Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD pictured at the launch of an exclusive Equi-Tourism Experience with Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally (left) and Founder & CEO of Good Food Ireland Margaret Jeffares (right) at the Anantara Marker Hotel in Dublin. Photo © Irish Horse Board
The Irish Horse Board (IHB) is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive equestrian tourism initiative, unveiled on March 25, 2025, by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, at the Anantara Marker Hotel in Dublin.
This groundbreaking program offers international buyers and equestrian enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Ireland’s rich equine heritage while exploring the possibility of purchasing top-quality Irish horses and ponies.
The initiative aims to provide a bespoke, luxury experience for visitors attending prestigious equestrian events, auctions or seeking to acquire horses in Ireland. Participants will enjoy behind-the-scenes access to Ireland’s premier equestrian facilities, including renowned stud farms and high-performance training centres. This innovative approach not only showcases the excellence of Irish horses and ponies but also highlights Ireland’s status as a world-class destination for equestrian pursuits. The Irish Horse Board extends its gratitude to Margaret Jeffares, founder and CEO of Good Food Ireland, for her invaluable collaboration in bringing this unique equi-tourism experience to fruition.
Speaking at the launch event, Alison Corbally, Director General of the Irish Horse Board, said:
“The Irish Horse Board has facilitated a concierge service for international horse buyers, offering tailored visits to premier events like the Dublin Horse Show or Clifden Pony Show. However, this new partnership takes our offerings to another level by providing a fully bespoke luxury product that combines equestrian tourism with sales opportunities and equestrian excellence. This diversification reflects the IHB’s commitment to innovation in promoting Irish horses and ponies globally.”
The 2-Day Equine experience is a premium product tailored to international buyers, equestrian enthusiasts, and high-value tourists. Participants will enjoy:
Private tours of Ireland’s leading equine facilities, including the Irish National Stud, Coolmore Stud, Ballypatrick Stables, and Karlswood high-performance training centre.
Behind-the-scenes access to breeding operations and training facilities that highlight Ireland’s expertise in producing world-class sport horses.
Gourmet dining experiences at iconic establishments such as Cashel Palace Hotel, Barberstown Castle, Mikey Ryan’s Kitchen & Bar in Cashel and The Bishop’s Buttery.
Luxury accommodation and transportation throughout the experience.
Available though Good Food Ireland’s website and this bespoke offering can be customised for larger or smaller groups, ensuring a personalised and unforgettable experience.
This collaboration with Good Food Ireland aligns seamlessly with the Irish Horse Board’s strategic objectives to promote the Irish horse industry. The fusion of equine excellence with Irish hospitality elevates Ireland’s global reputation as both “the land of the horse” and an excellent destination for equestrian customers. By attracting high-value international visitors who are potential buyers of Irish horses, this initiative also supports rural economies.
The partnership was officially launched during the Good Food Ireland Conference 2025 at Anantara The Marker Hotel in Dublin – an event focused on driving cross-sector collaboration between Ireland’s agri-food, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The conference highlighted how initiatives like this can foster sustainable growth while enhancing customer experiences across industries.
Margaret Jeffares, Founder & CEO of Good Food Ireland, commented:
“We are thrilled to partner with the Irish Horse Board on this unique offering that celebrates two of Ireland’s greatest strengths – its horses and its hospitality. This collaboration is a perfect example of how cross-sector partnerships can create innovative products that resonate with international audiences.”
The Irish Horse Board plans to promote this initiative as part of its international marketing campaigns, leveraging its presence at key overseas events to attract affluent buyers seeking premium equestrian experiences. Additionally, it will collaborate with Tourism Ireland and Good Food Ireland to target high-value travellers interested in equestrian tourism.
Alison Corbally concluded:
“This is an opportunity to showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer – from our Irish horse industry supporting the agricultural sector while creating lasting connections with international buyers who value quality and tradition.”
For further information about the 2-Day Equine Tour & Culinary Adventure please view the Good Food Ireland webpage GoodFoodIrelandExperiences.com
