THE newly branded Gallagher Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS from August 5th to 9th, ushering in a landmark year for one of Ireland's most iconic sporting and cultural events.
Welcoming Gallagher as title partner for the first time, the 2026 Show will feature the opening of the new Laya Arena, the 100th running of the Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy, and the €1 million Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland - the largest individual prize fund in Irish equestrian sport.
As the pinnacle of the Irish equestrian industry, the Show attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually, bringing together world-class sport, entertainment, hospitality, and business in the heart of Dublin.
This August, the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show will once again combine sport, style, and socialising, with a packed programme of international competition, entertainment, shopping, dining, and hospitality experiences attracting visitors from across Ireland and abroad.
The Show will feature 160 classes and competitions across showjumping, showing, performance and breeding, alongside native breed classes for Irish Draughts and Connemaras, equine-assisted therapy demonstrations, and a host of family entertainment.Key highlights include:
• Wednesday, August 5th - Grand Opening of the Show and the new Laya Arena
• Thursday, August 6th - Best Dressed Day
• Friday, August 7th - Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy
• Saturday, August 8th - Defender Puissance
• Sunday, August 9th - Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland (€1million prize fund)
New for 2026, the RDS, in partnership with Goffs, will host the inaugural Elite Show Jumping Foal Sale, providing a new international platform for Irish breeders and buyers.
Alongside the sport, visitors can enjoy the Shetland Pony Grand National, Pony Club Mounted Games, and a new and enhanced Family Zone in the Grand Hall grounds, making the Show a memorable day out for all ages.
Visitors planning their trip can benefit from 10% off tickets when booked online in advance, while children under four go free.
Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam said:
“The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is one of those great Dublin occasions that captures the spirit, colour, and confidence of our capital. Each summer, it brings visitors from across Ireland and around the world to our city, filling Dublin with energy, excitement, and international attention.
It is an event that celebrates tradition, excellence, and community, while also making a real and valuable contribution to our local economy. Above all, the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show helps showcase Dublin at its best: vibrant, welcoming, ambitious, and proud.”
Hilary Hough, President, RDS said: "The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show remains central to the RDS's mission of supporting Irish agriculture and equestrianism. It brings together the very best of Irish breeding, sport and tradition, and continues to showcase the strength of the industry to both national and international audiences."
Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of the RDS said: "The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is far more than a sporting event. As a cornerstone of Ireland’s equestrian industry, it also attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually, generating substantial value for tourism, hospitality and local businesses, and reinforcing Dublin’s reputation as a leading global destination for major international events. With Gallagher joining as title partner and the opening of the new Laya Arena, 2026 marks an exciting new chapter in the Show’s continued growth, economic impact and international profile."
Derek Henry, CE of Gallagher Ireland said: "The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is one of Ireland's great international events. Its unique blend of sport, business, hospitality and entertainment creates an experience unlike any other, which is why Gallagher is proud to support its continued development."
For more details on the show and to save 10% on tickets visit www.dublinhorseshow.com. Kids under 4 go free.