Tomorrow, the 18th of May, we celebrate International Museum Day, an occasion dedicated this year to honouring education and research. International Museum Day spreads awareness to the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people’s. (International Council of Museums, 2024)
Here at the Irish National Stud, we are privileged to house our very own Interactive Museum- The ‘Irish Racehorse Experience’, which showcases the rich history and culture of Irish Thoroughbred Racing and its evolution into a prominent industry. What distinguishes our museum is the immersive experience it offers. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with various elements, including sensory interactions such as feeling the texture of horse feeds, experiencing the weight of a horse’s heart, simulating the expulsion of air from the lungs, discerning different types of ground, and more.
Delve into the lifecycle of an Irish Thoroughbred, from birth to retirement. Witness the stages of foal development through ultrasound imaging across the 11-month gestation period. Experience the marvel of a real-life foaling, footage that was actually filmed here at the stud. Gain insights into the meticulous care bestowed upon these animals in preparation for sales, and accompany leading trainer Jessica Harrington as she showcases her yard and training facilities.
The culmination of the experience lies in the interactive game, where participants can fully immerse themselves in the world of horse racing. Attend the Goffs auction house to purchase your own racehorse, bestow it with a name, select a training yard, tailor its training based on the race type, and personalize your racing colours. Then, embark on a virtual race simulation to witness the results of your training efforts firsthand.
The Irish Racehorse Experience has gained widespread acclaim, earning awards such as The Best use of Digital – International award at the Museum and Heritage Awards in London. Additionally, it has been honoured with The TEA’s Thea Awards, renowned for recognizing excellence within the themed entertainment industry. Notably, our Kildare-based visitor experience stands among the select few non-USA-based recipients of this prestigious award.
And here’s the best part—access to the Irish Racehorse Experience is free with your general admission ticket. So, join us this International Museum Day for an unforgettable journey into the world of Irish Thoroughbred Racing!
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Irish National Stud & Gardens,
Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare,
R51 AP20, Ireland