Dartfield Horse Museum
Dartfield Horse Museum in Galway is a purpose built facility, one of Ireland’s premier tourist attractions dedicated to telling the 5000 year old story of man's relationship with the horse and is the only museum in the world dedicated to Irish horses, Connemara Ponies and Irish dogs.
Dartfield Horse Museum is filled with exhibits that will entertain visitors of every age. Colourful graphic panels display information about the evolution of the Irish horse, the mass use of horse throughout history and how the different horse breeds developed. There are exhibits of historic farm machinery and carriages which will give all visitors an insight into the vital role played by the Irish horse in bygone years.
For younger visitors at Dartfield Museum there are rocking horses and computer games. If you are in luck there are occasional demonstrations of horse-shoeing and the saddlers skill. You can discover more about the horse with Dartfield interactive touch screen computers. Dartfield Museum Hall of Fame details some of Ireland's most famous equine superstars.
Dartfield is set amongst 350 acres of parkland and visitors are welcome to enjoy and explore the parking on foot, on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage and see deer, cattle, sheep and Irish horses and Connemara ponies. The parkland around Dartfield house was developed to create the Dartfield event course. Just remember to pre-book horse riding and carriage rides.
Dartfield has a large saddlery and gift shop. They stock a comprehensive range of saddlery, rugs and clothing for horse and rider. There is also an extensive range of gifts and clothing for adults and children.
Dartfield Museum Activites
Horse riding is available by the hour, half or full day. The course is designed to suit all levels of ability and lessons are also available for riding, or jumping tuition. Riding lessons are available on their safe and experienced ponies, from one of Dartfield caring and professional teachers
During the summer months at Dartfield they regularly host a Pony Camp where youngsters can come to the museum and ‘own’ a pony for the duration of the camp.
The Dartfield Treasure hunt is great fun. You can test your knowledge and see if you can be the first one to negotiate your way around the clues to find the treasure.
Dartfield is a wonderful venue for your kids birthday party as they have a large café which is able to cater for large groups. They can provide teas, coffee and a wide range of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches etc. The cafe can easily cater for large groups, but prebooking is advised.
Santa at Dartfield is a firm favourite for the kids while parents relax with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.
Dartfield Museum Opening Times
The museum is open all year round from 9.00 - 18.00 daily
The museum has facilities for the disabled and is an ideal venue for coach parties, school tours
School Tours At Dartfield Museum
Dartfield Horse Museum a world away from traditional school tours. These school visits are designed specifically to educate, stimulate and fascinate children of all ages. The education department at Dartfield works alongside the school curriculum to ensure that schools have maximum learning opportunities alongside value for money within a safe, fun environment. Work charts are available to schools to be completed both before and after a visit to ensure that the maximum benefit is gained from Dartfield.
Price includes – fully supervised educational programme, all equipment, snack meal and drink, free place for accompanying adults.
Directions To Dartfield Horse Museum Galway
Dartfield is situated to the east of Galway city, on the main Dublin to Galway road, the N6, between the towns of Ballinasloe and Loughrea. It is 27 miles from Galway, 4 miles from Loughrea and 12 from Ballinasloe. See Google map at top of page.
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