Visitors to the Irish National Stud & Gardens in County Kildare can now race their own virtual horse, thanks to a new interactive experience.
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The Irish Racehorse Experience is located on the stud farm, which is a 45-minute drive from Dublin and considered home to some of the world's most magnificent horses.
It begins with the world's first steeplechase in Cork and recounts how Ireland and the Irish diaspora have become a world-leading force in the breeding, training and racing of horses.
Visitors can expect to be taken on a journey that includes the history and heritage of Irish horse racing and the thoroughbred industry right up to the point when they can choose their racing colors before race day.
The experience combines cutting-edge gaming technology along with live video, audio and graphics, allowing visitors to buy and train their own thoroughbred racehorse and to experience what a thrilling horse race is actually like.
They can also take a free guided tour that explains the history of the stud farm, as well as the famous thoroughbreds that have been raised and trained there.
Spring is a popular time at the farm as that is when newborn foals take their first steps.
The History of the National Stud Farm & Gardens
Ireland's famous stud farm was purchased from the Fay family in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker.
In 1915, the British crown received it as a gift.
The Royal Family enjoyed success with horses that were bred at the farm, the most famous one being “Sun Chariot,” a thoroughbred that achieved a Triple Crown success for King George VI.
In 1943, the Irish government took over the land and buildings.
There's much to see there, including the beautiful Japanese gardens, created between 1906 and 1910, and St. Fiachra's Garden, which was opened in 1999 to celebrate the millennium.
The garden is named after St. Fiachra, the patron saint of gardens. Its design is based on Ireland's rich monastic heritage.
Daily guided tours of the stud farm are available during the peak season every hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.
At other times of the year, they run every two hours.
Admission to the stud farm, gardens and Irish Racehorse Experience is €19 for adults, €14 for seniors and students, and €11 for children between the ages of 3 and 16, with children under 3 admitted for free.
Family tickets are also available for €52.
You must book online beforehand.