Ireland’s premier immersive equine tourism experience
Thursday, 1st May 2025: Horse Country, Ireland's premier immersive equine tourism experience was launched at the Punchestown Festival yesterday, Wednesday April 30th.
Supported by Fáilte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland, Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, Horse Country offers 15 visitor experiences that immerse guests in the fascinating world of thoroughbred horses, including access to the yards and training operations of Aidan O’Brien (Tipperary), Johnny Murtagh (Kildare) and Jessica Harrington’s (Kildare). These globally recognised trainers are opening their racehorse training yards exclusively to Horse Country visitors, offering unique behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to see the training regimes and facilities for the thoroughbred equine athletes in their care.
Visitors can also enjoy exclusive access to renowned stud farms like Kildangan in County Kildare and Coolmore in County Tipperary to explore the very beginning of a thoroughbred’s journey and witness firsthand the life cycle of these incredible animals, from newborn foals to future champions.
The Horse Country concept was cultivated in 2021 by industry leaders within the Irish thoroughbred sector to leverage the deep-rooted thoroughbred heritage, world-renowned breeding industry and passionate horse racing scene in Kildare and Tipperary as a unique tourism proposition.
Ireland is internationally recognised for the quality and depth of its thoroughbred industry and Irish-bred thoroughbred horses, racehorse trainers and jockeys, are recognised among the most accomplished on the planet and consistently excel on the world stage. The Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing industry generates €2.45 billion for the Irish exchequer, employs over 30,000 people and approximately 1.2 million people go racing to the 26 racecourses on the island of Ireland every year.
The Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan (TC DEDP) created by Fáilte Ireland for Kildare and Tipperary represents a five-year plan with a vision to deliver the world’s best collective thoroughbred visitor experience. The objective of the TC DEDP is to realise the domestic and international tourism opportunity that can be delivered through the heritage of the thoroughbred and the wider ecosystem that surrounds the industry.
Cathal Beale, Horse Country Chairman and CEO of the Irish National Stud & Gardens, said: “Through my role in the Irish National Stud & Gardens, I see firsthand how the interest in thoroughbred horses and racing significantly drives tourism in Kildare. We are delighted to launch Horse Country today and excited to see this unique immersive equine tourism product further increasing domestic and international tourism while showcasing our world-renowned racing and breeding industry.”
Brian O'Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, added: ‘’We are pleased to support the launch of Horse Country, which showcases the rich heritage and world-class expertise of our thoroughbred industry. In 2021, Fáilte Ireland launched the Thoroughbred Country DEDP to drive the sustainable development of tourism in Kildare and Tipperary and to create new and enhanced visitor experiences across both counties. Horse Country represents a significant milestone in this journey, as it not only highlights the exceptional skills of our trainers and the beauty of our stud farms but also underscores Ireland's reputation as a premier destination for equine tourism. It provides a fantastic opportunity for hotels and other businesses in these counties to collaborate with these new immersive tours and connect with the thoroughbred story. We are confident Horse Country will help attract more domestic and international visitors to Tipperary, Kildare, and the wider Ireland’s Ancient East region, encouraging them to stay longer, which will bring economic benefits to local businesses and communities.’’
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For more information, contact Laura Magee, CEO, Horse Country. Email: laura@horsecountry.ie or mobile: 085 736 0277.
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NOTES TO EDITOR
15 Horse Country visitor experiences
Racing Royalty – Ballydoyle Racing and Coolmore Stud: Tipperary
Immerse yourself amongst world famous racing royalty and follow in the tracks of legendary breeders, trainers and thoroughbred horses during this exclusive equine excursion. Gain unprecedented access to the hallowed grounds of Ballydoyle Racing and Coolmore Stud, the globally renowned partnership that has produced some of the world’s greatest champion racehorses. Accompanied by our private Equine Concierge from Cashel Palace Hotel, guests will have the enviable opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn about the incredible history of these thoroughbred institutions.
The Jessica Harrington Racing Experience: Kildare
Prepare to embark on an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey with Cheltenham Gold Cup and Classic winning trainer Jessica Harrington, that will leave you breathless with excitement.
Johnny Murtagh Racing VIP Experience: Kildare
Join us on the famous gallops of The Curragh with one of Ireland's top trainers. Guests will be welcomed at Fox Covert Stables by trainer Johnny Murtagh and his wife Orla who will give you an insight into the daily training of the renowned Irish thoroughbred.
Tipperary Thoroughbred Trail: Tipperary
A tour through Tipperary’s rich equine heritage, including a private tour of Fethard Horse Country Museum, a private tour of Coolmore Stud Farm with Cashel Palace Hotel’s Equine Concierge, your dedicated personal guide.
The Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds - Behind the Scenes: Kildare
‘Where champions are made’ describes the globally iconic Curragh Racecourse in Kildare, Ireland’s premier racecourse and home to over 1,000 racehorses in training on the Curragh training grounds, just a 30-minute drive from Dublin.
Kildangan Stud - Foal to Fame Tour: Kildare
Experience a detailed and personal guide-led walking tour of the historic Kildangan Stud and estate with access to some of the world’s top thoroughbred stallions. See a selection of those stallions and new-born foals (season dependent) and its state-of-the-art horse facilities and private museum.
The Irish National Stud & Gardens: Kildare
Located just 40 minutes from Dublin, the Irish National Stud & Gardens offers something for casual visitors, equine enthusiasts, and racing fanatics alike. Whether you want a relaxed stroll, a behind-the-scenes glimpse, or a full VIP experience, your journey into the world of Irish racing starts here.
Fethard Horse Country Experience: Tipperary
Located in the heart of the Golden Vale, the FHC experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture, heritage and history of the region. Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, this interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land and the horse revealing how they are all inextricably linked.Spread out over two floors within the 17th century Tholsel building, the engaging nature of the exhibition makes it an enjoyable and informative experience for all ages.
Castles, Colts & Culture: Tipperary
Get up close with some of the finest colts, witness their development firsthand, and immerse yourself in a legacy of equestrian achievement. This unique experience offers unparalleled insight into the world of racing and breeding, showcasing what makes Coolmore a global leader.
Crossogue Equestrian: Tipperary
Discover Ireland on horseback through Tipperary country. Hosted by Crossogue Stud owner, Mark Molloy, and his team, this immersive day of horse riding and racing will give you an insight into the world of racing from the viewpoint of an owner/trainer.
Fethard Folklore & Food: Tipperary
In Fethard, history isn’t confined to the past, it lives in its streets, its stories, and its deep-rooted equestrian traditions. Here, every corner has a tale to tell, and every flavour is a tribute to the land.
Scones & Saddles: Tipperary
Where history and heritage meet over tea. Stroll through medieval ruins, explore Ireland’s racing legacy, and enjoy a taste of tradition with freshly baked delights.
Stories & Stallions: Tipperary
Located in the heart of the Golden Vale, the Fethard Horse Country Experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture, heritage and history of the region.
Tipperary Museum of Hidden History and Forge Experience: Tipperary
While exploring wonderful Tipperary and enjoying the rich racing history of the county, a visit to Tipperary Museum brings to life the stories of past generations and captures the essence of a county in Ireland’s thoroughbred story.
Tipperary Tales & Tastes: Tipperary
Experience Tipperary through its stories, traditions, and flavours. From ancient castles to world-famous thoroughbreds, uncover a region where history and heritage meet exceptional Irish hospitality.
