County Monaghan
Castle Leslie is one of the last 30 Irish castles still run by the family who have owned it from the 1600's, they have received numerous famous people from poets to politicians and boasts amazingly luxurious accommodation. The Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre is surrounded by beautiful country and is placed perfectly to enjoy horse riding and recently opened a premiere equestrian facility that can cater for all levels of experience. Resources include 300 new cross-country jumps throughout the 1,000 acres of private estate, 21 miles of bridleways to enjoy the beautiful countryside and an extensive range of indoor activities for those rainy days.
4)Goffs - Horse Sale Show
Goffs Bloodstock Sale is found in Kill, County Kildare is the best equestrian supplier in Ireland and every year there are specialist events held to sell premium horses to people who can afford the best breeding in horses. People can participate in the auction via a web site also but to attend the auction gives all the excitement of an auction as well as seeing some of the beautiful horses and meeting other horse owners. Goffs Million Sale is held this year on 29th September to 1st October, features 657 premium yearlings and includes eligibility to the Goffs Millions with the huge prize fund of 3,200,000 Euro's.
5)The 27 Racecourses Nationwide
It is a fact that there are more racecourse's per head in Ireland than anywhere else in the world so where ever your vacationing in Ireland your will always be close to a day at the races. The total amount of visitors nationwide is over 1.4 million to the 27 individual racecourses. The racecourses range from national hunt to flat or a combination of the two.
