Brennanstown Riding School
ESTABLISHED in the late 1970’s Brennanstown Riding School is a family run business set up by former event rider Jane Kennedy. The riding school started out with two ponies on loan and now has over 50 horses and ponies on site. Over the last 40+ years it has grown and developed and is now recognised as one of Ireland’s premier Equestrian Centres where the highest of standards are constantly maintained. Approved by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, the British Horse Society and Failte Ireland, the centre also runs career training courses for those students who wish to work in the industry.
Situated at Junction 7 of the N11 the school has a superb location right at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountain with stunning views and natural surroundings on its doorstep. Wonderful riding out can be enjoyed, both on its own lands at Hollybrook and also on the magnificent neighbouring Killruddery Estate. There is direct access from the riding school to lovely woodland and mountain trails without ever having to cross a road.
The picturesque yard was built in the 1860’s and, while modernisation and updating has taken place, its unique character has been maintained, and this is constantly commented on by the many tourists who visit during the season
While Jane herself still runs the business end, both her daughter Louise Bloomer and one of her sons Gerald are actively involved. Louise manages the yard itself and both she and Gerald coach to a high level, with both of them holding Horse Sport Ireland Level 3 coaching qualifications. Louise has represented Ireland in Eventing at Pony, Junior and Young Rider level and is currently competing up to 3* level in eventing. Gerald is a former winner of the Dressage Gold Medal at the Student World Championships, has also competed to 3* level in Eventing, and is currently the Dressage Trainer for the Irish Junior Eventing Squad riders. The Centre is very lucky to have the services of these two talented young coaches.
The School prides itself on its safe, friendly environment where clients can enjoy their riding under the guidance of a team of qualified Instructors. In 2018, they received the ‘Customer Care’ Award at the Annual Irish Sport Horse Industry Awards. They cater for all standards from beginner to more experienced and ambitious riders (both adults and children) with term classes taking place on Saturdays and weekday evenings for regular clients, and children’s pony camps scheduled for school holiday times. Private lessons are also available by arrangement. There are weekly ridesout scheduled while special 2 hour cross country rides and treks are arranged on bank holidays.
Brennanstown Riding School has been providing a quality, professional equestrian service to both the local community and the many tourists who visit Co. Wicklow for over 40 years and is looking forward to continuing to do so in the future.
A long-standing Blessington business steeped in history and tradition will celebrate its 100th year in business in two year’s time.
Founded by Arthur P Hennessy in 1921, the public house, hardware and grocery business has served the needs of people in the surrounding areas of Manor Kilbride, Lacken, Valleymount, Hollywood, Dunlavin and in the townlands of Eadestown Rathmore and the village of Ballymore Eustace for nearly a century.
Arthur’s son Thomas (Toddy) subsequently took over the business from 1940 onwards and continued to supply hardware to local farmers and builders along with grocery provisions.
The pub was at the centre of the social scene in Blessington during that time.
In 1951 Toddy married his beloved wife Elsie née Moore from GrangeCon also from a business background that is also still thriving 130 years on, and together they had six sons and a daughter - Arthur, Jerry, Tom, Martin, Ronan, Dermot and their daughter Rena.
In 1987 Toddy passed away and whilst most family members found work in other areas his children Martin, Ronan and Rena are today at the helm of the business,
Hennessy’s Hardware prides itself on its personal service to all the customers supplying a full range of building material, timber, plumbing, electrical, household, fuels, farm supplies, DIY and gardening.
The Bar & Lounge offer a friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere and can cater for parties.
The Office Licence which runs under the NEXT DOOR brand stocks a vast range of top quality wines and craft beers.
The team at Hennessy’s are looking forward to 2021 and the celebration of 100 years in business and they would like to thank all their loyal customers for their support over the years through bank strikes, the boom and the bust.