The Dublin Horse Show opens its doors this Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at the Royal Dublin Society in the Ballsbridge district. Until Sunday, 9 August, international riders, breeders, families and horse enthusiasts will gather in Dublin for five days of competitions and entertainment.
This 151st edition looks set to be particularly significant. It marks the opening of the new Laya Arena, the centenary of the Irish Nations’ Cup and the staging of a €1 million Rolex Grand Prix, an unprecedented sum in Irish equestrian sport.
The Dublin Horse Show 2026 inaugurates the Laya Arena
A new venue with more than 20,000 seats at the RDS
The Dublin Horse Show is the first event to take place in the new Laya Arena. Built on the site of the former Anglesea Stand, this venue, with a capacity of more than 20,000, is intended to improve the visitor experience and bring spectators closer to the competitions.
The transformation represents an investment of €52 million. Following the horse show, the Laya Arena will notably host Leinster Rugby matches from September.
However, take care when booking: a general admission ticket provides access to the site and the public areas surrounding the arena, but does not guarantee a seat inside. A separate ticket is required for a reserved seat.
The Nations’ Cup celebrates its centenary
A century of competition for the Aga Khan Trophy
Friday, 7 August, will be one of the week’s highlights, with the 100th edition of the Irish Nations’ Cup. This international show-jumping competition sees national teams compete for the prestigious Aga Khan Trophy.
The event holds a special place in the country’s equestrian history. Ireland has a long tradition of breeding and competition, particularly involving the Irish Sport Horse, the Irish Draught horse and the Connemara pony.
The programme features a total of 160 classes and competitions dedicated to show jumping, breeding, showing and equestrian performances.
A Grand Prix worth €1 million
The largest individual prize in Irish equestrian sport
On Sunday, 9 August, the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland will bring the Dublin Horse Show to a close, with prize money of €1 million. It is the largest amount ever offered for an individual equestrian competition in Ireland.
The week will also feature Best Dressed Day on Thursday, 6 August, and the Defender Puissance on Saturday, 8 August. This particularly spectacular event requires riders and their horses to clear a wall that increases in height with each round.
Another new feature for 2026: the RDS and sales company Goffs will hold their first sale of foals intended for top-level show jumping.
The Dublin Horse Show is also a family day out
Ponies, entertainment and a new family area
The event is not only for equestrian specialists. The RDS offers food areas, more than 350 exhibitors and an expanded family area in the Grand Hall gardens.
The Shetland Pony Grand National will feature nine young riders racing on particularly fast small ponies. Visitors will also be able to watch Pony Club games, equine mediation demonstrations and classes for Irish breeds.
How to attend the Dublin Horse Show 2026
An event held from 5 to 9 August in Ballsbridge
The Dublin Horse Show takes place at the RDS on Merrion Road, in Dublin’s Ballsbridge district. The venue is served by several bus routes and by the DART, via Sandymount and Lansdowne Road stations.
Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. Online general admission starts at €30 before fees, while a ticket including a seat in the Laya Arena is available separately. Children under four enter free of charge.
With around 120,000 visitors expected over the five days, public transport and advance booking are recommended, particularly for Friday’s Nations’ Cup and Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.
