WE have lost count of the number of tourism awards the Irish National Stud has won in recent years.

Now the Co Kildare amenity has been awarded the prestigious Travellers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, based on tens of thousands of reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. This accolade recognises businesses that earn consistently great reviews and is only given to the top 10% of listings on the website.

Cathal Beale, the stud’s chief executive, who swears he didn’t post any fake reviews, said: “We are honoured to be recognised with this amazing world accolade for our attraction here in the heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred country. When visitors arrive here they escape to a world of woodlands, tranquil gardens and thoroughbred horses, but most importantly our world class guides help them to unravel a great Irish story and leave them with a lasting memory.”

A record 150,000 people visited the INS last year. The stud’s heightened popularity can be attributed to recent investments on-site, such as the Irish Racehorse Experience, and improvements to the family facilities, playground, picnic areas, walking trails and its two world-famous gardens.