events
Irish Racehorse
Experience
Tours
Stud
Gardens
Dining
Kids Zone
The Irish Racehorse
Experience
Since the Irish began telling stories horses and horse racing have been at the heart of our culture. The enduring question has always been who has the fastest horse?
Journey through the history of horse racing. Brought to life like never before. The Irish Racehorse Experience takes the visitor on a journey through the rich history and heritage of the Irish thoroughbred sector, from the world’s very first steeplechase in Cork to today’s commercial success story where Ireland and the Irish diaspora continue to lead the world in breeding, training and racing.
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Discover how this small island has made such a big impression on the world. Explore the unique tale of the thoroughbred racehorse, follow their stories, celebrate their victories and discover what makes these horses such powerful athletes. Play your part in developing these magnificent animals and learn from some unforgettable characters along the way.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at top trainer Jessica Harrington’s yard, train your racehorse and choose your unique racing colours. Moving onto the buzz of the race track, admire the fashion before testing your skills in the commentary box. Then it’s onto the thrilling big race, where every decision the visitor has taken affects their performance and result in the race.
Create their story and guide them to glory. Will you ride your colours to victory?
Please note: all children 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the Irish Racehorse Experience. Children under 124cm may not participate in the big race for health and safety reasons but can attend the venue while being accompanied by an adult.
The Irish Racehorse Experience currently opens daily from 11am-3pm (last admission 2pm).
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Guided Tours
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Daily Guided Tours (Public Groups)
Visitors to the Irish National Stud can avail of a free guided tour (included with purchase of admission ticket) which runs at regular intervals throughout the day.
Please allow 2-3 hours for visit in total to include a self-guided visit to Japanese Gardens & St Fiachra’s Garden.
Public Groups Tour times
Public Groups Tour times 11:00am & 2:00pm Irish National Stud reserves right to change tour times.
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Guided Tours (Private)
A private guided tour of Irish National Stud can be arranged at an extra charge. Upgraded themed tours (garden & equine) and the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour are available. All private guided tours must be pre-booked in advance and subject to availability at the time of booking. Contact our reservations team via email at [email protected]
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Self-Guided Visit
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided visit to the Irish National Stud & Gardens (included with purchase of admission ticket).
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Travel Trade at Irish National Stud & Gardens
Travel Trade including tour operators, travel agents, coach operators, DMC’s and group organisers are very welcome at the Irish National Stud & Gardens. There is free coach parking on site and the travel trade can avail of special rates, fast track admission and private guided tours. Bespoke catering can also be arranged on request. For more information on the travel trade perks at the Irish National Stud, please email Amanda Kelly, Commercial Executive at [email protected], or to make a reservations please email the team at [email protected] or telephone +353 45 521617
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School Tours
There are a selection of tours, activity and worksheets available for school and education groups at the Irish National Stud and Gardens. To find out more visit.
The Stud
It is difficult to define what has made the Irish National Stud a birthplace of Champions. A place where 520 mares were welcomed to our covering barn and over 300 foals took their steps in our nursery. As custodians of this extraordinary farm, we are challenged by its history to harness the gifts of nature and uncover the next champion.
Please note access to the gardens is included in the admission ticket.
Foals
Each season over 300 foals take their first steps at the Irish National Stud. The foaling unit, in the heart of the grounds, operates 24-hours a day during the foaling season between February and May. The dedicated and knowledgeable team at the Stud provide a nurturing start to these magnificent animal’s lives. View frolicking foals alongside their mothers. One of the most magical times of the year to visit!
Book NowStallions
The Irish National Stud is home to a select roster of stallions, each of which has won some of the most prestigious races in the world. The most influential stallion to have ever stood at the Stud is Invincible Spirit. Invincible Spirit commands a stud fee of €60,000 for each mare that he gets in foal. The roster of stallions ensures that every type of breeder can find an ideal match for their mare.
find out moreLiving Legends
A great racehorse deserves a great retirement and the Irish National Stud provides just that. The Living Legends were triumphant in internationally iconic races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Royal Ascot Gold Cup. Watch them relaxing at grass, dreaming of days as champions on the track.
Beef or Salmon
Hurricane Fly
Faugheen
Japanese Gardens
The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, are far more than simply a treat for the eye. They also provide comfort to the soul, achieving exactly the objective that was set out when the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910. Devised by Colonel William Hall Walker, a wealthy Scotsman from a famous brewing family, the gardens were laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’.
That plan was executed to perfection and Eida’s legacy is now admired by the 120,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens every year. Very much representative of Japanese gardens from the early 20th century, Eida’s work traces the journey of a soul from oblivion to eternity and portrays the human experience of its embodiment as it journeys by paths of its own choice through life. Birth, childhood, marriage, parenthood, old age, death and the afterlife are all brought to mind as the gardens, a seamless mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, are explored.
St Fiachra’s Garden
St. Fiachra’s Garden was designed in 1999 by award-winning landscape architect Professor Martin Hallinan
The garden commemorates St. Fiachra, the patron saint of gardeners. It provides a perfect partner to the Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens while, at the same time, opening up a wholly different yet equally satisfying experience. This stunning attraction seeks to capture that which inspired those involved in Ireland’s monastic movement in the 6th and 7th centuries. It does so principally by paying handsome tribute to the Irish landscape in its rawest state.
Rock and water are rulers in a garden rejoicing in the natural beauty of woodland, wetland, waterfalls, lakes and streams. Monastic cells of fissured limestone are surrounded by water while an inner subterranean garden is home to magnificent Waterford Crystal-shaped rocks, ferns and orchids. St. Fiachra’s Garden is the very essence of Ireland’s natural beauty.
Access to gardens is included in the admission ticket
Dining
For visitors and locals alike, The Japanese Gardens Restaurant is a must during your tour of the stud, and indeed on any occasion. Head chef, Ballymaloe-trained Natalie Collins and her manager take pride in offering simple, wholesome food with the emphasis on freshness and flavour.
Local ingredients are used wherever possible, providing a sound foundation for dishes with distinctive homemade style such as the beef hot pot served with seasoned baby potatoes or roast courgette and goats cheese tart. For plainer palates, the huge platter of Irish smoked salmon and freshly-baked brown bread is complimented with a selection of her finest salads. Quiche of the day could be ham, leek & mushroom. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Sandwiches, salads and wraps are all made to order and as baking is a huge strength, expect to be greeted by a mouthwatering array of freshly baked breads, scones, desserts and cakes. Take them away or enjoy them at your leisure with a variety of our finest coffees or even afternoon tea.
To speak to a member of the dining team please email [email protected]
Restaurant Info
- The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
- Children’s portions available on request. High chairs and bottles heated on request.
- Special events can also be arranged, please contact Natalie and her team to discuss your requirements.
Kids Zone
The Irish National Stud & Gardens offers a fun-filled day for the whole family. The playground offers a great variety of play equipment including swings, slides and climbing frames, sure to keep the little ones entertained! Enjoy the picnic facilities and Pavilion café for yummy treats throughout the summer months.
The Irish National Stud is also home to over 20 fairies, each with their own chores to complete on the farm. Follow the trial through the enchanting woods (be ‘fairy’ careful) and towards the large paddocks where you’ll see fairy Hattie taking good care of the horses. Along the way look out for all sorts of trees and flowers – Flora is in charge of these, and discover the Buglington Hotel where you might just spot the resident insects.
Buglington Hotel
You may well ask, “What is the point in having a Bug Hotel?” Well, the answer is simple really, a Bug Hotel provides a place of shelter for insects in the cold winter months.
We give shelter to the insects; but why do we want insects anyway? Let’s face it, they just creep and buzz around, annoy everyone and eat plants. That also is quite true; but the main reason we need insects is because they pollinate plants and if we didn’t have them then 80% of all the plants we use for food would disappear. In fact, without pollinators the human race would disappear. Earth without humans!… what a thought! Who’d mind the horses?!
Kids Corner
The Irish National Stud & Gardens is a great day out for the whole family. Discover the history of the grounds and this unique industry on the guided tours and bring to life the world of the thoroughbred at the Irish Racehorse Experience. Discover the sumptuous gardens and explore the playground and fairy trail.
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Address
Irish National Stud & Gardens,
Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare,
R51 AP20, Ireland