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Horse shows and fairs

From show horses to pony tales, horse shows and fairs are fantastic fun to attend, whether they're in your nearest town or in the island's capital cities

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  Horse shows and fairs

  For sheer exuberance nothing comes close to the traditional horse fair in Ireland. Towns across the island are transformed into a heady mix of buying and selling, haggling and handshakes, while horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes are proudly displayed by their owners. Horse fairs are great fun for families, too, as there’s no shortage of kids’ activities and entertainment, and the food stalls scattered throughout the fairgrounds offer tasty eats for even the pickiest of eaters. The fun of the fair goes on long into the night, with singing, dancing and creamy pints in pubs brimming with atmosphere.

  For a change of pace – but one with no less excitement – visit one of Ireland’s internationally renowned horse shows. The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show at the RDS and the Northern Ireland International Horse Show in the Odyssey Arena provide spectacles of beautiful sport horses and – not surprisingly – are attended by some of the most stylish ladies in the land.

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