About

A family run equestrian heritage spanning 50 years

The name Green Glens was inspired by one of Noel C.’s favourite songs, “The Green Glens of Antrim.” It’s a fitting tribute to this beautiful setting in the parish of Millstreet, within the barony of Duhallow, County Cork — right in the heart of Munster.

For over thirty years, the landscape’s famous “forty shades of green” have delighted visitors, transforming each autumn into a stunning tapestry of russet and gold.

A World-Class Equestrian Venue in the Heart of Ireland

Since 1973, Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, County Cork, has grown and evolved into one of Ireland’s premier international event venues. Set in the heart of Munster, this family-run complex has hosted an incredible range of world-class occasions — from the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest and world championship boxing to Disney on Ice, concerts, political gatherings, conventions, agricultural shows, and of course, major equestrian competitions.

Equestrian Heritage & International Prestige

Recognised worldwide as a leading equestrian venue in Ireland, Millstreet has proudly hosted many of the sport’s most prestigious championships and events, including:

  • European Junior Championships (Show Jumping) – 1980

  • European Pony Championships (Show Jumping) – 1981

  • European Pony Championships (Dressage, Eventing & Show Jumping) – 1989 & 2014

  • European Young Rider Championships (Show Jumping) – 1994

  • European Jumping Championships (Young Riders, Juniors & Children on Horses) – 2016

  • European Eventing Championships (Young 

  • Riders & Juniors) – 2017

  • FEI World Cup Qualifiers (Show Jumping) – nine editions (1992–2000)

  • FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Irish Leg – 2018 & 2023

  • World IURCA Championships (Intervarsity)

  • Millstreet International Horse Show (CSI**) – held annually each August

  • Event Rider Masters – Irish Leg – 2019

  • Regional Qualifiers for the Paris Olympics (Eventing)

Facilities

The Green Glens Arena is the largest of its kind in Europe and is equipped with the finest of modern facilities including:
•    8 All-Weather Jumping Arenas
•    8 All-Weather Warm-Up Arenas
•    3 Indoor Arenas
•    1500 stables on the show grounds
•    Free parking for 1000 horse boxes
•    Sites for 200 caravans, motor homes etc.
•    Sites for trade stands (indoors and outdoors)

Described as the ‘Shop Window for Irish Sport Horses,’ The Green Glens Arena is a showcase for the best of Ireland’s horses, ponies, showjumpers and event horses.

A New Era for Green Glens Arena

The story of Green Glens entered an exciting new chapter in 2014 with the creation of a world-class Cross Country course on the scenic grounds of Drishane Castle. Designed by the legendary Mike Etherington-Smith, the venue made its international debut hosting the FEI European Championships for Ponies, earning widespread global acclaim.

Momentum quickly grew as Millstreet staged its first International Horse Trials the following year, attracting competitors from seven nations. Riders and officials praised the exceptional new 2* and 3* courses, setting a new benchmark for Irish eventing.

Since then, Millstreet has gone from strength to strength — hosting long-format competitions, the FEI Eventing Nations Cup (Irish leg), and the Event Rider Masters Series in 2019 — the largest equestrian event ever held on Irish soil. In 2023, the venue proudly welcomed a regional qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Today, Millstreet International Horse Trials stands among the world’s leading equestrian events, attracting elite riders and officials from around the globe. From novice level to CCI4*L, Millstreet continues to showcase the very best of Irish equestrian sport — passion, excellence, and world-class competition in a truly breathtaking setting.

Rider Testemonials

The Cross Country at Millstreet in Ireland would have to rank amongst the best presented tracks worldwide. Spectacular water features, bold timber and superb footing meant horses just grew in confidence the further they went.”

BLYTH TAIT (NZL), Olympic & International Event Rider

This has gone above everything we imagined. It’s the most beautifully detailed cross-country course I have ever come across and it was so good to be able to work and jump the horses on all-weather surfaces.”

JESSE CAMPBELL (NZL), International Event Rider

The course is beautifully presented in the most stunning location. It’s the best I’ve ever seen and has championship written all over it.”

NICK GAUNTLETT (GBR), International Event Rider

CCI4*S Nations Cup Team Winner: Ireland - Ian Cassells, Patrick Whelan, Jennifer Kuehnle, Robbie Kearns pictured with Chef d'Equipe Dag Albert