
Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is situated on the east coast along the shores of Dublin Bay, at the mouth of the River Liffey. Easily accessible and well connected, the city combines a compact historic centre with a vibrant modern atmosphere.
Dublin’s origins date back over a thousand years to a Viking settlement established in the 9th century, known as Dubh Linn (“black pool”). Over the centuries, the city developed under Norman, medieval and later British rule, becoming Ireland’s political, commercial and cultural centre. Many of Dublin’s most notable landmarks reflect this rich history, including Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and Trinity College, founded in 1592 and home to the world-famous Book of Kells.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Dublin flourished as a Georgian city, a legacy still visible today in its elegant squares and terraces. The city also played a central role in Ireland’s journey to independence in the early 20th century, with historic sites linked to the Easter Rising and the foundation of the modern Irish state.
Today, Dublin is a lively and welcoming city, renowned for its literary heritage, traditional music, hospitality and culinary scene. Visitors can enjoy historic landmarks, museums, theatres and green spaces, as well as easy access to Ireland’s scenic countryside and renowned equestrian traditions. As host of the 2026 WBFSH General Assembly, Dublin offers a distinctive blend of history, culture and contemporary life.

Herewith the President Jan Pedersen and the WBFSH board warmly invite all its members and associates to participate at this year's annual meetings. Generously hosted by the Irish Sport Horse Studbook (ISH), we look forward to seeing you in Dublin.
The Annual Meetings will take place at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties and will kick off with a welcome reception on the evening of Monday 19th of October 2026.
The following days will be filled with seminars and presentations covering a wide range of topics, such as public acceptance and equestrianism, AI in sport horse breeding, horse welfare and more.
This year's round table discussion will gather an exciting panel of experts, that are leaders in their respective fields of the industry and focus on genetics and genomics and the opportunities and challenges of integrating them into breeding programmes.
There will also be many opportunities to network during the cultural activities carefully planned, such as a tour to historical Glasnevin Cemetery, a visit to Cooley Farm and the gala dinner hosted at Urban Brewing.