Entertainment
Preview
Your Gallagher Dublin Horse Show 2026 Guide
Pre Event Information – the countdown is on with less than one week to go!
What’s new for 2026?
The Blue Ribbon at The Grand Hall
Discover the Horse Show’s newest dining experience in one of the RDS’s most historic and elegant settings. Enjoy seasonal Irish produce, stylish surroundings and premium hospitality in the heart of the show
Lunch:
Wednesday–Sunday | 12.00pm–3.00pm
Dinner:
Wednesday–Friday | 6.00pm–9.00pm
Saturday | 6:00pm–10:00pm
Book your table HERE.
Evening Programme – Keep the Horse Show Going into the Evening
Make the most of your Gallagher Dublin Horse Show experience with the Evening Programme from 6pm in the RDS Concert Hall. Enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere as the Horse Show continues into the evening.
Evening Programme access is included with your Gallagher Dublin Horse Show ticket. Coming for the evening only? Purchase an Evening Programme Pass HERE
RDS Little Riders in The Grand Hall Garden.
Open daily from 10am – 6pm between 5–9 August, RDS Little Riders in The Grand Hall Garden is packed with family fun. Children can enjoy a hobby horse obstacle course, Mini Defender driving experience, arts & crafts, face painting, glitter tattoos, hair braiding, soft play and sensory zones.
RDS Elite Show Jumping Foal Sale
Experience the excitement of a live auction as some of Ireland’s finest young show jumping foals take centre stage. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast or simply curious, it’s a unique opportunity to watch the theatre of an auction and catch a glimpse of the future stars of Irish show jumping.
The RDS Elite Show Jumping Foal Sale takes place at 6.20pm on Friday 7 August, immediately following the Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy Final.
Shop, Eat & Explore
Take time to browse more than 300 exhibitors in the Shopping Village, discover artisan producers in the Anglesea Food Market, and enjoy an expanded range of food and drink across the grounds, including the new Champagne Bar.
Getting there
There is no public parking available at the RDS during the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show.
Visitors are encouraged to travel by DART (Sandymount or Lansdowne Road), Dublin Bus, taxi, rideshare, walking or cycling. If travelling by car, please pre-book official off-site parking with shuttle transfers.
Important visitor information
- A seated ticket is required to watch competitions from the grandstands in the Laya Arena.
- Limited standing viewing is available at the north end of the arena only. The south end is reserved for equestrian exhibitor wristband holders.
- Please respect our neighbours, as the RDS is located in a residential area.
- There will be limited priority restricted areas for RDS members only, please respect these.
If you wish to become an RDS member – click HERE.
Day-by-day highlights
Wednesday 5 August | Opening Day
Be there for the ceremonial opening of the new Laya Arena at 1.30pm
Thursday 6 August | Best Dressed Day
The Poretti Best Dressed Competition returns with a €10,000 top prize, multiple categories and luxury prizes.. Find out how to enter HERE.
Friday 7 August | Nations’ Cup Centenary
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy before experiencing the inaugural RDS Elite Show Jumping Foal Sale.
Saturday 8 August | Family Day & Defender Puissance
Enjoy favourites including the Shetland Pony Grand National, Pony Club Games, RDS Little Riders and the legendary Defender Puissance.
Sunday 9 August | Rolex Grand Prix Finale
Round off Horse Show week with the Parade of Champions, Pony Club Games Final and the €1 million Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.
Plan your visit HERE.
The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August 2026. Find tickets HERE.
Looking for even more spectacular events happening this summer? Check out our summer guide below.
