I think the first part of milk monitor's analysis is spot on.

As for "something unspeakable in Scotland" - hunting with dogs is already banned in Scotland, as also in the Isle of Man. It's still legal in Northern Ireland, but it's been indicated from both sides up there that they wouldn't really much like having English foxhunters turning up. Life is complicated enough already.

But in the Republic it might be a different story - it's still being promoted by Bord Failte, the Tourist Board, and I'm sure they'd love a Royal visit. Here's a site selling the idea of a foxhunting trip to Galway - "Foxhunting in Ireland."