The biggest horse racing events in Ireland

The sport of horse racing is a rich and cherished part of Irish culture and heritage. Ireland is host to some of the biggest horse racing events in the world where an unassailable passion for the sport is passed on through generations.

From high-class racing at Punchestown and the Curragh to the charm of small meetings in stunning locations such as Killarney and Sligo, the sport brings together people from all over the world.

On the west coast you will find seven days of carnival-like celebrations at Galway’s summer Festival in August, while in the north east, Dundalk stages weekly all-weather meetings for the more hardy racegoer.

The biggest horse racing events are detailed below. At these meetings you will catch a glimpse of racing’s elite equines.

Dublin Racing Festival

In recent years, the Dublin Racing Festival has gone from strength to strength, attracting large crowds as stars of the National Hunt season head into battle at Leopardstown Racecourse in early February.

The two-day festival comprises 15 top-class contests, including 8 Grade 1 contests. The festival has become increasingly popular with UK racegoers who flock to Leopardstown to savour some of the best National Hunt racing of the season.

The showpiece of the meeting is the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, hosted on day one of the festival and it is considered a key trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Irish Champion Hurdle is held the following day and attracts the best hurdlers in racing. Istabraq, Hurricane Fly and Honeysuckle are among the greats to have landed the race.

Trainer Willie Mullins has an exceptional record at the meeting and in 2024 won 9 of the 15 contests, including the feature races of the festival.

Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse

On Easter Monday every year in County Meath, Fairyhouse Racecourse stages the Irish Grand National - the most prestigious steeplechase in Ireland run over 3 miles and 5 furlongs.

Primarily a National Hunt track, Fairyhouse comes alive at Easter and the Irish Grand National is a gruelling test of jumping and stamina. A mixed crowd of young and old delight in seeing the best National Hunt stayers on show.

Many horses go on to compete in the English Grand National. Bobbyjo, Numbersixvalverde and I am Maximus are among those to have won both Nationals.

Fairyhouse is where the all corners of the community come together, making it an unmissable date on the racing calendar.

Punchestown Festival

Staged at the end of April at Punchestown Racecourse, this five-day meeting is one of the biggest horse racing events in Ireland. A total of 40 races are contested throughout the festival and 12 of those are Grade 1 races. Several races also take place over a cross country course with banks which provides an intriguing spectacle for those present. This popular meeting is considered the jump season finale in Ireland.

The Punchestown Gold Cup is the main event of the week and this valuable Grade 1 is often contested by winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Don Cossack and Sizing John are two stars who have achieved the major feat of winning both trophies.

The Punchestown Champion Chase, Champion Stayers’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle are also highlights of the week.

Galway Races

Situated on the stunning west coast of Ireland lies Galway Racecourse, making it one of the most beautiful and popular racecourses in Ireland. Galway Races is a week-long summer festival and is one of the biggest horse racing events in Ireland, drawing over 250,000 visitors during its peak.

The event is a vibrant mix of flat and jump racing coupled with a lively social scene, cementing its status as an iconic part of Irish culture.

The Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle are the highlights of this event and provide ample betting opportunities for keen punters.

Locals and those from overseas revel in the convivial atmosphere, making the Festival a staple not just of the racing calendar but of the social one too.

Irish Classics at the Curragh

To truly appreciate Ireland's racing culture one must visit the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare - known far and wide as Ireland’s most prestigious Flat racing track.

The Curragh hosts all five Classics, including the renowned Irish Derby, Irish Oaks, Irish St Leger and both the Irish 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas.

This coveted racetrack has been synonymous with Irish horse racing since the 1700s, and its legacy of producing champion thoroughbreds remains unchallenged.

Every June, the Irish Derby attracts spectators keen to see the best horses in action. The Curragh is not just a racing venue; it represents tradition and excellence.

Leopardstown Christmas Festival

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is one of the biggest horse racing events of the year running for four days every year from St Stephen's Day.

The meeting features the Grade 1 Savills Chase, a key trial for some of the biggest races for staying chasers, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It is one of the seven Grade 1 contests hosted at the meeting. Beef Or Salmon, Denman and Galopin Des Champs feature on an impressive past winners list.

The Racing Post Chase, the Paddy Power Chase and the Matheson Hurdle are the other highlights of the meeting. Its festive atmosphere and top-notch racing provides a fantastic escape during Christmas celebrations and shouldn't be missed.

Listowel Harvest Festival

Located in County Kerry Listowel Racecourse hosts its flagship meeting spanning over seven days in late September. The event is popular with an Irish audience who revel in the wealth of national hunt and Flat action on offer. Many travel from all over the country to attend for the week.

The feature race of the week is the Kerry National, a Grade 3 steeplechase run over 2 miles and 7 furlongs. In 2024 the crowd was treated to seeing Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival winner Flooring Porter record a scintillating victory.

The social aspect of the meeting is a huge part of the draw for racegoers who return to the event year after year.