THE Irish National Stud on Wednesday saw the launch of the Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan, a tourism initiative to draw both domestic and international tourists to the counties of Kildare and Tipperary. The plan will bring to life the extraordinary thoroughbred horse tradition, the world-renowned horse people, their crafts and the breeding heritage that is synonymous with Ireland.

The plan has been developed in collaboration with Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, and the Thoroughbred Country Steering Group, which comprises representatives from the Irish National Stud, Horse Racing Ireland, the Curragh Racecourse, Punchestown Racecourse, Coolmore Stud, Kildare Village, Hotel Minella, Into Kildare and Tipperary Tourism.

A number of ambitious initiatives include: the new International Thoroughbred Trail, the Irish National Stud Experience, Fethard Horse Country Experience, Coolmore Experience, Mingle with the Stars Stallion Trail, the Curragh Behind the Scenes Tour, and Trainers’ Yards Visits

Cathal Beale, CEO of the Irish National Stud and chairperson of the Thoroughbred Country Steering Group said: “The launch of the plan marks the beginning of a unique collaboration between two pillars of Irish society; the tourism and thoroughbred sectors. The plan will leverage existing thoroughbred attractions and assist in the development of new ones to create a world-class selection of behind-the-scenes experiences.”

www.failteireland.ie