The lure of the Emerald Isle

FIFTEEN Irish-bred horses competed across three disciplines at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. These included Oliver Townend’s team gold mount Ballaghmor Class, bred by Noel Hickey of Co Limerick. Ireland remains a must-visit for equestrians to holiday and to compete. Ballaghmor Class epitomises Ireland’s famous quality breeding and its constant ability to produce modern champions. But what is it about this tiny island nation that offers so much for equestrians, and how can you share in a bit of its magic?

Olympian Cian O’Connor describes Ireland as “a synonym for horses and education”. A great place to start that education is with some of the best hunting in the world. Hunting remains a tradition hugely supported within local communities in Ireland and a rite of passage