Equine Experiences Await at Cashel Palace in Tipperary, Ireland

Already home to one of Ireland’s greatest landmarks, Cashel sees many family travelers visit the historic town, especially in spring and summer. Cashel Palace, a beautiful old estate situated in the heart of town, lies within view of the iconic Rock of Cashel. This luxurious manor not only features elegant rooms, upscale dining and a state-of-the-art spa, but also boasts Ireland’s only Equine Concierge.

The equine experiences pay homage to the county’s thoroughbred horse tradition. Cashel Palace brings the region’s history of horseracing and breeding to life for visitors in 2023. The property presents three experiences to residents of the hotel, including Racing Royalty, a once-in-a-lifetime look behind the scenes at Ballydoyle Racing and Coolmore Stud, where morning exercises and breeding operations occur.

Coolmore © Cashel Palace / Tipperary Tourism

Guests of all ages can enjoy Tipperary mountain trekking, with options of one-, two- or three-hour treks. Completely off road, these treks teach natural horsemanship techniques and educate younger guests on how to be gentle with horses. They bring riders along the countryside and in view of Bronze Age and Neolithic sites.

The new Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan brings life to the region’s breeding heritage, from the world-renowned horse people to their crafts to the traditions involved. The new plan involves several exciting initiatives to be developed over the course of the year, including the Irish National Stud Experience, the new International Thoroughbred Trail, Fethard Horse Country Experience, Coolmore Experience, Mingle with the Stars Stallion Trail, the Curragh Behind the Scenes Tour, and Trainers’ Yards Visits.

“We are really excited about the opportunity Thoroughbred Country presents to showcase the amazing thoroughbred industries in Kildare and Tipperary to a far-reaching audience,” said Laura Magee, manager, Thoroughbred Country. “In Tipperary, we are incredibly lucky to have a number of diverse offerings where visitors can experience everything from farriery to how to rear foals. Our partners Cashel Palace also have exclusive packages available that allow guests into the hallowed grounds of world-renowned Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Racing which are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Whether or not visitors had a previous interest in the thoroughbred industry, these experiences will surely whet their appetite as they take a look into the magic behind the scenes.”

Fethard Horse Country Experience © Cashel Palace / Tipperary Tourism

Cashel Palace comprises one of the brands jumping on board with this plan. The property’s existing Equine Concierge curates exciting equestrian adventures for guests across Tipperary’s Thoroughbred trail. At Fethard Horse Country Experience, visitors wander through this immersive museum detailing the science and history behind horse racing and breeding.

In addition to the unique Equine Concierge, Cashel Palace offers many other experiences for families to learn about the area. Kayak along Suir Blueway, a 33-mile-long water trail from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir, or hike the Glen of Aherlow. For history, head up to the Rock of Cashel, the former seat of kings of Munster, Ireland, who reigned for more than 1,000 years.