Two Connemara Ponies to Spend Summer at Irish President's Residence

Two Connemara ponies are set to spend their summer at Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland, trading the scenic Kylemore Abbey for the grounds of the Phoenix Park. The mare, Ruby, and her foal, Peaceful Pippa, will reside at the presidential home until approximately October.

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Hopefully the foal isn’t speaking with a Dublin accent” when she returns to the abbey.

These ponies will act as "living ambassadors from Connemara," offering visitors and international dignitaries a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland's native pony breed. Their stay is intended to "reignite" a relationship between the presidential residence and the Connemara region, a sentiment particularly championed by President Catherine Connolly, who hails from Galway.

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reignite this relationship again

Ruby's lineage traces back to a herd gifted by a former president, Erskine Childers, to Connemara National Park, creating a full-circle moment for the mare. Her gentle and docile temperament, along with her significant heritage, made her and her foal the ideal candidates for this special summer engagement.

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Peaceful Áras

The Connemara ponies are renowned for their sure-footedness, calm demeanor, and resilience, traits developed from their origins in the mountainous terrain of Connemara. Their presence at Áras an Uachtaráin serves not only as a cultural showcase but also, from a biodiversity perspective, to coexist with and support the natural flora and fauna within the park.

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will treasure the opportunity of being close to our only native pony breed