THE 150th renewal of the Dublin Horse Show was officially launched at the RDS on Thursday, marking a five-week countdown to Ireland’s only five-star event. This year’s show, which boasts a prize fund of €1.4 million, was officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke.

Representatives from the industry gathered at the RDS Church to hear about the 2025 show, which has 168 classes over the five days running from August 6th to 10th, with 1,600 horses coming to the capital city.

Outgoing RDS Chief Executive, Liam Kavanagh, said: “The Dublin Horse Show is the highlight of the Irish Sport Horse industry here and we are proud to be hosting it. The show will bring approximately €50 million to the local economy. We will have about 100,000 visitors and more come to the RDS during the week, so it is a huge logistical exercise for everybody involved. The prize fund for this year’s show is €1.4 million and that provides vital support to the industry over the course of the week.”

Renovations

Kavanagh gave an update on the extensive renovations happening on the RDS site and the demolition of the Anglesea Stand. “We’ve got a compensating North Stand, which makes things slightly different and we have got some other challenges that we need to get over during the course of the week,” he said, adding: “We will have a full show; there may be some challenges around some movement, but bear with us on that and we will have a great week.

“2026 will bring a different environment and we will have a finished stand and hopefully announce other developments from the RDS throughout that period of time. Ticket sales have been very strong but we do have slightly fewer tickets, so if you haven’t bought your ticket, do so as soon as possible.”

Kavanagh announced the eight teams competing for the Aga Khan trophy in Friday’s Nations Cup as: Ireland, Britain, Germany, Mexico, The Netherlands, Switzerland, last year winners the USA and Canada, who have not competed in Dublin for 35 years.

He also congratulated Fiona Sheridan on her promotion to Horse Show Director, saying: “She’s been dedicated to the show over the last two decades. She’s a great leader and is hugely dedicated.”

Sheridan commented: “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 entries [closing on Monday, July 7th] are looking very strong indeed.”

Tourism

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke stated: “The RDS Dublin Horse Show stands as a magnificent testament to Ireland’s rich equestrian heritage. This 150th 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.”

This year’s Show will once again highlight the work of Festina Lente through the Positive Strides programme. The RDS will host a special 150th anniversary exhibition in the concert hall charting the show’s evolution, compiled by equestrian journalist Louise Parkes. Parkes was joined on stage for a talk about the Show by William Micklem and Jill Carey of Festina Lente, compered by Brendan McArdle.

Micklem summed up his feelings on the Show, saying: “There is nothing like this Show because of the diversity, because of the numbers; the Irish Draughts, the Connemaras, the side saddle and all the extra classes you don’t get anywhere else, that’s why they are so important. The RDS is a meeting point for the industry as a whole; Horse Sport Ireland and the Irish Horse Board and all the associations should work together and get behind the RDS and bathe in their glory; everyone can be lifted by the success.”