Introducing Irish Country Magazine’s new cover star, champion jockey Rachael Blackmore. Fresh from her retirement announcement, she reflects on her inspiring career and what’s in store next
The summer issue of Irish Country Magazine is in shops nationwide on Friday (find your closest stockist here) and we couldn’t be more excited for you to see it. The July|August ’25 edition happens to be our 100th issue – and to celebrate, we are doing our biggest giveaway ever, offering 100 fabulous prizes. Find out how to enter inside the magazine.
Cover star Rachael Blackmore
Gracing the cover of our summer issue is the incredible force that is Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing jockey from County Tipperary who made history in her sport. We met with Rachael on a beautiful day at Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny, just as she was announcing her retirement, for a really special photoshoot with A Plus Tard – the horse she rode to Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 2022, the first female jockey to do so. In this Irish exclusive, Rachael swaps her silks for stunning Irish design, reflects on her achievements and muses her next chapter.

Also inside this edition:
- Stunning summer style, from sunset shades to swimwear for all tastes. Plus, the team tests out shapewear and shares honest feedback
- Travel inspiration from coastal getaways across Ireland to a solo Camino adventure
- Two sisters from Co Kildare who have breathed new life into a derelict hotel in West Cork – transforming it into a Miami-inspired motel
- A look at female friendship: from our parenting columnist, Laurie Morrissey, talking about the importance of finding your tribe when you have kids, to Dr Clodagh Campbell on the heartache of a friend breakup
- Sizzling BBQ recipes from across the globe to spice up your usual al fresco menu
- #TheInvisibleStruggle of osteoporosis – and what Irish women need to know to prevent needless suffering
- Plus, all the usual stories of people, places and products across Ireland, as well as top picks in books, beauty and beyond
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Happy reading from all of us in Irish Country Magazine . If you’d like to share feedback, please message us on editorial@irishcountrymagazine.ie.