This year’s 150th Dublin Horse Show at the RDS is on target to attract over 110,000 spectators, along with television audiences, international competitors, and cultural enthusiasts, all contributing to a dynamic atmosphere that offers sponsors an enviable mix of tradition and reach.
One of the most prominent developments in the commercial landscape of the Show last year was the arrival of Rolex as the new headline partner and Official Timepiece, taking over from Longines.
The Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland will be the centrepiece of Sunday’s competition, reinforcing the brand’s global positioning at the intersection of sport, luxury, and precision.
The Show’s broader sponsorship portfolio reflects a deliberate strategy by the RDS to create a layered, inclusive partnership structure that caters to major global players, state bodies, SMEs, and specialist equine businesses alike.
At one end of the spectrum were brands like Defender and Mervue Laboratories, whose identities resonate strongly with equestrian audiences. At the other end were organisations such as Fáilte Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Fair Share ESG Limited—all of whom contributed to supporting Irish-bred competitions and promoting sustainability, governance, and the social value of sport.
Sponsors across the board have been given flexible opportunities to tailor their engagement, from competition title rights and on-site activations to branded show jumps and high-visibility advertising boards positioned in key camera zones.
The highlight of the week for many will be today’s Aga Khan Trophy, televised live on RTÉ.
The 2025 edition also carries cultural and emotional resonance beyond sport. A commemorative exhibition in the RDS Concert Hall has traced the Show’s 150-year history through photographs, memorabilia, and personal stories.
Commercially, the Show remains accessible as well as aspirational. Sponsorship entry points reportedly began this year at €5,000, making it one of the few elite sporting events in the country where smaller businesses could still carve out a meaningful presence.
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