More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show at the RDS in Ballsbridge between August 3rd and 7th.
Announcing details of the event at the Royal Dublin Society grounds yesterday, Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue said equestrian tourism was worth €27.3 million in 2003, attracting more than 28,000 visitors annually.
This, the 132nd year of the show, will have a prizefund of €660,000, will see 1,350 horses at Ballsbridge over the week and will feature a total of 36 national competitions.
Those who attend will have an opportunity to watch Ireland's most controversial horseman, Olympian Cian O'Connor, represent his country on the Irish team, which is hoping to retain the Aga Khan Trophy.
Competing in that event will be teams from Belgium, France, Germany, Britain, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States.
Representing Ireland with Mr O'Connor, who will be riding Waterford Crystal and Irish Independent Echo Beach, will be Capt Shane Carey, with Lismakin and Killossery; Jessica Kurten, with Quibell and Castle Forbes Maike; Harry Marshal, with Ado Annie and All Shook Up; and Billy Twomey with Anastasia III and Killy Jones.
Describing the event as world-class, the Minister said it was fitting that the event enjoyed the sponsorship of Fáilte Ireland, which was using funding from the International Sports Tourism Initiative.
"The budget for frontline tourism marketing under the fund was increased to €35.8 million in 2005, the highest ever marketing budget in a year when Government investment in support of tourism will be well over €123 million," he said.
Michael Duffy, chief executive of the RDS, said the show continued to fulfil its charter of fostering and promoting Irish equestrianism and the Irish horse industry.
"It offers a benchmark for Irish producers and breeders for their stock against others and aids breeders in determining the progress they are making with their breeding enterprises," he said.
One major change to the show's arrangement this year will be the resiting of the arts and crafts exhibition to the RDS library. This will create additional space in the halls, and there will be a record number of commercial stands, 280 in all.
Daily adult admission will be €16, while senior citizens, children under 16 and students with ID cards will be admitted for €11. A family ticket for two adults and up to four children under 16 will cost €40.