Let’s delve into the whimsical world of Irish horse names and Celtic horse names.
Some will leave you grinning like a leprechaun who’s found his pot of gold! It’s said that every Irish name has a story, and that holds true for our four-legged friends as well.
Our list of 100+ Irish horse names not only showcases the wit and charm of the Irish, but also highlights the picturesque landscapes, mythical legends, and lively traditions that make Ireland so captivating.
From the playful “Bouncing Blarney” to the spirited “Cú Chulainn’s Charge” these names are steeped in the rich culture and history of the Emerald Isle and Ireland’s world famous race horses.
So, gather ’round the turf fire, pour yourself a dram of Jameson Jumper, and let’s explore the enchanting land of Celtic horse names that were inspired by the land of saints and scholars.
If you’re interested in Irish names in general, we have articles on Celtic warrior and Irish boy names, unusual Irish boy names, as well as Mythological Celtic and Irish girl names, if you are looking for some more inspiration.
Irish Horse Names | Celtic Horse Names
Bouncing Blarney: A playful Irish horse name that evokes the Blarney Stone, a famous Irish landmark.
Gaelic Galloper: A nod to the Irish Gaelic language and the horse’s galloping speed. One of our favorite Irish horse names AND Celtic horse names on this list.
Emerald Isle Express: A reference to Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” due to its lush green landscape.
Leprechaun’s Luck: Inspired by the mythical Irish creature and a bit of good fortune.
Shamrock Sprinter: Named after Ireland’s national symbol, the shamrock, and the horse’s speed.
Hibernian Hoofbeats: A nod to Ireland’s ancient name, Hibernia, and the sound of a horse running.
Celtic Canter: A reference to Ireland’s Celtic heritage and the horse’s elegant gait. One of our favorite Celtic horse names.
Dublin Dasher: Named for the capital of Ireland and the horse’s fast pace.
Sláinte Strider: “Sláinte” is an Irish toast to good health, making this a cheerful name for a horse.
Guinness Gallop: A nod to the famous Irish stout and the horse’s lively gait.
Riverdance Racer: Inspired by the Irish stepdance performance and the horse’s competitive nature.
Limerick Loper: Named after the Irish city of Limerick and the horse’s trotting speed.
Connemara Cruiser: A reference to the beautiful region in western Ireland and the horse’s smooth stride. Many Irish horse names reference the location that the horse was reared.
Banshee’s Bolt: Inspired by the mythical Irish spirit and the horse’s lightning speed. One of our favorite Celtic horse names.
Uilleann Pacer: Named after the traditional Irish bagpipes and the horse’s steady pace. Another one of our favourite Irish horse names.
Kilkenny Canterer: A nod to the picturesque Irish city and the horse’s graceful stride.
Ogham Gallop: A reference to the ancient Irish script and the horse’s lively gait. Many Irish horse names have the word gallop in them.
Claddagh Clipper: Named after the traditional Irish ring symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship.
Tara’s Trotter: A nod to the Hill of Tara, an ancient Irish site, and the horse’s trotting speed.
St. Brigid’s Steed: Named for the Irish patron saint of fertility and agriculture.
Finnegan’s Flier: Inspired by the Irish-American ballad “Finnegan’s Wake” and the horse’s agile nature. Many Irish horse names will contain words like flier or gallop.
Cú Chulainn’s Charge: Named after the legendary Irish hero and the horse’s spirited demeanor. One of our favorite Celtic horse names.
Gaelic Gallop: A reference to the Irish language and the horse’s energetic gait.
Craic Crusader: “Craic” is an Irish term for fun or enjoyment, making this a lively name for a horse.
Lough Neigh: A play on words combining “lough,” the Irish term for lake, and the sound a horse makes. One of the funniest Irish horse names on our list.
Eire’s Elegance: A nod to the Irish name for Ireland, Éire, and the horse’s graceful presence.
Celtic Charm: A reference to Ireland’s Celtic roots and the horse’s winning personality.
Donegal Dancer: Named after the Irish county and the horse’s nimble nature.
Druid’s Dream: A nod to Ireland’s ancient druidic traditions and the horse’s mystical aura. One of our favorite Celtic horse names due to its reference of the Celtic priest class.
Hurling Hooves: Inspired by the traditional Irish sport of hurling and the horse’s strong legs.
Wexford Wanderer: Named after the Irish county and the horse’s adventurous spirit.
Bodhrán’s Beat: A reference to the traditional Irish drum and the horse’s rhythmic strides.
Aran Islander: Named after the famous Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast and the horse’s maritime connection.
Colcannon Canter: A reference to the traditional Irish dish and the horse’s smooth gait.
Burren’s Beauty: Named after the unique limestone region in Ireland and the horse’s stunning appearance.
Jameson Jumper: A nod to the iconic Irish whiskey brand and the horse’s energetic leaps.
O’Neighll: A playful pun combining a common Irish surname prefix “O’” with the sound a horse makes.
Fáilte Foxtrot: “Fáilte” is the Irish word for welcome, making this a friendly name for a horse.
Celtic Comet: A reference to Ireland’s ancient heritage and the horse’s speedy nature.
Glendalough Galavant: Named after the scenic valley in Ireland and the horse’s adventurous spirit.
Tipperary Trot: A nod to the Irish county and the horse’s signature trotting gait.
Paddy’s Pride: A reference to the common name in Ireland, Paddy, and the horse’s proud demeanor.
Boxty Bolter: Named after the Irish potato pancake and the horse’s swift pace.
Wild Atlantic Wayfarer: A nod to the famous coastal route in Ireland and the horse’s wandering nature.
Cliffs of Moher Mover: Named after the iconic Irish landmark and the horse’s powerful strides.
Sligo Sprint: A reference to the Irish county and the horse’s quick speed.
Fionn’s Foal: Named after Fionn mac Cumhaill, the legendary Irish warrior, and the horse’s youthful spirit. One of our favorite Celtic horse names due to it referencing the great Celt hero.
Ceili Canter: A nod to the Irish social dance event and the horse’s smooth gait.
Ennis Equestrian: Named after the Irish town and the horse’s skilled riding ability.
Ring of Kerry Racer: A reference to the scenic driving route in Ireland and the horse’s competitive nature.
Molly Malone’s Marvel: Inspired by the popular Irish folk song character and the horse’s extraordinary ability.
Harpist’s Hoofbeat: A nod to the national symbol of Ireland, the harp, and the horse’s rhythmic steps.
Cobblestone Cruiser: Named after Ireland’s charming cobblestone streets and the horse’s steady pace.
Dingle Dancer: A reference to the picturesque Irish town and the horse’s nimble moves.
Skellig Stepper: Named after the iconic Skellig Islands and the horse’s elegant strides.
Irish Rover: A nod to the well-known Irish folk song and the horse’s adventurous spirit.
Killarney King: Named after the scenic Irish town and the horse’s regal bearing.
Faerie’s Flight: A reference to Irish folklore and the horse’s ethereal grace.
Galway Gal: Named after the Irish city and the horse’s feminine charm.
Connolly’s Canter: A nod to the Irish revolutionary James Connolly and the horse’s smooth gait.
O’Reilly’s Odyssey: Named after the common Irish surname and the horse’s epic journey.
Blasket’s Breeze: A reference to the Blasket Islands and the horse’s swift, airy movement.
Trinity Trotter: Named after Dublin’s Trinity College and the horse’s intellectual demeanor.
Shamrock’s Shadow: A nod to Ireland’s national emblem and the horse’s stealthy nature.
Newgrange’s Nightfall: A reference to the ancient Irish monument and the horse’s mysterious aura.
Ballycastle Bolt: Named after the Irish coastal town and the horse’s lightning-fast speed.
Liffey Leap: A reference to Dublin’s River Liffey and the horse’s impressive jumping ability.
Colleen’s Charm: “Colleen” is an Irish term for a young woman, making this a sweet name for a female horse.
Ceann Scribe: Named after the Irish word for “racehorse” and the horse’s elegant appearance.
Roscommon Runner: A nod to the Irish county and the horse’s swift pace.
Celtic Clover: A reference to Ireland’s Celtic heritage and the good luck associated with clovers.
Seanachai’s Saga: Named after the Irish storyteller tradition and the horse’s legendary tale.
Waterford Whirlwind: A nod to the Irish city and the horse’s energetic presence.
Kinsale Kick: Named after the Irish coastal town and the horse’s spirited kick.
Croagh Patrick Climber: A reference to the holy mountain in Ireland and the horse’s strong climbing ability.
Doolin’s Delight: Named after the charming Irish village and the horse’s delightful nature.
Connacht Courage: A nod to the province in western Ireland and the horse’s brave spirit.
Meath’s Majesty: Named after the Irish county and the horse’s regal bearing.
Wicklow Wanderlust: A reference to the Irish county and the horse’s love for exploring.
O’Carolan’s Cadence: Named after the famous Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan and the horse’s rhythmic gait.
Round Tower Rambler: A nod to the iconic Irish architectural feature and the horse’s adventurous spirit.
Peatland Pacer: Named after Ireland’s peat bogs and the horse’s steady pace.
Carrickfergus Charger: A reference to the historic Irish town and the horse’s bold demeanor.
Boyne Valley Breeze: Named after the scenic Irish valley and the horse’s swift, airy movement.
Glencar Galloper: A nod to the stunning Glencar Waterfall in Ireland and the horse’s energetic gait.
Muckish Mountain Mover: Named after the distinctive Irish peak and the horse’s powerful strides.
Monaghan Marvel: A reference to the Irish county and the horse’s extraordinary ability.
Leitrim Lightning: Named after the Irish county and the horse’s dazzling speed.
Irish Eyes: A nod to the popular phrase “Irish eyes are smiling” and the horse’s enchanting gaze.
Eamon’s Emerald: Named after a common Irish name and the country’s lush, green landscape.
Bogside Beauty: A reference to Ireland’s boglands and the horse’s stunning appearance.
Slane’s Spirit: Named after the historic Irish village and the horse’s lively nature. One of our favorite Irish horse names due to the association with Slane Castle.
Bunratty’s Bounty: A nod to the famous Irish castle and the horse’s impressive lineage.
Cavan’s Courage: Named after the Irish county and the horse’s brave spirit.
St. Patrick’s Prize: A reference to Ireland’s patron saint and the horse’s prestigious status.
Aillwee’s Ascent: Named after the Irish cave system and the horse’s uphill prowess.
Clonmacnoise’s Charm: A nod to the ancient Irish monastery and the horse’s captivating allure.
Ballina’s Blaze: Named after the Irish town and the horse’s fiery spirit.
Loughrea’s Legend: A reference to the Irish town and the horse’s legendary tale.
O’Sullivan’s Steed: Named after a common Irish surname and the horse’s strong presence.
Galtee Gallop: A nod to the Galtee Mountains in Ireland and the horse’s energetic gait. Gallop is a common addition to Irish horse names.
Dingle Delight: Named after the picturesque Irish peninsula and the horse’s joyful nature.
Kenmare’s Kicker: A reference to the charming Irish town and the horse’s spirited kick.
Craic Commando: A nod to the Irish term for fun or enjoyment and the horse’s lively spirit. Another one of our favorite Irish horse names. Craic is a very commonly used word in Ireland and is used instead of the word fun.
Famous Irish Race Horses
Arkle 1957-1970: One of the greatest steeplechasers of all time, Arkle is an Irish legend, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times in a row (1964, 1965, 1966).
His name is still used as a benchmark for assessing other steeplechasers.
Dawn Run 1978-1986: This legendary Irish horse is the only horse to have won both the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Red Rum 1965-1995: Although trained and raced in England, Red Rum was bred in Ireland.
He is famous for winning the Grand National three times, a record that still stands.
Istabraq 1992-2013: A legendary hurdler, he won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival three times and was regarded as one of the greatest hurdling horses of all time.
Nijinsky 1967-1992: One of the most famous flat racing horses in Irish history, Nijinsky won the English Triple Crown in 1970, the last horse to achieve this feat as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.
Sea the Stars 2006-present: This champion thoroughbred won the 2000 Guineas, the Derby, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2009, making him one of the greatest flat racing horses.
Best Mate 1995-2005: Although British-trained, Best Mate was bred in Ireland.
He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times (2002, 2003, 2004) and is one of the most loved horses in the sport.
Galileo 1998-2021: As one of the most influential sires in the world of horse racing, Galileo’s progeny have achieved considerable success on the track, including Frankel, considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Galileo himself was a remarkable racehorse, winning the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2001.
Kauto Star 2000-2015: This French-bred, Irish-trained horse is one of the greatest steeplechasers in history, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice (2007 and 2009), and the King George VI Chase five times.
Hurricane Fly 2004-present: With 22 Grade 1 wins, Hurricane Fly holds the record for the most top-grade wins.
He won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham twice and is considered one of the best hurdlers in the history of National Hunt racing.
Horses from Irish Mythology
Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend: These are the names of the two chariot horses of Cú Chulainn, a legendary hero of Ulster in Irish mythology.
Liath Macha, or the “Grey of Macha”, and Dub Sainglend, or the “Black of Saingliu”, were said to have been foaled by the goddess Macha, who ran faster than mortal horses while pregnant.
Enbarr of the Flowing Mane: This horse belonged to the sea god Manannán mac Lir and could travel over both land and sea.
The name ‘Enbarr’ means ‘Imagination’ or ‘Splendid Mane’.
Aonbharr: Also associated with Manannán mac Lir, Aonbharr was described as an exceptionally swift and magical horse that could travel over water.
Macha: While Macha herself is known as a goddess, she is often associated with a mare’s form.
One legend speaks of her as a woman forced by a king to race against horses, during which she gives birth to twins (after whom Emain Macha is named).
The Púca: In Irish folklore, the Púca is a shape-shifting creature that can take a variety of forms, one of them being a horse.
As a horse, the Púca is typically depicted as a sleek, dark animal with glowing yellow eyes and the ability to speak.
Although not strictly a horse in Irish mythology, it’s often associated with one.
Irish Horses and Celtic Horses – FAQ
What are some popular breeds of Irish and Celtic horses?
Ireland is renowned for its horse breeds, known for their strength, versatility, and beauty.
Some popular Irish horse breeds include the Irish Draught, Irish Sport Horse, Connemara Pony, and the Kerry Bog Pony.
What are Irish and Celtic horses typically used for?
Irish and Celtic horses are versatile and excel in various equestrian disciplines.
The Irish Draught is often used for farming and riding, while the Irish Sport Horse is known for show jumping, eventing, and dressage.
Connemara Ponies are famous for their suitability for children and smaller riders, as well as for competing in various horse shows.
How can one distinguish between different Irish and Celtic horse breeds?
Different Irish and Celtic horse breeds have unique characteristics that set them apart:
- Irish Draught: Strong build, gentle temperament, often grey or bay.
- Irish Sport Horse: Athletic, a blend of Irish Draught and Thoroughbred, excels in competitive disciplines.
- Connemara Pony: Smaller stature, often grey, known for agility and friendliness.
What is the historical significance of Irish and Celtic horses?
Irish and Celtic horses have played an integral part in Irish culture and history. The Irish Draught horse, for instance, has been a key player in farming and transportation.
The Connemara Pony has deep roots in Celtic mythology. Ireland’s strong equestrian tradition has positioned the country as a significant player in international horse breeding and equestrian sports.
Where can I see or experience Irish and Celtic horses?
Irish and Celtic horses can be seen and experienced throughout Ireland in various settings. Many equestrian centers offer riding lessons on these horses, and horse shows feature them prominently.
Farms specializing in these breeds often provide tours and opportunities to see the horses up close. Major equestrian events in Ireland will also typically feature Irish and Celtic horse breeds in competition and exhibition.
Want to learn why Irish horses are so great? Check out this video below.
We hope you enjoyed our list of Irish Horse Names. Have you a suggestion for a great Irish horse name? Drop your suggestion below and if it passes the Irish test, we will add it to the list above!
