There are few settings more fitting for a great equestrian gathering than Scone Palace in Scotland. Steeped in Scottish history and home to Perth Racecourse, the UK’s most northerly racetrack, the ancient crowning place of Scotland's kings provides a majestic backdrop for Scotland's only international horse trials.
For Irish visitors, it's closer than you might think. Flights from Dublin or Belfast will take you to Edinburgh or Glasgow in under an hour, and from there you’re another hour to Perth. Boasting four days of world-class sport and countryside hospitality, the event brings together elite riders, rising stars and grassroots competitors across a packed programme.
Beyond the international eventing that headlines the event, the sporting card runs deep. The Malcolm Group Grand Prix brings top international showjumping combinations into the main arena for a fast, thrilling class, while British Showjumping, Arena Eventing, Pony Club Games, Native Breed Showing and the Scottish Grassroots Championships deliver near-continuous action across three arenas.
It's the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes that deserves a special mention here. Last year's RoR Amateur Ridden qualifier was won by Stattler, the ten-year-old Stowaway gelding who won the National Hunt Chase at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and ran in the 2024 Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins.
Now retired and produced in the show ring by Beth Clark for owner Ronnie Bartlett, Stattler's move from Cheltenham glory to the show ring is exactly the kind of story that gives this class its edge. This is your chance to see legends of the track reinvented and catch up with familiar racing names on new territory.
For a full breakdown of what’s on each day, visit the Summary Timetable here: https://sconehorsetrials.com/Visiting-From-Ireland#Summary-Timetable
More than just horses
As with any great equestrian festival, there's plenty here beyond the arenas. A bustling shopping village brings together country clothing, equestrian brands and artisan producers, while food and drink stalls showcase the best of Perthshire produce. And when the sporting action winds down, the party gets going!
Three nights of evening entertainment deliver live music, a full-blown Scottish ceilidh and a disco to see the celebrations through to late. Well-stocked bars and Perth Racecourse's own Paddock and Chips keep everyone fed and watered until late, guaranteeing a proper Scottish hoolie to round off each day.
Getting there from Ireland
By ferry:
Stena Line and P&O sail Belfast–Cairnryan in around 2 hours; from there it’s roughly a 3-hour drive to Perth. This is a convenient option for those taking a vehicle, and affordable combined public transport tickets are available for foot passengers.
By air:
Direct flights connect Dublin, Belfast and Cork to Edinburgh and Glasgow in around 1 hour each. This is fastest way to reach the event. Perth itself sits just an hour’s drive from either city making Scone Palace one of the most accessible international events in the equestrian calendar.
Perth itself sits just an hour's drive from either city making Scone Palace one of the most accessible international events in the equestrian calendar.
Staying in the area
Onsite camping pitches are still available for the full run of the event, letting visitors stay close to the action long after the last horse has left the arena. Starting at only £160 for six people and one car, there’s plenty of reasons to make a weekend of things!
You will also find a mix of hotels, guest houses, campsites and glamping pods across the region, to suit all budgets and requirements.
Scone Palace is situated in the heart of beautiful Perthshire, known for its outstanding beauty and award-winning culture. While you're here, build in time to explore beyond the showground.
Perth itself is full of independent shops, riverside walks and excellent restaurants, and makes an easy base for the wider county. From lochs and glens to world-class whisky distilleries, give yourself an extra day or two and turn your sporting trip into a proper Scottish holiday.