Irish National Stud facts for kids
The Irish National Stud (official name: Comhlacht Graí Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teo.) is a special place in Tully, County Kildare, Ireland. It's where beautiful Thoroughbred horses are bred. These are the horses famous for racing! The Stud was officially started on April 11, 1946. It is owned by the Irish Government.
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History of the Stud
The amazing Japanese gardens at Tully were built between 1906 and 1910. They were designed by Colonel William Hall-Walker. He was a rich Scotsman from a famous brewery family. A Japanese artist named Tassa Eida and his son Minoru created the gardens. Tassa and his family lived nearby while they worked.
Tassa stayed at Tully until 1911. Then he moved to London to build another garden. Tassa Eida passed away in 1912. Years later, in the 1980s, Tassa's grandson, Brian Eida, visited the gardens. He came as a tourist to see his grandfather's work.
Colonel Hall-Walker named one of his favorite horses Minoru. This name means 'light of my eye' or 'the favorite one'. In 1909, this horse, Minoru, won the famous Derby race! He raced for King Edward VII, bringing great joy to everyone.
In 1915, Colonel Hall-Walker moved to England. He gave his entire Tully property to "The Nation." His horse farm became the British National Stud. The Japanese Gardens were not looked after much for a while. In 1943, the Tully properties returned to the Irish Government. Then, in 1945, the Irish National Stud Company was formed. The Japanese Gardens got a new supervisor in 1946, after 34 years.
What to See at the Stud
The Stud Farm
You can take guided tours at the visitor centre. This is a great way to learn about the horses and how they are bred.
The Japanese Gardens
These gardens are known all over the world. Many people say they are the best Japanese Gardens in Europe! They are designed to show the 'Life of Man'.
The gardens at Tully mix ideas from Eastern and Western cultures. They tell the story of a person's life journey. It starts from when we are born and goes all the way to old age. The paths and features in the garden show different parts of life. These include learning, getting married, or living a quiet life. They also show achieving goals, having a happy old age, and finally, a gateway to eternity.
The journey begins at a special gate. This gate represents coming from nothing. You walk among trees and then reach a small cave. This cave is like the cave of birth. A cherry tree grows above it. A short, winding path then shows the years of childhood. It's a time when we don't know much.
Next, you come to a rocky mound. A tunnel goes through it, leading from darkness to light. This means moving from not knowing to gaining knowledge. Halfway through the winding path, there are steps. These lead to the hill of learning, with an old fir tree on top. Sometimes, students might look too high here. There's a small hole to remind them to be careful. Then, they come down the hill to be with others.
The path continues, guarded by rocks. You reach a place where paths split. To the right is a path for ambition. To the left is a straight path for a simple life. In the middle is the path to married life. This path leads to a tiny island of joy. You cross stepping stones to explore it. But you can't stay there forever.
All paths eventually lead to more choices. You cross a stone bridge to a bamboo bridge. Beyond them is the hill of ambition. You can see the well of wisdom across the beautiful water. The hill is very steep. Those who climb it might be separated at first. But as they climb, they help each other. They become united at the top.
When you come down, you find an easy bridge. It crosses over roaring waterfalls. You then walk on stepping stones through a peaceful garden. This garden shows a life of ease and happiness. Finally, you reach the hill of mourning. From here, your soul passes through the gate of eternity.
St. Fiachra's Garden
This garden was opened in 1999 to celebrate the Millennium. It honors St. Fiachra, who is the Patron Saint of Gardeners.
The Horse Museum
The horse museum at the Irish National Stud has a special display. You can see the skeleton of the famous racehorse, Arkle.
Who Runs the Stud?
The Irish Government owns the Irish National Stud. The Minister for Finance holds most of the shares. The directors, including the Chairperson, are chosen by the Minister for Agriculture.
Since 1998, a leading horse breeder named Chryss Goulandris, Lady O'Reilly, has been the Chairperson.
Images for kids
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Vintage Crop and Danoli in retirement
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The Japanese garden
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The Tea house
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Stepping stones
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Waterfall
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St. Fiachra's Garden
