The RDS Dublin Horse Show Celebrates 150 Years of Equine Excellence - Returning August 6th – 10th

The 2025 RDS Dublin Horse Show, returns for the 150^th Show from August 6^th – 10^th, promising an unparalleled celebration of equine excellence. With over 160 classes and competitions and an impressive prize fund of almost €1.5m, this year’s Show is set to be the most memorable to date.

For one week every year, Dublin 4 transforms into the epicentre for equine lovers from across the country and indeed the world. The Show offers something for every equine enthusiast and general attendee alike. From adrenaline-fueled pony club games and pony jumping for aspiring young equestrians, fiercely competitive showing and international showjumping classes for breeders and professional riders and the cherished showcasing of Irish native breeds like the Irish Draught and Connemara. Seamlessly combining sport and showing, style and socialising, the RDS Dublin Horse Show remains the quintessential sporting spectacle in the heart of Dublin.  

Judy O’Donnell and Harry Hillman holding the Nations Cup of Ireland – The Aga Khan in Ring 2 today at the 2025 RDS Dublin Horse Show Launch

The sporting and social event of the summer in Dublin, the 2025 RDS Dublin Horse Show was officially launched today (3^rd July) in the iconic showgrounds. Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke joined RDS CEO Liam Kavanagh and Show Director Fiona Sheridan to unveil details of this year’s landmark event. Also, in attendance was Lt Col Tom Freyne, Chairman of the RDS Equestrian Committee and Officer Commanding of the Army Equitation School to announce details of this year’s Show.  Pony riders, Harry Hillman and Judy O’Donnell on Tic Tac and Cluainin Spring Johnston joined Comdt Geoff Curran and Lt Michaeli Byrne of the Irish Army Equitation School on Irish bred Hawthorn Hill and LMK Derry in Ring 2.

Pictured is Blathnaid Doolan with the Nations Cup Nation’s Cup of Ireland - Aga Khan Trophy at the RDS stables, Comdt Geoff Curran on Hawthorn Hill and Harry Hillman on Tic Tac in Ring 2 and Judy O’Donnell and Cluainin Spring Johnston today at the launch of the 2025 RDS Dublin Horse Show

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said: “As Lord Mayor, my mission is to ‘Celebrate Dublin’ by championing our city, our people, the places that make it unique and its potential. The 150th Dublin Horse Show is a spectacular embodiment of this vision and demonstrates Dublin at its very best. Not only does this world-renowned event celebrate our equestrian heritage, but it also powerfully showcases our ability to host magnificent spectacles time and time again, that enthral and engage with our communities and resonate on a global stage’.  

Minister Burke stated: “The RDS Dublin Horse Show stands as a magnificent testament to Ireland’s rich equestrian heritage. This 150^th milestone is a remarkable achievement, not only for showcasing our world-class equine talent but also for its immense contribution to our tourism sector and its role in attracting international visitors to Ireland. The Show truly enhances our global reputation and makes a significant economic impact. I commend the RDS for the continued dedication to excellence in delivering such a prestigious event.”

Liam Kavanagh, CEO, RDS added “The RDS Dublin Horse Show is such a wonderful event in the heart of our city. We look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike and would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our sponsors who enable us to deliver what is rightly considered one of the best horse Shows in the world. We are pleased to welcome back Rolex as a key partner alongside Fáilte Ireland and Defender, who have been with us for 21 years.”

Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development, Fáilte Ireland commented: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to once again support the Dublin Horse Show. This year marks 150 years of the Show, which remains a significant event in Ireland’s cultural and sporting calendar, highlighting the country’s longstanding connection with equestrianism.

Festivals and events play an important role in the tourism sector. The Dublin Horse Show draws visitors from across Ireland and internationally, contributing to economic activity in Dublin and demonstrating Ireland’s capacity to host large-scale sporting events.”

Show Director Fiona Sheridan said: “With the 150^th anniversary milestone this year, we are mindful of our rich history and tradition, and the Show looks set to be another bumper edition as our qualifiers have seen record numbers across all categories.  We will run a full programme of events across the five-days and while entries wont close until Monday, the 7^th of July they are looking very strong indeed.  It is the mix of classes and competitions, approximately 1,600 horses and ponies, ranging from Connemara ponies to Irish Draughts, to yearlings and two-year-olds to the very best show jumping horses in the world, that makes this Show so special.  It is topped off by the extraordinary setting, lots of shopping and entertainment, and a wonderful celebratory atmosphere”.

The Irish international showjumping team, fresh from their recent victory at Abu Dhabi, will be competing against seven nations for a prize fund of €250,000 in the Nation’s Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy on Friday, August 8^th. The excitement continues Sunday, August 10^th, as the top 40 show jumping riders at the Show will battle it out in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland for an impressive €500,000 prize fund. This year also sees the highly anticipated Puissance competition, proudly sponsored by Defender for its 21^st consecutive year, promising unparalleled power and precision as riders attempt to clear the iconic big red wall.

This year’s Show will once again highlight the incredible work of Festina Lente through the Positive Strides programme. The elegance of the Side Saddle class will be exhibited on Thursday and Sunday, celebrating a timeless tradition. In keeping with decades of tradition, the fiercely contested Best Dressed competition, supported by Poretti, will take place on Thursday 7^th August with a top prize of €10,000 up for grabs. Online registration for this year’s competition is now open.

Beyond the equine action, the RDS will host a special 150^th anniversary exhibition charting the shows evolution and impact while the popular Kids Zone will once again provide activities for all ages including a petting zoo for younger guests.

For details on the show visit www.dublinhorseshow.com

For show tickets visit ticketmaster.ie

Slán go fóill.