Taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend 30th May to 2nd June, the eighth running of Ireland’s Premier International three day event promises to be bigger and better than ever this year and there’s a new focus to increase visitors from overseas.
Tattersalls have always attracted the very best riders from around the world and offers an opportunity for eventing and countryside enthusiasts to enjoy watching fantastic competition whilst experiencing the renowned Irish hospitality.
With 7 classes up to CCI3* over four days with 3* cross country on both Saturday and Sunday there is plenty to see and enjoy.
Roger Casey, General Manager Tattersalls Ireland, is keen to encourage visitors from across the water. ‘We want people to realise how easy it is to get here, not only to see first class eventing at the very highest level in a friendly and intimate atmosphere, but to enjoy all the other things there are to do in and around the area. We are so near to Dublin which makes things easy for everyone and offers a brilliant Bank Holiday trip for anyone contemplating a visit to Ireland this year.’
Tattersalls enjoys an envious reputation among riders with top competitors returning year after year. William Fox Pitt (above), a regular visitor and winner, describes it as a “very special event”. Competitors relish the challenge of the beautifully built Ian Stark cross country courses and appreciate the luxury of the permanent stabling area, complete with its own grooms and riders canteen.
‘The event has an informality all of its own, as everything is situated close together and riders, owners and spectators all enjoy the same bars and hospitality. This year we are going to make more use of the elegant Tattersalls Country House, opening it up to the general public and making it the venue for our evening social events’, says Roger.
As one of the major dates in The Gathering* calendar the event is being supported this year by Failte Ireland along with Horse Sport Ireland and a number of high profile sponsors.
There’s a great shopping village selling a variety of equestrian and non-equestrian products along with lots of fun activities for all the family including a dedicated Picnic area by the water fence, a free kids zone and lots of other activities such as Go Karts, Bucking Broncos, Bouncy Castles, Hound Parade, a Pets Corner and plenty of artisan food outlets.
‘We are only half an hour from the port or the airport and once you get here we represent really good value for money’, continues Roger.
To encourage eventing enthusiasts to make the trip over a number of offers have been put in place including discounted ferry for competitors and spectators with Irish Ferries, reduced car hire with Avis, special hotel rates and advanced booking ticket offers. With adult admission starting at €5 Tattersalls are working hard to make it a very affordable weekend.
If you plan an extended trip there is plenty to do in the area to make it worth while. The famous luxury shopping outlet Kildare Village is only a 40 minute drive away, Dublin’s biggest flower show Bloom takes place over the same weekend or take the opportunity to visit Newgrange one of the oldest heritage sites in the world.
A new page, full of helpful information, to help overseas visitors with their arrangements is now on the Tattersalls website www.tattshorsetrials.ie
‘I think visitors from the UK are always impressed with what a social event we are and how easy we are to reach’ says Roger ‘So pack up all the family, including your dogs, and get booked to come over for one of the best countryside events in the whole of Ireland. We can guarantee a good time!’
Photos by Libby Law
