Horse Country, the joint venture between equine tropism enterprises in Kildare and Tipperary, was launched at the Punchestown Festival offering a portfolio of 15 different visitor experiences.
The initiative was formerly known as Thoroughbred Country. The initiative is driven by the international appeal of Ireland’s standing in the thoroughbred industry, which generates an estimated €2.45bn annually for the economy and employs 30,000.
The Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan aims to boost tourism within Kildare and Tipperary, offering a robust framework for enhancing visitor experiences over the next five years.
Visitors can explore locations such as Kildangan Stud and the Curragh Racecourse. The weibsite guides visitors to behind-the-scenes access to renowned trainers like Aidan O’Brien in Coolmore and Johnny Murtagh in Kildare and Tipperary, enabling a close look at training routines and racing operations.
A VIP experience with Johnny and Orla Murtagh is advertised at €2,000 for a group of eight on the Horse Country website while an hour with Jessica Harrington is priced at €400 for two people. That includes a gift and afternoon tea. There are also behind the scenes tours at the Curragh, which are priced at €25 per person, the Kildangan Stud ‘Foal to Fame Tour’ at €35 per person
Laura Magee, CEO fo Horse Country shared: “Kildare is known as the HQ for the horse racing and breeding industries in Ireland while in Tipperary we have Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore which are recognised globally so that’s what sets us apart. The industry can be quite closed doors unless you are working in it or know somebody who is working in it,. The race day is not the full story but, for some people, it might be their only touch point. But so much has gone on behind the scenes in the build-up to the race day. As our relationship with Failte Ireland has grown, so too has their appreciation for how important our industry is.”.
Cathal Beale, Horse Country Chairman and CEO of the Irish National Stud & Gardens, shared: “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.”
Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, shared: “We are pleased to support the launch of Horse Country, which showcases the rich heritage and world-class expertise of our thoroughbred industry.”
- The Jessica Harrington Racing Experience: Kildare, A behind-the-scenes journey with Cheltenham Gold Cup and Classic winning trainer Jessica Harrington.
- Johnny Murtagh Racing VIP Experience: Kildare, Join us on the famous gallops of The Curragh at Fox Covert Stables wqith trainer Johnny Murtagh and his wife Orla.
- Tipperary Thoroughbred Trail: Tipperary, A private tour of Fethard Horse Country Museum, and a private tour of Coolmore Stud Farm with Cashel Palace Hotel’s Equine Concierge.
- The Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds – Behind the Scenes: Kildare, ‘Home to over 1,000 racehorses in training on the Curragh training grounds.
- Kildangan Stud – Foal to Fame Tour: Kildare, Up close and personal with 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, meet champion horses, tour the interactive displays outlining Ireland’s history and become a jockey in a virtyual horse race.
- Fethard Horse Country Experience: Tipperary, over two floors within the 17th century Tholsel building.
- Crossogue Equestrian: Tipperary, Crossogue Stud owner, Mark Molloy, and his team offer an 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 Horse Country Experience The Tholsel, Main St, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 R652, immersive storytelling. See also scones & Saddles, where history and heritage meet over tea.
- Tipperary Museum of Hidden History and Forge Experience: Tipperary Museum’s collection was first founded in the 1940’s and was the first purpose-built Local Authority County Museum in Ireland.
