Enjoy a great day out for all the family at the Irish National Stud & Gardens in County Kildare. This family-friendly location offers an unforgettable experience in 800 acres of beautiful Kildare countryside with some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world, including the beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden.

Naturally, horses are sure to be top of the agenda when you visit, so don’t miss the Living Legends paddock where equine superstars including Beef or Salmon, Kicking King, Hurricane Fly, Hardy Eustace, and Rite of Passage relax in the sunshine. Daily guided tours of the stud are available and last 45 minutes, which is a great way to find out as much as possible during your visit.

Stop by the interactive and immersive Irish Racehorse Experience where you can journey through the history of horse racing in Ireland and get involved in call the horse racing action! (NB more suitable for older kids)

Don’t miss the chance to explore the magical fairy trail in the woodland area, and afterwards let the kids run off some steam at the fab playground before you stop by the café for refreshments.

With 350 acres of parkland, Dartfield is a great choice for horse enthusiasts. Here you’ll discover the Horse Museum – dedicated to Irish horses, Connemara ponies, and Irish dogs – which offers an interesting mix of exhibits and history, including historical farm machinery, a selection of carriages, an equine veterinary gallery, saddles and trap belonging to Lord Mountbatten, as well as a gallery of equine and country living-inspired artwork

You can also take a turn in the saddle with hourly, half-day or full-day riding sessions and treks for beginners to advanced riders.

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Try something completely different with a 2.5-hour traditional horse caravan experience.

Start your tour by meeting your horse, getting everything harnessed and hooked up, then heading off for a guided tour through the Wicklow countryside. Finish your visit by hosing down the horse and doling out some well-deserved treats!

If an afternoon isn’t enough, there are also 3-day caravan experiences, on-site glamping, and even donkey walking!

Adjacent to more than 2,000 acres of Coillte managed forest, the Slieve Aughty Horse Riding Centre is ideal for trail riding and horse riding treks. All trail riding is tailored to the rider’s ability, for beginners to advanced.

For a family day out, try the Family Experience and book pony rides to the Enchanted Forest for the kids. It’s a great day out with a craft room, games, playground and farm animals to visit. You can also book a pancake party or order a picnic lunch, and of course take advantage of The Three Towers Organic Kitchen and grab a bite to eat before or after your ride.

And for those who would like to prolong their stay, check out the Three Towers Eco guest accommodation including B&B, glamping, eco lodges and camping.

Corballis Farm Horse Trekking and Therapeutic Riding Centre is situated on over 120 acres of beautiful farm and woodland in the seaside village of Donabate, North County Dublin.

Treks are available for all ages and skill levels through acres of fields, woodlands or along the beach on the nearby strand.

Individual therapeutic riding sessions with qualified therapeutic coaches are also available for children and adults with additional needs.

The An Sibin Riding Centre is nestled in the rolling hills of rural County Clare. Miles of quiet lanes and paths overlooking panoramic views of the River Shannon are perfect for a relaxed horse riding vacation in the picturesque landscape.

See the rugged landscape as you travel along trails through Galway, Clare and the unique Burren National Park.

The family-run Lough Gara Stables & Country Pursuits is situated on the tranquil shores of Lough Gara near Boyle. Take a horse-riding lesson, join a pony camp, or head off for a scenic off-road trek to see the local area.

There is also a wide range of additional activities, including falconry, archery, clay shooting, air rifle shooting, airsoft shooting, assault courses, boating, and a pets corner.

See the stunning Dingle peninsula on horseback with treks that range from 2.5-6 hours, either through the hills behind Dingle with stunning views over the Atlantic or along the beaches and Great Blasket Island trails.

If one afternoon isn’t enough, take your pick of 3- or 7-day trail riding holidays.

Located on the Errislannan peninsula on the west coast of Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way, Errislannan Manor Riding Centre overlooks a trout lake and is bounded by Connemara’s moors and mountains.

Both adults and children can partake in lessons in the outdoor arena, guided treks, or lead reins. Treks bring you over heather-covered moors, past famine villages, along the shores to enjoy stunning views out to the Atlantic and islands or inland to the Twelve Bens mountain range.

Therapeutic riding sessions are also available for adults and children with a variety of additional physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental needs.

Experience an age-old Irish tradition as you take a trip on a jaunting car with your Jarvey guide around the famed Killarney National Park.

There are various tours to choose from, taking in such sights as the 15th century Ross Castle, the Gap of Dunloe and more. Each one will take you a route where cars can’t travel, seeing everything from red deer and local wildlife to magnificent landscapes and views.

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.

Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, this engaging and interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land and the horse – and how they are all inextricably linked.

The annual Dublin Horse Show in the RDS is a highlight of the showjumping calendar. 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.

A trip to the races is an exciting day out! Ireland has many racecourses around the country, many of which offer family days during the year.

• Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin
• Curragh Racecourse, Kildare
• Naas Racecourse, Kildare
• Punchestown Racecourse, Kildare
• Gowran Park, Kilkenny
• Dundalk Stadium, Louth
• Bellewstown Racecourse, Meath
• Fairyhouse Racecourse, Meath
• Laytown Racecourse, Meath
• Navan Racecourse, Meath
• Kilbeggan Racecourse, Westmeath
• Wexford Racecourse

• Cork Racecourse
• Killarney Racecourse, Kerry
• Listowel Racecourse, Kerry
• Tramore Racecourse, Kerry
• Limerick Racecourse
• Clonmel Racecourse, Tipperary
• Thurles Racecourse, Tipperary
• Tipperary Racecourse

• Galway Raceccourse
• Ballinrobe Racecourse, Mayo
• Roscommon Racecourse
• Sligo Racecourse

• Downpatrick Racecourse
• Down Royal Racecourse