Punchestown stages some of the finest jump racing, not just in Ireland but in the world because, simply put, it is the place where the champions of jump racing meet. Racing at the course is always about quality and the Autumn and Winter seasons there include many excellent fixtures, the highlight being the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase in December, won in recent years by such greats as Kicking King and Beef or Salmon. As good as those meetings are they are merely warm-ups.
For, just when the jump racing season is coming to its end in April, Punchestown, like a sleeping giant which has been waiting in the wings while other festivals have come and gone, awakes from its slumber and delivers the piece de resistance of the season giving vigour to the old truism of "saving the best until last". The purest, most satisfying moment of any spectator sport is when seeing it's best performers doing what they do best, at their best, and the Spring Festival at Punchestown delivers on that remit with exciting results for the viewing public.
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With E3 Million prize money on offer and 11 Grade 1 races over the 5-days the festival attracts the best horses from Britain (and some from France to give extra flavour) to take on the best of the Irish contingent and this is what makes it so special: the crunch and sometimes grudge races. The principal players from the Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals all hook up again with some looking for revenge for previous defeats and others looking to frank their superiority. Then there are the dark horses, which for one reason or another did not run at those previous festivals and are now looking to topple the interim leaders from their pedestals. This is serious stuff for owners, trainers and jockeys but for the spectators it is racing nirvana.
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The present racecourse is right-handed and undulating with flat, hurdle, steeplechase and bank courses. Hurdle course is one mile-six furlongs.
The steeplechase course is two miles.
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Non – Festival
Midweek general admission: €15 general €10 Student and senior citizen
Weekend admission: €18 general €12 student and senior citizen
Festival
January Promotion – FREE reserved enclosure upgrade with all Festival general admission tickets purchased in January.
Festival Prices: €30 general/ €40 reserved enclosure/€18 student and senior citizen
Party Pack – for groups of 10 or more - €29pp includes admission, racecard, drink voucher and Ladbrokes betting voucher (SAVE €14pp)
Lunch Box – for groups of 10 or more - €29pp includes admission, racecard, €10 Dobbins food voucher
By Road:37 km south of Dublin on the N7. 115 km north-west of Rosslare port.
By Rail: Newbridge (14 km) is the closest railway station, from where a taxi can be taken to the racecourse.
By Bus: During the 5-day Festival a special bus is available from Busaras in Dublin city centre (Store Street). For other meetings Bus Eireann and private bus services provide a regular service to Naas.
By Air: Dublin is the closest airport. Helicopter landing at the racecourse can be arranged in advance.
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De Robeck Restaurant: Overlooking the parade ring is a buffet restaurant with its own bar and tote betting facilities.
Self-service restaurant: Adjacent to the parade ring with a wide choice of hot and cold meals.
La Touche Bar: On the ground level of the main grandstand.
Double Bank Bar: Also on the ground level of the main grandstand.
Tote Sports Lounge: This new bar is on the second level of the main grandstand. Equipped to facilitate fans of sports who want to see the golf, soccer or tennis action in between races. Fitted out with soft, comfortable furnishings and a wall of wide-screen televisions.
Hunt Stand Bar: This convenient bar is located on the second level of the main grandstand just a flight away from all the action but a bit more relaxed than the ground floor bars. It also serves hot and cold snacks.
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Panoramic Restaurant: Offers spectacular views of the racecourse and a full 4-course menu with a wide choice of dishes. Packages are available for groups.
Private Suites: Each suite has its own private bar, viewing terrace with ready access to Tote facilities. The Chairman's Suite on the 2nd floor can accommodate up to 60 guests. The Panoramic Suites on the top floor are ideal for more intimate gatherings and accommodate up to 15 guests.A selection of corporate hospitality packages are available for the Festival Village at the Spring National Hunt Festival.
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The racecourse is completely wheelchair friendly with reserved areas overlooking the parade ring and racecourse. Lifts provide access to all levels of the grandstand. There is also a reserved car park for disabled racegoers close to the entrance.
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The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare town is certainly worth a visit to see some of the best stallions in Ireland. Stately homes, Russborough House and Castletown House are also worth seeing. There are also plentiful opportunities for golf, fishing and pony trekking.
Local Hotels
Killashee House Hotel, outside Naas 045 879 277
Osprey Hotel, Naas 045 881 111
Harbour View Hotel, Naas 045 879 145
Naas Court Hotel, Naas 045 866 073
Ardenode Hotel, Ballymore Eustace 045 864 198
Hotel Keadeen, Newbridge 045 431 666
Kildare Hotel and Country Club, Straffan 01 6017 200
Local Restaurants
Ballymore Inn, Ballymore Eustace
Butt Mullins, Naas
Johnstown Inn, Johnstown
Lemongrass, Naas
Silken Thomas, Kildare
The Thatch, Ballymore Eustace
The Village at Lyons, Celbridge 01-6303500
Local Pubs
Kavanaghs, Naas
Bill McCormacks, Naas
Ivy Inn, Naas
Graces, Naas
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