Eat, drink and dance at the Dublin Horse Show

Summer celebrations of the horse and its role in Irish culture are in full swing. The Galway Races have just ended, Puck Fair is coming up next week in Kerry and, from tomorrow until Sunday, breeders, trainers, buyers, riders and horse-lovers will meet in Ballsbridge at the Dublin Horse Show. The event was the idea of the Royal Dublin Society, which was founded in 1731.

After a day of watching the horses and their elegant owners, it's time to eat and drink. Luckily, Ballsbridge is an ideal location for exploring the south side of the city with its pubs, restaurants, parks and seashore.

• Drink: A ten-minute walk brings us from Ballsbridge to Upper Leeson Street and into M O'Brien's. This is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin, with a décor that's been untouched for nearly 100 years. No television here, just conversation and craic.


• Eat: For authentic Irish cuisine in the heart of Ballsbridge, Roly's Bistro offers natural ingredients, reasonable prices and a great atmosphere. Specialties include grilled fillet of cod with buttered spinach for fish fans, and lamb with roasted parsnips and thyme for carnivores.


• Walk: After the food, it's time for a stroll in Herbert Park and, maybe, a game of croquet or cricket. Both sports are very much part of the Anglo-Irish tradition, as is the Royal Dublin Society, of course. By the way, it was Sidney Herbert, the father of the Earl of Pembroke, who gave the city the land that is now Herbert Park.


• Play: Dublin is a collection of villages, and after a five-minute walk from Herbert Park we're in Donnybrook. This is rugby territory, where clubs such as Bective Rangers and Old Wesley play their games. Afterwards, supporters and players meet in Kiely's to wash away the blood, sweat and tears.


• Dance: The Sugar Club is located just off Stephen's Green on Lower Leeson Street. Part theatre, part nightclub, it offers an eclectic choice of music ranging from indie rock to jazz to Latin, selected by some of Dublin's best DJs.


• Sleep: For a four-star experience, the Burlington is best. For less expensive, but cheerfully modern accommodation, Bewley's Ballsbridge is unbeatable.