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markets · Sunday 26 July 2026 · Various 
Midlands Connemara Pony Show
At Mullingar Equestrian · Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
At Mullingar Equestrian · Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
The Midlands Connemara Pony Show is one of the most well-regarded showing days on the Midlands equestrian calendar, bringing together breeders, owners and enthusiasts from across Connacht, Leinster and beyond. Run by the Midlands Connemara Pony Breeders Group and held at the purpose-built Mullingar Equestrian Centre, it is a genuine breed show - the sort where people arrive early, judges take their time, and the standard of animal on display is genuinely high. Free to attend as a spectator, it makes for a fine summer day out whether you follow the breed closely or simply enjoy watching well-handled ponies in action.
The show runs from 08:00 to 17:00, giving the day a proper pace rather than a rushed programme. Competition is organised across four discipline categories: Brood Mares and Foals, Ponies, Riding Classes, and Working Hunter. Each class draws entries from breeders who have spent the spring preparing their animals, and the quality in the ring reflects that. The Connemara is Ireland’s only native pony breed - compact, hardy, sure-footed, with a natural jumping ability that has made it popular far beyond its Galway home ground. Watching a well-matched broodmare and foal class, or a working hunter round, gives a clear sense of why the breed has built a following across Europe and beyond.
Mullingar Equestrian Centre is a substantial facility - multiple outdoor arenas, indoor space for inclement weather, a cafe on site, and room for the number of lorries and trailers a show of this scale attracts. Stabling and parking for those bringing animals can be booked in advance through the centre’s online booking system. Contact details for entries and logistics are held by show secretary Irene O’Sullivan (osullivan.irene@gmail.com / 086 304 3039).
Mullingar is the county town of Westmeath, sitting on the N4 Dublin to Sligo road, roughly 80 km west of the capital. By car from Dublin, the drive takes around an hour via the M4. From Athlone, it is a 40-minute run north-east on the N55. The equestrian centre is on the Athlone Road at Rathcolman - just follow the N52 south-west out of town and the venue is clearly signposted. Bus Eireann runs regular services between Dublin Busaras and Mullingar, and Irish Rail serves Mullingar on the Dublin Heuston to Westport / Ballina line. From the town centre, the equestrian centre is a short taxi or rideshare journey.
Mullingar town is well set up for a day out - good cafes, a solid food scene, and the shores of Lough Ennell a short drive south for anyone who wants to stretch their legs after the show. The Royal Canal Greenway passes through the town if you have a bike. There is more to see in Mullingar and across Co. Westmeath.
Heading to Mullingar Equestrian in Mullingar? Westmeath has plenty more to see. Read the Mullingar area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.