MINISTERS Martin Heydon and Peter Burke both spoke at the launch of Horse Country, Ireland’s premier immersive equine tourism experience, at the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday.

Supported by Fáilte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland, Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, Horse Country offers 15 visitor experiences that immerse guests in the world of thoroughbred horses, including access to the yards and training operations of Aidan O’Brien (Tipperary), Johnny Murtagh (Kildare) and Jessica Harrington (Kildare).

These globally recognised trainers are opening their racehorse training yards exclusively to Horse Country visitors, offering unique behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to see the training regimes and facilities for the thoroughbred equine athletes in their care.

Visitors can also enjoy exclusive access to renowned stud farms like Kildangan in Co Kildare and Coolmore in Co Tipperary to explore the very beginning of a thoroughbred’s journey and witness first-hand the life cycle of these incredible animals, from newborn foals to future champions.

The Horse Country concept was cultivated in 2021 by thoroughbred industry leaders to leverage the deep-rooted thoroughbred heritage, world-renowned breeding industry and racing scene in Kildare and Tipperary as a unique tourism proposition.

Ireland is internationally recognised for the quality and depth of its thoroughbred industry and Irish-bred thoroughbred horses, racehorse trainers and jockeys, are recognised among the most accomplished on the planet and consistently excel on the world stage.

The Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing industry generates €2.45 billion for the Irish exchequer, employs over 30,000 people and approximately 1.2 million people go racing to the 26 racecourses on the island of Ireland every year.

The Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan (TC DEDP) created by Fáilte Ireland for Kildare and Tipperary represents a five-year plan with a vision to deliver the world’s best collective thoroughbred visitor experience.

The objective of the TC DEDP is to realise the domestic and international tourism opportunity that can be delivered through the heritage of the thoroughbred and the wider ecosystem that surrounds the industry.

Cathal Beale, Horse Country chairman and CEO of the Irish National Stud, said: “I see first-hand how the interest in thoroughbred horses and racing significantly drives tourism in Kildare.”

Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, added: “We are confident Horse Country will help attract more domestic and international visitors to Tipperary, Kildare, and the wider Ireland’s Ancient East region, encouraging them to stay longer, which will bring economic benefits to local businesses and communities.”

Web: horsecountry.ie

Horse country experiences

Castles, Colts & Culture: Rock of Cashel, Fethard Horse Country Experience, Coolmore Stud (€120 per person)

Crossogue Equestrian: A morning with Mark Molloy (€185 per person on foot, €260 on horseback)

Fethard Folklore & Food: Fethard Horse Country Experience, lunch at Sadler’s Restaurant (€120 per person)

Fethard Horse Country Experience: Self-guided tour of the two-floor visitor centre (€10 per person)

J.P. Murtagh Racing VIP Experience: A morning on the gallops and in the yard with Johnny and Orla Murtagh (€2,000 for group of eight)

Kildangan Stud Foal to Fame Tour: Guided tour of the stud and museum (€35 per person)

Racing Royalty: Guided tour of Ballydoyle and Coolmore. Only open to Cashel Palace Hotel guests (€2,500 for two guests, plus additional €500 per person)

Scones & Saddles: Rock of Cashel, lunch at Mikey Ryan’s or afternoon tea at Cashel Palace, Fethard Horse Country Experience (€70 per person)

Stories & Stallions: Fethard Horse Country Experience and guided tour of Coolmore Stud (€60 per person)

The Curragh – Behind The Scenes: Guided tour of Curragh Racecourse, breakfast at Orby’s (€25 per person for groups of 10 or more)

Irish National Stud & Gardens: Guided or private tour of the stud and gardens (€200 for up to 12 guests)

Jessica Harrington Racing Experience: A morning at the yard and gallops with refreshments (€200 per person, two guests minimum)

Tipperary Museum of Hidden History and Forge Experience: Tour of Tipperary Museum and farriery demonstration (€50 per person in group of 10)

Tipperary Tales & Tastes: Rock Of Cashel, Fethard Horse Country Experience, lunch at Sadler’s Restaurant, Coolmore Stud tour (€120 per person)

Tipperary Thoroughbred Trail: Fethard Horse Country Experience, lunch at Sadler’s Restaurant, private tour of Coolmore Stud and museum (€250 per person, minimum 10 guests)