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festivals · Saturday 1 August 2026 · Various 
Dublin Horse Show
At RDS Ballsbridge · Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
At RDS Ballsbridge · Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
One of Ireland’s great summer occasions, the Dublin Horse Show has been running at the RDS in Ballsbridge for over 150 years - and 2026 marks a particularly significant edition, as the Nations Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy celebrates its 100th anniversary. This is not simply a spectator sport; it is a week-long social event that draws around 100,000 visitors across five days, mixing world-class equestrian competition with a lively lifestyle village of shopping, food, and entertainment. Families, horse enthusiasts, and people who have never seen a show jump in their lives all tend to leave saying they had a better time than expected.
The competition programme runs across multiple rings over five days, with more than 168 individual classes covering show jumping, dressage, showing, and driving. The centrepiece is the Nations Cup of Ireland on the Friday - a team event where leading equestrian nations compete for the Aga Khan Trophy, one of the most prestigious prizes in international show jumping. Saturday brings the Puissance, where riders attempt to clear an increasingly high red wall, and Sunday closes with the Rolex Grand Prix.
Alongside the arena action, renowned equestrian artist Santi Serra performs each day with four horses and a live eagle - a show within the show that tends to draw a crowd of its own. The lifestyle village runs throughout the week with exhibitors selling everything from equestrian gear to artisan food and fashion.
General admission gives access to Ring 1, Ring 2, Simmonscourt, and the Kids Zone, plus the lifestyle village and entertainment areas. The Main Arena requires an arena access ticket. Over 350 exhibitors are on site, so there is plenty to fill the gaps between competition sessions.
The RDS is well served by public transport. The DART stops at Lansdowne Road and Sandymount, both within a short walk of the venue. Several Dublin Bus routes run along Merrion Road and Pembroke Road, stopping close to the gates. A taxi or rideshare from the city centre takes around ten minutes outside of peak traffic.
There is no parking directly at the RDS during the show, but pre-paid car parking is arranged nearby with free shuttle transfers to the venue. If you are driving, book the parking in advance - it fills up, particularly on the Friday Nations Cup day and the Sunday Grand Prix.
Ballsbridge is one of Dublin’s more handsome neighbourhoods - wide tree-lined roads, embassy buildings, and a cluster of good pubs and restaurants within easy reach of the RDS. The area sits between the Grand Canal and the coast, which makes for a pleasant walk before or after the show. There is more to see in Ballsbridge and across Co. Dublin.
Heading to RDS Ballsbridge in Ballsbridge? Dublin has plenty more to see. Read the Ballsbridge area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
In town for RDS Ballsbridge? These Dublin tours book out in summer.