Holiday Ireland, hotels in Dublin, cheap rooms Dublin, tourist information

Holiday Ireland 2014

Hotels in Dublin

Hotels and Guesthouses in Dublin provided some of the best value in 2013 and this is expected to continue in 2014 with Accommodation vendors in Gardiner Street Dublin now providing comfortable rooms at 30% less than similar accommodation vendors in Temple Bar, with Temple Bar being only 5 minutes’ walk from Gardiner Street. One local Guesthouse owner said:

“Gardiner Street is now recognised the world over as a premiere accommodation hub that is within 5 minutes’ walk of Dublin’s major attractions and yet offers clean comfortable rooms and a very personal service that is at least 30% cheaper than other accommodation in Dublin. Tourists want to spend their money on themselves and their families not on over-priced accommodation that is overpriced simply because of its location”.

Enjoy 50% Discount on rooms in Dublin City Centre:

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Tourist Information

In 2013 there was a 7 per cent rise in visitor numbers for the island of Ireland, the best since the global economic crisis began. To capitalise on this growth and the predicted growth for 2014 (ERSI predicting 2.7% growth in domestic economy) it is essential that each accommodation vendor in Dublin takes full advantage of premium events that will maximise both occupancy and revenue, good rate management will ensure that the low season (2014-2015) will be easier to manage.

Tourist numbers

Some eight million visitors came to Ireland in 2013 generating €3.64 billion in revenue. Some 6.8 million people visited the Republic, while 1.7 million visitors visited the North. Some 500,000 people visited both parts of the country.

The figures have been bouyed by a record number of visitors from North American, Germany, France and Spain along with Australia and New Zealand. However, the British market remains substantially down on its peak in 2007, despite numbers being up by 7 per cent this year. It can be reasonably anticipated that UK numbers will rise as the UK is now officially out of recession.

The next star of Irish tourism marketing is the landscape

The Wild Atlantic Way: a “rugged”, “unspoiled” touring route from the Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale, being promoted as “the road trip of a lifetime”. Ireland walks on the wild side with ambitious visitor targets, Gardiner Street Dublin has daily tours departing for all parts of Ireland’s wonderful land and sea-scapes guests can stay in Gardiner Street, enjoy a day trip and then return to Gardiner Street where they can drink in Ned Keenan’s Traditional Irish Bar or dine in Le Bon Crubeen. Le Bon Crubeen Winner in 2010 and short-listed as finalist in 2012 of the Irish Restaurant Awards’ Best Casual Dining Restaurant Dublin and winner of Best Value Restaurant Dublin in The Dubliner Top 100 restaurants 2012. Le Bon Crubeen’s brasserie menu delivers a consistently great value dining experience all week long, sourcing produce and ingredients from the very finest Irish suppliers delivering quality and value for money. Their menus include vegetarian, Coeliac/Gluten free and healthy low calorie options.

Staycation Packages in Dublin

The number and length of foreign holidays taken by Irish people fell by 2 per cent in the first six months in the year compared with the same period last year and spent €47m more on foreign holidays in the first half of the year, this trend is likely to continue and it is essential that we again promote ‘Staycation’ packages in Dublin, with a particular emphasis on families.

Failte Ireland

Two thirds of respondents to Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Barometer reported an increase in visitor volumes in 2013. Sentiment in the tourism sector is at its highest level since the financial crisis hit Ireland.

American Football Dublin

The United States has proved to be the biggest engine of growth with Ireland attracting a million US visitors for the first time. The Navy-Notre Dame game, which attracted 50,000 visitors to Ireland in September, was the biggest single draw last year.

US visitor numbers were boosted by an increase of 26 per cent in the number of airline seats between the US and Ireland for the peak summer season.

Tourism Ireland

Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said The Gathering had “exceeded all our expectations” though it will be the New Year before figures become clearer.

“It looks like that figure will be exceeded comfortably by year end and even the figures for Dublin Airport for November are up by 7 per cent. We expect 2014 to be something positive like that as well.”

Bouyed by an improving world economy, Tourism Ireland, which markets the island of Ireland, believes that Ireland can achieve an average of 8.9 million visitors per year by 2016.

Tourism 2014 Ireland

Next year will see new flights from San Francisco, Toronto, mainland Europe and Great Britain with Ryanair adding nine new routes from April while also increasing the frequency on eight new routes.

In addition there will be new Irish Ferries sailings from Holyhead and Cherbourg while LD Lines will launch a sailing from St Nazaire linking with Gijón in northern Spain to Rosslare.

Mr Gibbons said the best prospect for growth in tourism numbers will come from North America and continental Europe, as visitors from those regions tend to stay longer and spend more money. British visitors tend only to stay an average of four and a half days.

He revealed that the value for money ranking for Ireland from North American and continental visitors is the best it has been for 10 years. This is led by the hotel sector, with Irish hotels being rated the third cheapest in Europe. Gardiner Street Dublin Accommodation Co-Operative can enjoy greater occupancy numbers by continue to explain to guests and potential guests that Accommodation in Gardiner Street is at least 30% cheaper when compared with similar accommodation in Temple Bar, yet Temple Bar is only a 5 minute walk away.

Wild Atlantic Way

To replace The Gathering, the focus on promotion will be on promoting the Wild Atlantic Way, a 250 kilometre route from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork.

Limerick City of Culture

The Limerick City of Culture, the ’Grande Partenza’ of the Giro d’Italia cycling race and the Croke Park classic between the University of Central Florida and Penn State will be the focus for foreign visitors next year.

Dublin whats on September, greyhound racing, sport, shelbourne park stadium, irish greyhound derby final 2013, stag party, hen party

Irish Greyhound Derby Day 2013, Shelbourne Park Dublin

Dublin is going to the Dogs

Win The Greatest Prize Ever: Click on the Image to View

It is official; Dublin is going to the Dogs, on Saturday the 14th of September 2013 Dublin will officially go to the dogs, for what is Irish Greyhound Derby Day at Europe’s Premiere Greyhound racing and Hospitality Stadium, Shelbourne Park in Dublin. The picture below was taken 21st August 2013, and shows how Shelbourne Park Stadium sits neatly behind Aviva Stadium from the Ringsend view, please, click on the picture to get a high definition view.

Shelbourne Park contact:Click Image to BOOK ONLINE:

Shelbourne Park tickets call 1890 269 969 or call into Shelbourne Park reception.

Irish Greyhound Derby Day Timeline 2013

Doors open at 3.30pm with music from 4pm with the Mike Denver Band. First race 7pm. Irish Greyhound Derby Day is Live on RTE.

Best dressed ladies competition judged by top Irish model Rozanna Purcell with a superb prize value €2,000.

Please Click on this image for full Irish Derby Details:

Shelbourne Park Events

Shelbourne Park Dublin is home to Greyhound racing and a true Cead Mile Failte, Irish Greyhound Derby Day 2013 is the pulsating heartbeat of the Irish racing calendar, if you are asking, Whats on in Dublin, well join a professional TEAM for a sporting occasion you will never forget, this is a hen party and stag party venue with a difference, this is corporate hospitality at its very best, this is Ireland's premiere Family Gathering Stadium where you can enjoy quality time with family and friends to celebrate a communion, an anniversary, a wedding, a birthday party, whatever the occasion, give Shelbourne Park a chance to make it Special.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Derby 2013

Shelbourne Park is rated as one of the top Greyhound and hospitality venues in Europe. Shelbourne Park is not just the pulsating heartbeat of Irish sport; Shelbourne Park offers true Irish hospitality in every aspect of its service delivery. The atmosphere and ambiance are second to none and a memorable evening is guaranteed (see, reviews below).

Shelbourne Park Guest Reviews

“The IT company that I work for, designated me to provide an evening of entertainment for a group of potential investors coming in from the USA. I took a gamble, as a friend had recommended Shelbourne Park. The gamble paid off and I was a real winner with the company, following a fantastic meal at Shelbourne Park, the racecard got under starters orders and my Asian/American guests had a fun filled night, as the races were so close together, it meant that we were focused on the next race and had great fun with the pick4 selections and Tri-casts and Fore-casts, it really was fun and more importantly, I did not have to make small talk all evening. We got the contract, I got the promotion, and I am now an enthusiast for a night at the races no matter what the occasion”. John Mac, Dublin.

“When someone suggested that I take our active retirement group to a night at Shelbourne Park, my first reaction was, are you joking? On the night, the staff were friendly and professional, the food was as good as any restaurant in Dublin in which I have eaten, and the thrill and excitement of watching the greyhound racing from a cosy warm restaurant atmosphere, taught an old dog new tricks, you are never too old to learn something new”. Ann, Active Retirement Group, Meath.

“My twins were making their communion, and my sister said that we should have the kids party at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium. My sister is a good judge of people and places, and I knew that she would not suggest any venue for this special occasion, unless it would come up trumps. We booked one of the suites upstairs, it was decorated beautifully and the food and ambiance was second to none, the pictures were unique and my children and their friends have never stopped talking about the fun day they had”. Emma, Castleknock, Dublin.

“We had booked our Hen Party at Shelbourne Park, we were on a tight budget as my sister’s wedding was only three weeks away. The package offered by Shelbourne Park was fantastic and real value for money, we had a great night, and we simply walked out the front gate to the taxi rank and our pre-arranged mini-bus took us directly and safely to our hotel”. Paula, Kildare.

“My mates and I work shifts 7 days per-week, The Stag Party package offered meant that we could enjoy a night-out mid-week that did not interfere with our work schedule, we enjoyed the fact that one of the races was named after our stag party group, loads of cheers for that when it was called, we enjoyed finger food, a couple of pints and some great betting fun. We were all able to report for work next day, and unlike some of the Temple Bar Stags I had been at, I could actually remember this one and we had great pictures to show the great night we enjoyed at the races, which was hassle free”. Kevin, Louth.

“Twenty of us arrived in Dublin to play golf at a very good golf club, when we had played our 18 hole game, we really wanted to do something other than sit around the clubhouse talking card scores and getting in the rough. The waitress said that she had just enjoy a night at Shelbourne Park with her friends and that she would highly recommend it. We asked the young woman if she could help us book in to Shelbourne Park that night, within a couple of minutes she had a mini-bus waiting outside for us and within 30 minutes we were sitting down being served our drinks in Shelbourne Park. The meal was very good, and unlike many of the ‘rushed’ tourist eateries one can find in Dublin, the Shelbourne Park eating experience is about relaxing for the evening and having fun, not about filling seats and providing happy meals at the click of your finger, if you want fast food, go to McDonalds, if you want a quality eating and hospitality experience go to Shelbourne Park”. Bob, New York.

Recommended Accommodation for Shelbourne Park Stadium and Harolds Cross:

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Hen Party Shelbourne Park

A GREAT NIGHT OUT IN DUBLIN:

Whether it’s a quick flutter in the stands or a four course meal with friends Shelbourne Park has it all.  With Bars and restaurants to suit all pockets you can’t go wrong with a Night at the Dogs in Shelbourne Park.

BARS Shelbourne Park

In Café Barconi you can enjoy a great range of sandwiches, snacks, teas and coffees while staying close to all the action on the ground floor.  Alternatively you can try Bistro number 6 and be tempted by a great range of food choices to satisfy all tastes.  At Shelbourne Park you’re spoilt for choice with four fully serviced bars.

RESTAURANT Shelbourne Park

Dobbins’ at the Park is the place to be in Dublin on a Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday night.  Reservations are essential so book early!

With ample comfortable seating and excellent viewing of the excitement on the track, Dobbins’ at the park is where it’s all at. Mouth-watering food, exceptional service, fun company and relaxing ambiance with definite value for money, contact reservations on 1890 269 969 or email sales@igb.ie or book online here.

PRIVATE SUITES Shelbourne Park

For something a little more intimate why not consider a private suite with Dobbins’ excellent food and service, a comprehensive range of wines and a table Tote service. How could you beat that for comfort?

PLANNING A PARTY Shelbourne Park

We cater for all parties:

From hen and stag parties to birthday parties, communions, confirmations or any other family event, you can’t go wrong with a Night at the Dogs.

Shelbourne Park Family Fun

€20 SUMMER FAMILY SPECIAL

Admission for 2 Adults and 2 Children

This package includes 2 Race Cards and 2 Children's Meals from the Fast Food Outlet of participating Greyhound Stadia for July and August 2013.

To avail, request the €20 Summer Family Special at the turnstiles of your participating stadium on arrival. It's as simple as that!

Participating Stadia:

Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross, Dublin

Curraheen Park, Cork

Galway

Limerick

Mullingar

Newbridge

Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, Tralee

Kilcohan Park, Waterford

Children's Fast Food meals vary according to stadium.

Rediscover your sense of fun with a Night at the Dogs for the whole family to enjoy this summer.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO THAT ALL THE FAMILY CAN ENJOY?

Well, look no further than a Night at the Dogs.  Celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any family occasion with a fun and entertaining night at the Dogs.  Mums and Dads can sit back and relax and enjoy a restaurant meal with drinks and betting service to the table while the thrill of the race keeps the whole family entertained!

I DON'T WANT A RESTAURANT MEAL…WHAT ELSE IS ON OFFER?

For something a little less formal we have a great range of fast food or light snack options available in each of our stadia. Pre-book special fast food and finger food packages in advance from our Sales Centre (1890 269 969), which offer discounted admission and Tote and Drinks voucher options. Or you can just turn up on the night and let the kids take their pick from the menu options on offer in our fast food outlets, bars and cafes.

When you are booking, ask about the many ways you can make the night a little bit extra special. Get a shout-out form the race commentator or have a race named after your family to mark a special occasion or family holiday!

Shelbourne Park PARTIES AT THE DOGS

Planning a group Night out at the Dogs for a corporate event or your friends’ birthday party is easy and makes for a night to remember! Plan your night well in advance to ensure availability on your chosen night. Have a definite list of numbers that will be attending on the night.

Choose from a wide array of extra services that will make your night one to remember, let us know and we will get our continuity announcer to mention a special occasion or why not sponsor a guest of honour! Having a race named after them in the card is a great souvenir of your special night!

Shelbourne Park HOW TO BOOK:Click the Image to BOOK ONLINE:

Contact our reservations team at 1890 269 969 or email sales@igb.ie and let them help you choose a package most suitable to your group.

Kilkenny arts festival 2013, kilsale arts festival, culture tech festival derry, Kilkenny whats on, hen party Kilkenny, stag party Kilkenny

Kilkenny arts festival 2013, kilsale arts festival, culture tech festival derry, Kilkenny whats on, hen party Kilkenny, stag party Kilkenny

Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

Anyone who has been to a Hen Party in Kilkenny will know that Kilkenny is a place to be for fun, anyone who went to Kilkenny for a Stag Party is probably still there. Kilkenny Arts Festival is like a big party, loads of activities, loads of people and loads of fun.

We’re going to be at the Kinsale Arts Festival on July 13 and we’ll also be back in Derry for the Culture TECH festival in September, but we’re also heading to the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August for not one, not two but three very special Banter sessions over the course of a week.

Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

The idea of doing some Bantering in the Marble City first came about at last year’s festival and, with huge thanks to festival director Rosemary Collier and her team, we’ve managed to put together a damn good programme, including one or two sessions which we’ve been hoping to do for ages, for the festival’s 40th anniversary.Stag Party

Banter On Music Hen Party in Kilkenny

Set Theatre, John Street; Saturday August 10

Everybody Loves Our Town

When it comes to the story of the Seattle grunge explosion, Mark Yarm’s fantastic oral history Everybody Loves Our Town is one of the definitive reads on that fabled city and such bands as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Mudhoney and more. The Guardian called it “a Herculean work of interviewing and editing which gives everyone a voice, from the biggest stars to the lowliest foot soldiers”. Mark joins us at Banter to talk about the book, the Seattle scene and the grunge legacy.Stag Party

Everybody Loves This Town Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

Around the same time as Seattle was blowing up, Kilkenny was having its own moment in the sun thanks to a host of local bands, a brilliant dive venue called the New Park Inn and a host of other factors. Cormac Battle (Kerbdog, 2fm), Canice Kenealy (Engine Alley) and Malcolm Noonan (Jerusalem Taxis) rewind the city’s musical legacy.

The Neil Hannon Retrospective in 35 Minutes Stag Party

The story of Neil Hannon, The Divine Comedy, “My Lovely Horse” and the Duckworth Lewis Method in 35 minutes .Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

Banter On Music will also feature special guest performances during the course of the afternoon.Stag Party

Banter On Fashion Hen Party in Kilkenny

National Craft Gallery, Wednesday August 14, 7pm

What the hell is Irish style? Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

It’s our favourite kind of Banter panel – one with a lot of questions. What is Irish style? Is there such a thing? How does it manifest itself in Irish fashion? Is Irish style bright orange in colour? Do Irish men know anything about style? What does Irish style look like in the future? Our panel for this walk down the catwalk: Angela Scanlon (TV presenter, fashion writer and stylist) and Sonya Lennon (RTE Off the Rails, Lennon Courtney).Stag Party

Banter on the Big Issues Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

The Parade Tower at Kilkenny Castle, Saturday August 17, 2pm Stag Party

State of the art Stag Party

The Kilkenny Arts Festival turns 40 this year so it’s timely to look at the past, present and the future of the arts sector in Ireland. Colm Tóibín (novelist and playwright), Maureen Kennelly (arts producer, programmer, curator of the Mountains to Sea DLR Books Festival and former director of the Kilkenny Arts Festival and Cúirt International Festival of Literature), Donnacha Dennehy (composer and Crash Ensemble founder) and Willie White (Dublin Theatre Festival artistic director and chief executive) discuss what we’re learned over the last 40 years, the issues which the arts sector believe should be sorted out today and where things go from here.

Political reform Stag Party

It is the great cry of the political chattering classes: we need reform! Yet as various opinion polls have showed, the Irish electorate place the need for reform very far down on their list of priorities. Just how serious are we about reforming how our political system works – or doesn’t work? Is it merely a case of some politicians paying lip service to the idea to score points or is there an actual hunger for meaningful, pragmatic change? a conversation with some interested parties, including Harry McGee (Irish Times) and Sarah O’Neill (Dailwatch) about the real issues behind the clarion call for reform. Hen Party in Kilkenny

Tickets are now on sale for all three Banter sessions from the festival box-office. Admission is €13 and €11 or you can buy a special Banter bundle for all three Banters for €30. Stag Party

Of course, there’s a ton of other stuff besides Banter happening in Kilkenny over the course of the festival including some superb work from Bob & Roberta Smith, a performance from Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band, local boyo Jeremy Hickey AKA R.S.A.G, a discussion on the birth of the Irish trade union movement to mark the centenary of the 1913 Dublin lockout, the luminarium from Architects of Air and AC Grayling giving the Hubert Butler Lecture on how great literature can enrich all our lives.Hen Party in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

School Holidays Whats On?

Riverdance Dublin

Art Galleries

Bloomsday Review

River Dance Tickets

Special Draw to Say Thank You…The Townhouse Hotel is about to Hit 16,000 Likes on Facebook and we want to say Thank You…Two Tickets (ONLY) (No Accommodation included in this Draw) Riverdance on Date: 29^th June 2013 at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin. Tickets must be collected at the Townhouse Hotel as there will not be time to post them out. Simply LIKE and SHARE this post and you are in the Draw, the Winner will be announced on Wednesday 26^th June HERE on FACEBOOK, This is 2 Tickets ONLY. Thank You, from Muriel O’Connor, Proprietor, The Award Winning Townhouse Hotel Dublin…see also, Gardiner Street

Click to WIN

Marlay Park festival 2013, Marlay Park music, Accommodation near Marlay Park, Dublin Hotels, Dublin Guesthouses, bed and breakfast, hotels near marley park, hotels for longitude festival

Marlay Park festival 2013, Marlay Park music, Accommodation near Marlay Park, Dublin Hotels, Dublin Guesthouses, bed and breakfast, hotels near marley park, hotels for longitude festival Budget/Quality Hotel

Marlay Park / Marley Park is located in Rathfarnham which is a short distance from and an easy commute to Dublin Central Hotels and Guesthouses, this means you can enjoy the best of both worlds, party in the country during the day and evening and return for some city living at night.

Longitude Festival: 19th-21st July: Budget/Quality Hotel

This un-believable event features Kraftwerk, Pheonix, Vampire Weekend, HotChip, Villagers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Foals, Jake Bugg, Tom Odell to name but a few!

Budget Bed and Breakfast

Boutique Guesthouse

Budget Guesthouse

Tourist Hostel

Quality Hotel with Bar

Budget/Quality Hotel

Boutique Bed and Breakfast

Gardiner Street Dublin/Accommodation/Food/Pubs

Stag and Hen Parties in IRELAND

The five stages of Longitude – and August shows for Marlay Park?

The licence application for the capital’s newest festival reveals more details of what to expect in Marlay Park in July.

Those heading to Longitude in Dunlin’s Marlay Park in July can look forward to spending their time wandering around five stages, according to the licence application lodged by Festival Republic, on behalf of MCD, with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

According to the application and event management plan, we can expect “three music stages and two multi arts stages”, with all the stages bar the main stage to be tented. There is also a “children’s area” per the site drawings attached to the application. The site capacity is 9,999 people and they’re expecting a 50/50 male/female breakdown. Music will run each day from 2pm to 11pm and there will be no re-admission to the site. Security contracts have been awarded to UK-based companies SLS and Specialized Security and the security guidelines are very much in keeping with the post-Swedish House Mafia shows at Marlay Park last year.

The letter of consent included with the application from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to MCD, giving them permission to apply for the licence, refers to a contract agreement from May 2006. It would be interesting to see that document and the terms, conditions and duration of that agreement.

It’s also interesting to note the existence of another licence application from MCD for “concert consisting of music performance” at Marlay Park on August 3 and 4. Application OEL 02/13 was lodged on May 24 and the relevant application is not currently online. Again, as has become the norm this summer, it’s Festival Republic who are taking the lead, a further sign of the Live Nation takeover of the Irish live music business.

Thanks to its investment in Festival Republic, Live Nation now has a hand, act and part in the Phoenix Park shows, Longitude, Oxegen and, most famously, the Electric Picnic. There is also the not insignificant matter of Dublin’s O2 and it’s believed that the company are the front-runners to buy Harry Crosbie’s stake in the venue from NAMA. It’s been a long time coming and they’ve done so with great stealth, but Live Nation are now very significant players in the Irish live music market.

Staycation Dublin, dublin hotels

Dublin Horse show 2013, RDS, Blossom Hill Ladies' Day, Accommodation near RDS

Dublin Horse show 2013, RDS, Blossom Hill Ladies' Day, Accommodation near RDS

The Horse Show is a Dublin institution and runs this year from the 7^th to the 11^th of August. A celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, the Dublin Horse Show has the best show horses and the best international show jumpers compete for honors.  It is one of Ireland's largest events, a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming tens of thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world.

Accommodation

Since it was first held in 1864 the Horse Show has become a Dublin institution. A celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers. It is one of Ireland's largest events, a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming tens of thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world.

Blossom Hill Ladies' Day

Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show will takes place on Thursday of Show week. There are prizes for best dressed lady, most creative hat, most colourful outfit and best dressed man.

THE DUBLIN HORSE SHOW HISTORY

The first show was held in 1864 under the auspices of the Society, but organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland.

There were 366 entries in the first Show with a total prize fund of £520.

On the 28, 29 and 30 July 1868 the first show was held and organised by the Royal Dublin Society on the lawns of Leinster House. The Council granted £100 out of the Society's funds to be awarded in prizes. It started as a show of led-horses and featured ‘leaping' demonstrations.

The first prize for the Stone Wall competition (6ft) in 1868 was won by Richard Flynn on hunter, Shane Rhue (who sold for £1,000 later that day).

Ass and mule classes were listed at the first show!

In 1869 the first Challenge Cup was presented for the best exhibit in the classes for hunters and young horses likely to make hunters.

In 1870 the Show was named ‘The National Horse Show', taking place on the 16-19 August. It was combined with the Annual Sheep Show organised by the Society.

1869 was the year ‘horse leaping' came to prominence. There was the high leap over hurdles trimmed with gorse; the wall jump over a loose stone wall of progressive height not exceeding 6 feet; and the wide leap over 2 ½ ft gorse-filled hurdle with 12 ft of water on the far side.

The original rules for the leaping competitions were simply ‘the obstacles had to be cleared to the satisfaction of the judges'.

The prizes for the high and wide leaps were £5 for first and £2 for second with £10 and a cup to the winner of the championship and a riding crop and a fiver to the runner up.

In 1881 the Show moved to ‘Ball's Bridge', a green-field site. The first continuous ‘leaping' course was introduced at the Show.

In 1881 the first viewing stand was erected on the site of the present Grand Stand. It held 800 people.

With over 800 entries in the Show in 1895, it was necessary to run the jumping competitors off in pairs - causing difficulties for the judges at the time!

No lady was allowed to ride in any jumping competition until 1919.

A novelty class for women was introduced in 1919. In 1920 women were able to compete freely.

Women were permitted to compete in the international competitions from 1954 (an international rule).

In times past the Ladies Hunter Classes for ladies riding side-saddle in traditional costume (veil and habit) were judged on the Thursday of the Show. As a result Thursday became Ladies' Day.

In 1925 Colonel Zeigler of the Swiss Army first suggested holding an international jumping event. The Aga Khan of the time heard of this proposal and offered a challenge trophy to the winner of the competition.

In 1926 International Competitions were introduced to the show and was the first time the Nations' Cup for the Aga Khan Challenge trophy was held.

Up until 1949 the Nations' Cup teams had to consist of military officers.

Six countries competed in the first international teams competition for the Aga Khan Challenge trophy - Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Ireland. The Swiss team won the title on Irish bred horses.

The Swiss team won out the original trophy in 1930. Ireland won the first replacement in 1937 and another in 1979, Britain in 1953 and 1975. The present trophy is the sixth in the series and was presented by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1980.

There was no Nations' Cup held in 1952 due to the Olympic Games.

The first Grand Prix (Irish Trophy) held in 1934 was won by Comdt.J.D. (Jed) O'Dwyer, of the Army Equitation school. The Irish Trophy becomes the possession of the rider if it is won three times in succession or four times in all.

The first civilian rider to take part in the Nations' Cup was Peter Robeson on Craven A. He was also a member of the winning British team that year.

The first timed jumping competition was held in 1938. In 1951 an electric clock was installed and the time factor entered most competitions.

In 1976, after 50 years of international competition, the two grass banks in the Arena were removed so the Arena could be used for other events. The continental band at the western end of the Main Arena was added later.

Shows have been held annually except from 1914-1919 due to WW1 and from 1940 - 1946 due to WW2.

In 2003 the Nations Cup Competition for the Aga Khan Trophy has become part of the new Samsung Super League under the auspices of the Federation Equestre Internationale.

The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is Ireland's largest equestrian event, and one of the largest events held on the island.

The show has the third largest annual prize pool for International Show Jumping in the world.