Tattersalls Irish Horse Trials
May 24 – June 3, 2019
I am delighted to be returning to Ireland and to be making our first visit to the Tattersalls Irish Horse Trials – 2019. Because there is so much to enjoy in Dublin, we are planning four nights in the city, with Dublin sightseeing including the Castle and Trinity College, the National Stud and lovely adjacent Japanese Gardens. Perhaps an evening enjoying true Irish music and a pint or two.
There are wonderful ruins and ancient sites to be found as we travel to Dunboyne and our accommodations for the Tattersall Ireland Horse Trials. We plan to take in the Newgrange Mound and Knowth, the Hill at Tara, and Bective Abbey ruin. It will be an interesting introduction to a bit of ancient and medieval Ireland before we settle into our Dunboyne Castle accommodations and enjoy the event, quite nearby.
Friday, May 24 – Depart for Dublin
Usual North American departures today for Dublin. You will find many connecting flights direct to Dublin from a variety of U.S. cities.
Saturday, May 25- Welcome to Ireland and Dublin
On arrival transfer into Dublin and to our accommodations at the Hotel Riu Plaze (the Gresham Dublin). We intend to organize transfers for those who wish. Our hotel is located quite near O’Connell Street, just blocks from the Liffey. Shops and restaurants are to be found throughout the area.
On arrival, check in and relax. This evening, gather for cocktails prior to our welcome dinner.
Sunday, May 26 – Walking Tour and Independent Sightseeing
We begin our visit with a walking tour of historic Dublin, visiting Trinity College and Dublin Castle. This afternoon and on Monday you will have tickets for the Hop On – Hop Off shuttle tour of Dublin allowing you to get to all of the sights.
Monday, May 27- Independent Sightseeing, Dublin
One of the shuttle stops is quite near our hotel, convenient for both beginning and ending your day. Some stops you may wish to consider are St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Christ’s Church Cathedral, the Guinness Storeroom, a major visitor attraction, Temple Bar and Merrion Square. Enjoy your day.
Tuesday, May 28 – The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens
Just an hour from Dublin is the Irish National Stud and adjacent Japanese Gardens. The farm here at Tully has been a famous racing stud since the early 20th-c and became the Irish National Stud in 1945. Stallions standing today are primarily hunt race horses and are available at a reasonable fee to Irish breeders. They also take a interest in preserving the purebred Irish draught. After our visit here, lunch in the Japanese Garden restaurant (an Irish menu) and have time to enjoy the magnificent gardens before we return to Dublin.
I would suggest, now that you have had time to adjust after your international flight, that you perhaps search out a pub with particularly good music. They abound in the city and we might have a suggestion or two.
Wednesday, May 29 – Into the Country to Dunboyne
Depart this morning and travel north to the mound at Newgrange where, according to lore, the legendary Kings of Tara were buried, though Newgrange predates them as it was built around 3200 BC. It was rebuilt in the 60’s and restored as closely as possible to its original state. Nearby in the mound at Knowth, occupied for a longer period than Newgrange, the site contains the greatest concentration of megalithic art in Europe.
There will be time for lunch nearby, then continue to the ruins of Bective Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1147. Nearby is the Hill of Tara, the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland until the 11th-c. The site contains the Royal Enclosure, a hill fort and the Stone of Destiny.
Later arrive at the Dunboyne Castle hotel for five nights. Perhaps we’ll gather in the bar before dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included each day.
Thursday, May 30- The Tattersall Ireland Horse Trials Begin
Enjoy your Irish breakfast each morning. Transfer to the nearby Tattersalls Ireland Horse Trials site this morning. The event includes many competition levels up to 3-star, with dressage today. The site includes a large marketplace and we can enjoy the Members Tent overlooking the main arena. You will find several pubs in the village of Dunboyne, if you wish a enjoy some local flavor this evening.
Friday, May 31 – Horse Trials, Marketplace, Dressage and Cross Country Begins
Dressage continues today as well as cross country. The marketplace includes a sampling of Irish made goods and a variety of food options. I am confident that the Members Tent will include its own bars and dining and a seating area overlooking the Main Ring.
Saturday, June 1 – Dressage and Cross Country Continue and Dog Shows at the Fair
There will be children’s rides and dog shows today and Sunday and also Cross Country. Closed circuit television will be available in the Members Tent and at several of the bars and pavilions on the property so no need to miss the excitement.
Sunday, June 2 – Final Show Jumping
Perhaps a relaxing day today, with a later start depending on the program. Enjoy the comforts of the Member’s area as you take in the show jumping and final prize giving. On return to Dunboyne, time to freshen up before we gather for cocktails and our final dinner before departure.
Monday, June 3 – To Dublin and Return
We plan on arriving Dublin Airport by 6:30 in time flights from 9:00 onwards. We will request an early breakfast be available before our departure. (It is a 20 minute journey to Dublin Airport).
Rates & inclusions:
Twin room or double room; $2,595 per person; Single room; $3,295 per person
Program includes:
Program includes: 9 nights’ accommodations with breakfast daily and 6 dinners; 2 receptions, 1 lunch; sightseeing, admissions as outlined; Tattersall admission with Members privileges; transportation and transfers as outlined; services of an Equestrian Tours host.
