Ireland’s Equestrian Heritage

Apr 28 - May 08, 2026

IN THE HOOFPRINTS OF NORTHERN DANCER

Experience Ireland through the lens of its horses and the nation’s broader equestrian heritage on this springtime jaunt alongside UofG’s two-time Olympian Lorraine Stubbs, who competed for Canada in Dressage at the 1972 and ’76 Games.

Begin and end in Dublin, first getting acquainted with cultural beacons in this lively capital city. It’s then off to the hinterland to witness Race Day at the Punchestown Festival, followed by a guided tour with the Jessica Harrington team. Meet some horses at the National Stud and Coolmore Stud breeding centres as well as during horseback riding at Killarney National Park. Interspersed among the many equestrian experiences are immersive visits to iconic sites such as the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, the city of Galway, and Sean’s Bar (The Oldest Pub in Ireland!).

We have carefully selected comfortable, historic hotels as well as authentic restaurants serving up classic local fare. An Irish guide accompanies you for the entire tour, and you can expect to meet a cast of local characters as you traverse the Emerald Isle.

This all-new tour was created for University of Guelph alumni and friends, but all curious travellers are welcome!

Tour Cost (per person):

C$10,500 includes taxes and gratuities

Group Size:

15 - 20 participants

What’s included: Airport transfers on tour start and end dates; accommodations based on double occupancy; ground transportation; all activities; entrance, road, and parking fees; meals as specified in the detailed itinerary; porterage of one standard piece of baggage per person; gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals; all taxes; services of your alumni UofG Study Leader Lorraine Stubbs; Escorted by our Irish Tour Director from May 1st - 7th

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Dublin / City tour
2	Punchestown Festival / Gold Cup race
3	Jessica Harrington Racing / Irish National Stud
4	Coolmore Stud
5	Rock of Cashel / Minella Racing stables
6	To Lough Caragh
7	Killarney National Park
8	Cruise along Atlantic coast to the Cliffs of Moher
9	Ashford Castle / To Galway
10	Athlone / Malahide / To Dublin
11	Depart Dublin

Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

Lorraine Stubbs is a two-time Olympian, having competed for Canada in Dressage at Munich ’72 and Montreal ’76, where she reached the finals. Lorraine became the first Level 3 national coach in Canada in any equestrian sport. Her 100-acre farm in Rockwood, Ontario was chosen specifically to be near the best veterinary school in Canada: OVC at the University of Guelph! She was a thoroughbred breeder and owner for more than 20 years.

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