Thousands of visitors are expected at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, a traditional highlight of the summer, which opens tomorrow.
Described by the organisers as a “Dublin institution” and a “celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse”, the event attracts equestrian competitors from all over the world.
It will also feature over 300 trade stands, offering art and antiques, jewellery, fashion and house and home ideas. Ladies’ Day will take place on Thursday.
Opening day tomorrow will feature the Fáilte Ireland and Bewleys Hotels Speed Stakes international competitions, and a display of led-Connemara ponies.
Musical entertainment throughout the week will be provided by bands including Tropical Storm, who will bring their Caribbean sounds to the proceedings, as well as Manila Strings and the 4 in a Bar barbershop quartet.
Four-piece band The Untouchables will play classic favourites on the Band Lawn each day, and the Garda Band is set for the stage on Friday.
There will be plenty of activities for children, as well as a display of work by Ireland’s leading craft designers and creative art students in the RDS Concert Hall.
The first Dublin horse show was held in 1864 under the auspices of the Royal Dublin Society, but organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland.
There were 366 entries in the first Show with a total prize fund of £520.
In July 1868 the first show was held and organised by the RDS on the lawns of Leinster House.
The council granted £100 out of the society’s funds to be awarded in prizes. It started as a show of led-horses and featured "leaping" demonstrations.