Equine & Culinary Adventure

DAY 1

Meet your Driver Guide with Mercedes V-Class
Our Ireland Chauffeur Travel Private Driver Guide will pick you up at your Dublin location and your 2-day Good Food Ireland® Equine and Culinary Adventure will begin. You will travel in a Mercedes V-Class, the mini-coach of choice for luxury small group travel in Ireland. The coach is equipped with individual leather captain chairs, extra leg room and fridge. Our excellent Driver Guide uses the on-board PA system so you can enjoy commentary during your tour. The coach is fully air-conditioned throughout the cab.

Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare
Our first stop is at the Irish National Stud & Gardens for an exclusive private tour. Renowned as one of the most prestigious stud farms in the world, the Irish National Stud in County Kildare boasts a rich history of breeding elite Thoroughbreds, many of which have achieved international success in racing. On this expert-led tour, you’ll be guided through the state-of-the-art facilities, where you’ll gain in-depth insights into the intricate breeding and training processes that make the Irish National Stud a leader in the equine world. You’ll visit the renowned stallion yard, home to some of the finest sires and get an up-close look at these exceptional horses, learning about their bloodlines, performance histories and contribution to Ireland’s legacy in the racing industry.

Leaving the Irish National Stud & Gardens we drive to Cashel, a historic town in Co Tipperary. Renowned for its famous landmark, the Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress that once served as the seat of the Kings of Munster. Cashel is also known for its charming streets and proximity to the famous “Golden Vale”, a fertile and picturesque region of lush, green pastures and limestone-rich soil, making it one of the most fertile farming areas in Ireland. The Golden Vale’s reputation for agricultural excellence, significantly enhances the value for breeding horses. This combination of fertile land, excellent pasture and optimal grazing conditions ensures that horses bred here have the strength, stamina and temperament necessary for top-tier performance, whether in racing, eventing or other equestrian disciplines.

Lunch in Mikey Ryan’s Kitchen & Bar
Lunch today is in Mikey Ryan’s Kitchen & Bar, a fully restored 19th century pub right in the heart of Cashel town. Approved to the Good Food Ireland® Collection and a recent winner of the Good Food Ireland® Pub of the Year Award, for its high standards for quality, sustainability and the use of local, seasonal ingredients. It’s a great place to enjoy a pint of Guinness or a glass of locally distilled Irish Whiskey. You will enjoy an authentic dining experience and warm Irish hospitality.

Fethard Horse Country Experience & Coolmore Stud
After lunch, we head to the Fethard Horse Country Experience, where you’ll dive deep into the heart of Ireland’s equine culture. Through a state-of-the-art, interactive museum, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the region’s rich racing heritage and equine expertise, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Coolmore Stud, Co Tipperary
Next, your expert guide will lead you through the hallowed gates of Coolmore Stud, one of the most renowned and successful thoroughbred breeding operations in the world. Located in the heart of the Golden Vale on over 7,000 acres of prime limestone land, Coolmore has been at the forefront of thoroughbred racing, producing legendary champions that have shaped the global racing scene. You’ll have the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with Coolmore’s champion stallions and learn about the farm’s remarkable history, breeding philosophy and the world-class facilities that have made it a leader in the industry.

Ireland’s unique blend of world-class food and equine excellence came together in a powerful way when Coolmore partnered with Good Food Ireland® to represent the country at the Breeders’ Cup World Horse Racing Championship in Kentucky and California. As part of the “Taste of the World” private dinner, this collaboration highlighted Ireland’s exceptional culinary offerings alongside its world-renowned equine industry, showcasing how both sectors contribute to Ireland’s global reputation.

Stay and Dine at Cashel Palace Hotel
You will stay at the truly desirable Cashel Palace Hotel. Set within a magnificent manor dating back to 1732, Cashel Palace Hotel offers a perfect blend of history, elegance and modern luxury. Located in the vibrant town of Cashel with its scenic countryside, this landmark hotel offers stunning views of the iconic Rock of Cashel. At Cashel Palace, food is a celebration of life, locality and the land. You will enjoy fine dining at The Bishop’s Buttery, with its gorgeous vaulted ceilings, natural light and large open fire. Executive Chef, Stephen Hayes will craft a menu with the best of Irish produce, brought together with classical roots and contemporary flair.

DAY 2

Ballypatrick, Co Tipperary
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast before we depart from Cashel and journey to Ballypatrick in Thurles, the renowned home of Greg Broderick, Ireland’s esteemed show jumping rider and equestrian entrepreneur. As the fifth generation to live on the Ballypatrick farm, Greg has transformed this legacy into a premier equestrian hub.

On this exclusive tour, you’ll go behind the scenes of Ballypatrick, learning about Greg’s expert methods for training young horses and the practices that have led to his ongoing success. You’ll also visit the breeding yard, home to some of Ireland’s top Sport Horse Stallions. Get up close with exceptional broodmares and young horses from world-class bloodlines, gaining insight into the breeding process that produces champion horses. This unique experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Ireland’s equestrian excellence.

Lunch Barberstown Castle
After an active morning, we head to Barberstown Castle, a historic and enchanting 13th-century castle nestled in the heart of County Kildare for a unique dining experience. Delight in the castle’s elegant surroundings, where history and culinary excellence come together to create a truly memorable occasion. Learn about the castle’s fascinating heritage while savouring the unique flavours of Ireland, expertly crafted and presented in a private, exclusive setting.

Karlswood, County Meath
After a memorable lunch, you will be immersed in the world of elite equestrianism with an exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour at Karlswood, the renowned training facility of Irish Olympic Showjumping medallist and international horse producer Cian O’Connor. Nestled in the heart of County Meath, Karlswood is where top-level showjumpers and horses are meticulously trained to reach their highest potential. This tour offers you an insider’s view of Cian’s High-Performance Centre, a place where expert training, fitness routines and competition planning come together in perfect harmony.

You will explore the daily operations of a world-class Irish equestrian centre, gaining valuable insights into the art of showjumping, horse fitness and competition strategies. Get up close with the horses, learn from industry experts and experience the dedication that drives success at the highest level.

As your two-day journey comes to a close, you will have experienced the perfect blend of Ireland’s equine excellence and rich culinary heritage. From the prestigious thoroughbed farms of Kildare and Tipperary to the world-class equestrian expertise at Ballypatrick and Karlswood, you’ve explored the heart of Ireland’s passion for horses. Alongside, you’ve savoured locally sourced, seasonal meals crafted with care, each reflecting the Good Food Ireland® commitment to sustainability and authenticity.

Your adventure has taken you from farm-to-fork dining at iconic locations like Mikey Ryan’s Kitchen & Bar and Barberstown Castle to a luxurious stay at Cashel Palace Hotel, all while connecting with the land and the people who shape Ireland’s traditions. The combination of Ireland’s remarkable equine legacy and its gastronomic excellence offer an unforgettable experience – one that celebrates the soul of the country and leaves you with lasting memories of its horses, food and its culture. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

This afternoon marks the conclusion of your incredible journey with Good Food Ireland® in partnership with The Irish Horse Board. After exploring Ireland’s rich equine heritage and indulging in its renowned culinary traditions, you’ll return to Dublin with memories of a truly unique adventure. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the best of Ireland – where world-class equestrianism meets exceptional food and hospitality!
highlights: Exclusive access to Ireland’s top racing, show jumping and horse breeding farms, a rare behind-the-scenes look at elite Irish equestrian life. Meet trainers, breeders and riders while exploring world-class stables and learning about the care and training of champion horses. Experience the dedication and passion that makes Ireland a global leader in the horse industry.

Immersive dining experiences, meet the chefs behind the dishes, hear of their passion for Irish food and gain insights into their creative process. Each meal tells a story of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage, bringing together farm-to-fork flavours in an unforgettable setting.

What’s Included in the Good Food Ireland® 2-Day Equine & Culinary Adventure Tour:

• Luxury Transport: Travel in comfort with your private driver guide in a Mercedes V-Class minibus, offering leather captain chairs, ample legroom, air-conditioning and an on-board PA system for informative commentary throughout your tour.

Private Guided Tours at Prestigious Horse Farms:

• Irish National Stud & Gardens: Exclusive private tour of one of the world’s most prestigious stud farms, with insights into the breeding of elite Thoroughbreds.
• Fethard Horse Country Experience: A deep dive into Ireland’s equine culture through a state-of-the-art, interactive museum.
• Coolmore Stud: Rare access to Coolmore Stud’s champion stallions, with expert guidance on its world-renowned breeding operation.
• Behind-the-scenes tour of Ballypatrick, a fifth-generation equestrian farm. Meet some of Ireland’s top Sport Horse Stallions and uncover the secrets behind Ireland’s renowned horsemanship and expertise in producing world-class young horses.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Karlswood: Gain insider access to Cian O’Connor’s world-class training facility, where Olympic-level equestrian training, horse fitness, and competition planning come to life.

Gourmet Dining Experiences:

• Lunch at Mikey Ryan’s Kitchen & Bar, Cashel: Enjoy an authentic Irish meal in a recently-awarded Good Food Ireland® Pub of the Year, featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
• Fine Dining at The Bishop’s Buttery, Cashel Palace Hotel: Relish gourmet dining in an elegant, historic setting with dishes crafted from the finest Irish produce.
• Private Dining Lunch at Barberstown Castle: A unique, exclusive dining experience in a 13th-century castle with expertly crafted dishes, showcasing the best of Irish food and heritage.
• Luxurious Accommodation: Stay at the Cashel Palace Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel offering a perfect blend of history, modern comfort and stunning views of the Rock of Cashel.
• Memorable, Expert-Led Tour: Experience Ireland’s rich equine tradition and vibrant culinary culture, expertly curated to showcase the country’s best food, horses and heritage.

Convenient Drop-Off