Gallagher Dublin Horse Show returns bigger than ever for 2026 August 5th - 9th | RDS, Dublin €1 million Rolex Grand Prix | 100th Nations’ Cup | Opening of the New Laya Arena  

The newly branded Gallagher Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS from August 5th - 9th, ushering in a landmark year for one of Ireland's most iconic sporting and cultural events. Welcoming Gallagher as title partner for the first time, the 2026 Show will feature the opening of the new Laya Arena, the 100th running of the Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy, and the €1 million Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland - the largest individual prize fund in Irish equestrian sport.

As the pinnacle of the Irish equestrian industry, the Show attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually, bringing together world-class sport, entertainment, hospitality, and business in the heart of Dublin.

This August, the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show will once again combine sport, style, and socialising, with a packed programme of international competition, entertainment, shopping, dining, and hospitality experiences attracting visitors from across Ireland and abroad.

The Show will feature 160 classes and competitions across showjumping, showing, performance and breeding, alongside native breed classes for Irish Draughts and Connemaras, equine-assisted therapy demonstrations, and a host of family entertainment.

Key highlights include:

• Wednesday, August 5th - Grand Opening of the Show and the new Laya Arena
• Thursday, August 6th - Best Dressed Day
• Friday, August 7th - Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy
• Saturday, August 8th - Defender Puissance
• Sunday, August 9th - Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland (1million-euro prize fund)

 

New for 2026, the RDS, in partnership with Goffs, will host the inaugural Elite Show Jumping Foal Sale, providing a new international platform for Irish breeders and buyers.

Alongside the sport, visitors can enjoy the Shetland Pony Grand National, Pony Club Mounted Games, and a new and enhanced Family Zone in the Grand Hall grounds, making the Show a memorable day out for all ages.

Visitors planning their trip can benefit from 10% off tickets when booked online in advance, while children under four go free.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam said:

“The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is one of those great Dublin occasions that captures the spirit, colour, and confidence of our capital. Each summer, it brings visitors from across Ireland and around the world to our city, filling Dublin with energy, excitement, and international attention.

It is an event that celebrates tradition, excellence, and community, while also making a real and valuable contribution to our local economy. Above all, the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show helps showcase Dublin at its best: vibrant, welcoming, ambitious, and proud.”

Hilary Hough, President, RDS:

"The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show remains central to the RDS's mission of supporting Irish agriculture and equestrianism. It brings together the very best of Irish breeding, sport and tradition, and continues to showcase the strength of the industry to both national and international audiences."

Paul Kelly, Chief Executive, RDS:

"The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is far more than a sporting event. As a cornerstone of Ireland’s equestrian industry, it also attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually, generating substantial value for tourism, hospitality and local businesses, and reinforcing Dublin’s reputation as a leading global destination for major international events. With Gallagher joining as title partner and the opening of the new Laya Arena, 2026 marks an exciting new chapter in the Show’s continued growth, economic impact and international profile."

Derek Henry, CEO, Gallagher Ireland:

"The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is one of Ireland's great international events. Its unique blend of sport, business, hospitality and entertainment creates an experience unlike any other, which is why Gallagher is proud to support its continued development."

Fiona Sheridan, Gallagher Dublin Horse Show Director:

“The 2026 programme brings together the absolute best of international and Irish competition. With highlights including the Nations’ Cup, the Puissance, and the Rolex Grand Prix, we are delivering a week of top-level sport that reflects both the tradition and the ongoing strength of the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show.”

D.O. O'Connor, Managing Director, Laya Healthcare

"The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show has brought people together for generations, and we're incredibly proud that it is the first major event to welcome visitors to Laya Arena. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this amazing venue where sport, culture and community come together, bringing people closer to the action and inspiring generations to come.”

For more details on the show and to save 10% on tickets visit www.dublinhorseshow.com. Kids under 4 go free.

Instagram: @dublinhorseshow

TikTok: @rdsdublinhorseshow

Facebook: @dublinhorseshow

 

For more information, imagery and interviews please contact:

Joanne Byrne |joannebyrne@presence.ie | 087 249 4668

Lora Doyle | loradoyle@presence.ie | 087 210 9748

 

-ENDS-

 

About the RDS

Founded in 1731, the RDS is a philanthropic organisation and one of Ireland’s leading multi-purpose venues, supporting progress across Agriculture, Arts, Enterprise, Equestrianism, and Science & Technology.

Learn more about RDS Membership: RDS Members Club – Dublin

 

About Gallagher

Gallagher is the brand name of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) - the global insurance broker, risk management services and consulting firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. 

Gallagher has more than 71,000 employees specialising in risk management, and insurance solutions, for corporate, commercial and personal customers. Gallagher offers client service capabilities in more than 130 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

In Ireland, Gallagher is one of the largest insurance brokers with a team of over 600 colleagues supporting clients through its office network.

For further information, please visit: https://www.ajg.ie/