Top 10 best annual Irish horse racing events

These are some of the best and most popular annual Irish horse racing events, showcasing exhilarating races, Irish heritage, and equestrian excellence.

Horse racing enjoys a long and varied history across the Emerald Isle, and to this day, it remains one of the island’s most popular sporting events. 

Whether you’re visiting for the first time and want to see what all the fuss is about or you want to know more about this beloved spot, we’re revealing the ten best annual Irish horse racing events that you need to know about.

Interesting facts about horse racing in Ireland

• Horse racing in Ireland is run on an all-Ireland basis, with two courses in Northern Ireland and 24 in the Republic.
• Ireland is internationally renowned as one of the strongest producers and trainers of thoroughbred horses.
• It has been said that the first evidence of horse racing in Ireland dates back to 110 BC and 60 AD.
• The Curragh racecourse is home to Ireland’s five classic races, making it the most famous Irish racecourse.

The best annual Irish horse racing events, revealed 

10. Cork Easter Festival, Co. Cork – an epic Easter event

One of the best annual Irish horse racing events is a three-day event that offers both jump and flat racing and takes place at Cork Racecourse in Mallow. 

This fantastic festival takes place on the Easter bank holiday weekend each year and is guaranteed to be an unmissable event on the calendar.

Find out more: HERE

9. Punchestown National Hunt Festival, Co. Kildare – the finale of the jump racing season

The Punchestown National Hunt Festival occurs every late April/early May at Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare. 

Those in attendance can expect a vibrant atmosphere as many of the leading players from Cheltenham, Aintree, and Fairyhouse meet one final time to compete.

Find out more: HERE

8. The Listowel Harvest Festival, Co. Kerry – a fantastic summer event in Kerry

This is Listowel’s largest race festival, which is held every September for over seven days. It features both flat and National Hunt and is one of the most exciting horse racing summer festivals to take place in Ireland. 

It is the last horse racing festival before Christmas and is second only to the Galway Races in terms of attendees.

Find out more: HERE

7. The Galway Races, Co. Galway – one of the longest Irish races

This popular Irish horse racing festival happens on the last Monday of July each year and draws in a healthy crowd of spectators. 

This seven-day horse racing event, held at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway, is one of the longest held in Ireland. As one of the best annual Irish horse racing events, this is one you simply cannot miss when you’re visiting the Emerald Isle.

Find out more: HERE

6. The Irish Grand National, Co. Meath – held during the Fairyhouse Easter Festival

One of the best annual Irish horse racing events that excites the country is the Irish Grand National. It takes place at Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath every April. 

This national hunt steeplechase, which runs for three miles and five furlongs, is open to horses aged five or older.

Find out more: HERE

5. The Irish 2,000 Guineas at The Curragh, Co. Kildare – dating all the way back to 1921

Similar to the Irish 1,000 Guineas, this horse race is open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies and colts. 

It takes place at the Curragh Racecourse each May and was established in 1921, a year before the Irish 1,000 Guineas event.

Find out more: HERE

4. The Irish 1,000 Guineas at The Curragh, Co. Kildare – a top horse racing event at The Curragh

The Irish 1,000 Guineas horse racing event, which takes place each May at the prestigious Curragh Racecourse, is open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. 

This group-one flat horse race runs for one mile and is one of the most unmissable events in the horse racing calendar. We highly recommend checking it out if you’re planning to be in Ireland in May.

Find out more: HERE

3. Irish Oaks at The Curragh, Co. Kildare – the equivalent of The Oaks in England

Run over a mile and four furlongs, the Irish Oaks is yet another event that horse racing enthusiasts pledge not to miss. 

This event, which dates back to 1895, is held at the Curragh Racecourse. Today, the total prize amount can usually be as much as half a million euros, with first-place winners receiving €290,000.

Find out more: HERE

2. Irish Champion Stakes, Co, Dublin – an unmissable horse racing event

Dating back to 1976, the Irish Champion Stakes is one of the most well-known horse racing events open to all horses over three. 

Like the Irish Derby, this is a group one flat horse race held at Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin every September.

Find out more: HERE

1. The Irish Derby, Co. Kildare – the most famous of them all

The Irish Derby, held at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, is one of the best annual Irish horse racing events and is not to be missed. 

This event is a group one flat horse race run over a mile and four furlongs. It attracts a huge crowd every summer when it takes place in late June or early July.

Find out more: HERE

Notable mentions

Down Royal Ulster Derby, Co. Down: This flat handicap horse race, open to three-year-old horses, is run at the Down Royal Racecourse in County Down.

Irish Gold Cup, Co. Dublin: Held at Leopardstown Racecourse, this grade one national steeplechase is open to horses aged five years or older.

Killarney Spring Festival, Co. Kerry: This annual event is held every May at Killarney Racecourse, which is known as ‘Ireland’s most scenic racecourse’.

Limerick Christmas Racing Festival, Co. Limerick: Held over four days during the festive period, the event features food, music, and top-class jump racing.

FAQs about the best annual Irish horse racing events

What is the biggest horse racing event in Ireland?

The Irish Derby is undoubtedly the biggest horse racing event in Ireland. It is held at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare every summer.

What is the oldest racetrack in Ireland?

Dating back to 1685, the Downpatrick Race Course is the oldest racecourse in Ireland.

What is the most famous racecourse in Ireland?

The Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare is the most famous in Ireland and is home to many of Ireland’s annual events.

So, if you are keen to get involved in one of Ireland’s upcoming horse racing events, these are the top ten not to miss. No matter where you find yourself in the country, you will not be far from an exhilarating horse race, so make sure to add these festivals and events to your calendar.