Punchestown Festival

Day 1 – WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE DAY

The opening day of the festival boasts three grade one races and features the William Hill Champion Chase.

Day 2 – LADBROKES GOLD CUP DAY

Taking centre stage on day two is the prestigious Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. The festivities continue with excellent racing, entertainment and style.

Day 3 – LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS HURDLE DAY

On day three it's all about stamina in the feature Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle. The social side of the festival steps up a gear as the party atmosphere builds.

Day 4 – PADDY POWER CHAMPION HURDLE & LADIES DAY

The Paddy Power Champion Hurdle takes centre stage on the social highlight of the week as the famous Punchestown Ladies day gets underway.

Day 5 – BALLYMORE FESTIVAL DAY

The final day of Punchestown is a fitting finale to the jump racing season in Ireland. The Ballymore day is packed with celebrations of the season past as champions are crowned. A favourite with socialisers and families alike. *Under 14 years race free. 

Punchestown Festival features a jam-packed line up of live entertainment including live music, D.J sets, festival face painters, street performers, Shopping Village  across three enclosures, 12 bars and 4 massive pavilions including the famous Sky, festival, Bollinger and Archive Bars. Plus, you will be treated to sensational style. So why not soak up the entertainment and the authentic Irish atmosphere.

The Bollinger Best Dressed Punchestown Festival prize is up there as one of the most coveted in the social calendar. The lucky winner will enjoy a trip for two to Paris with Michelen star dining, chauffeur transfers, five-star accommodation and behind the scenes access guided tour to the Bollinger Estate in the heart of the champagne region. This trip is strictly invitation only by request. The Bollinger Best Dressed takes place from Tuesday with daily winners progressing to the final on Festival Friday.

Punchestown Festival is the home of jumps racing in Ireland and this year’s Festival takes place from the 25^th-29^th of April 2023.

The racecourse is situated just 5 minutes outside of Naas Town in County Kildare, 48kms (30 miles) from Dublin Airport and 35km (22miles) from Dublin City. The towns and villages surrounding Punchestown have an abundance of wonderful places to stay during your visit, whether you require 5* luxury or the home comforts of a B&B.

Race and Stay Packages

Race and Stay are the Largest and the Premier Horse Racing Tour Specialists in Ireland. They are official Guest Partner for Punchestown Racecourse and offer exclusive Race and Stay packages to Punchestown guests, starting from just €159pp. View Packages Here

Punchestown Hotel Partners

Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare (5.8 Km from Racecourse)

Looking out onto the lush rolling countryside of County Kildare, the Four-Star Killashee Hotel and Spa is the perfect central location to discover Ireland’s Ancient East and all of Kildare’s beloved Attractions. More Information Here

Barberstown Castle Hotel, Straffan, Co. Kildare (21 Km from Racecourse)

Barberstown Castle is a Four-Star Country House & Historic 13th Century Castle. Here, guests are guaranteed a personal service teamed with spacious bedrooms, award winning dining and a warm Irish welcome. More Information Here

The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Naas Road, Co. Dublin (24 Km from Racecourse)

The Four-Star Louis Fitzgerald Hotel is well known for its stylish, modern luxury as well as its genuine Irish hospitality, personality, excellent service, care and attention to details. More Information Here

Flights & Transfers

Punchestown Racecourse is situated 5 minutes outside of Naas Town in County Kildare, 48kms (30 miles) from Dublin Airport. Ryanair are Punchestown’s official airline partners and fly from 16 different locations throughout the UK. Book Flights Now

The Dublin Coach travels from Dublin airport via the Red Cow directly into Naas. Book Dublin Coach Here

Taxis from Dublin city centre or international airport could cost from €70 – €120.

Shuttle Bus Service from Naas Town

During Punchestown Festival, Andy’s Cabs run a shuttle service from outside Lawlors on Poplar Square and Ulster Bank South Main Street in Naas each day. Shuttles start from 12.30pm and run until 4.30/5pm depending on demand. The return service is from 7pm onwards. This is a walk-up service.

Festival Bus Service from Dublin City

Marathon Coaches have been operating festival buses from Dublin City Centre for over 10 years. The service is direct from Dublin City Centre and travel time in normal traffic is 1 hour. This year the bus service will depart from Georges Quay, Dublin 002.

The Bus fares start at €30 return when booked online & €40 return each day on a walk-up basis. Buses Depart Georges Quay at 12:00pm & 13:00pm each day of the festival. Buses return each evening from the drop off location next to the entrance and depart 30minutes after the final race each day. Book Here

Travel by Car

• Punchestown Eircode (Postcode for SatNav, Google Maps etc) is W91 VCX4
• From Dublin Airport – 48kms (30 miles) M1, M50, N7, R410
• From Dublin City – 35km (22miles) N7, R410
• From Cork – 2hrs, 40 mins, N8, N7 R410
• From Galway – 2hrs, 50mins M6, M4, M50, N7, R410
• From Belfast – 2hrs, 20mins, M1, M50, N7, R410

 Travel by Taxi

Taxis can drop and collect fares directly at the main entrance of Punchestown Racecourse. Taxis from Dublin city centre or international airport could cost from €70 – €120. Taxis from Naas would typically cost about €20 but depend on traffic. 

Travel by Rail

Irish Rail operate a service from Dublin’s Heuston Station to Sallins Station (just outside Naas). Visit Irish Rail Here

During Punchestown Festival, there is a feeder bus service from the entrance of the train station into Naas where the festival shuttle service and taxi rank is available. The train station feeder bus starts at 8.10am and runs every two hours (10.10 – 12.10 etc) until after 11.30pm (subject to change). Alternatively pre-booked taxi will be required to complete the journey from the train station.