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Ireland is rightly renowned for the quality of horseracing on show and no more so than in County Kildare. The location of the Irish National Stud and many other world class stud farms, Kildare is also home to no less than three globally important horseracing venues; Punchestown, the Curragh, and Naas Racecourse. Punchestown is regarded as the home of Irish National Hunt racing and hosts the National Hunt Festival of Ireland, which is held in April and represents the grand finale of the hunt season.
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Lovers of horseracing know all about Punchestown races and every racegoer is guaranteed a first class racing spectacle.
The racecourse is situated in the parish of Eadestown, just 22 miles from Dublin and easily reached by direct bus services on racedays and by free shuttle bus transfers from Naas station.
The convenient location close to the nation’s capital means superb racing within easy reach for the great numbers of visitors to Ireland and, combined with the reputation at the course, Punchestown races attract big crowds and are great social events. The first National Hunt races were held at the course in 1861 and on the opening day of the meeting in 1868 it is said there were 150,000 spectators. The popularity of Punchestown races is enduring and well founded.
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The course stages events throughout the National Hunt calendar but the highlight is undoubtedly the Festival, which holds a similar status in Ireland as the Cheltenham Festival in the UK. Held over five days, from Tuesday to Saturday in the last week in April it provides a remarkable finish to the season and the quality of the racing on offer is evidenced by the inclusion of no less than 11 Grade I races. |
These include the Champion Steeplechase, Champion Hurdle, World Series Hurdle, the Champion Novice 4 year old Hurdle and the richest race in all of Ireland, the Punchestown Gold Cup.
The appeal of the festival for many is the social aspects of the meeting and the atmosphere is very much one of celebration with plenty of entertainment options to complement the racing.
On the main stage there is live music, fashion shows and children’s entertainment, and all throughout the course there is street theatre and much bar-centred revelry. After the racing is over for the day the partying continues with a real social atmosphere within the pavilions, bars, restaurants and public areas. Many dress up for the occasion and compete for the best dressed competition while others prefer a more casual approach, and all are welcome.
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Tickets may be purchased individually for Punchestown races or as part of a hospitality package, of which many are available. The Punchestown Pavilion package is a popular option and includes a reserved enclosure badge, four course lunch, hot afternoon snacks, and racecard.
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Seated at tables of 10, diners can also enjoy the services of a celebrity tipster, and access to private betting facilities. Live entertainment is also included after the last race. The package costs €169 per person and special discounted rates are available for early booking.
A great value package for groups is the Party@Punchestown Pack for groups of 10 or more. Ideal for work parties, stag and hen parties, and family celebrations, this package costs just €29 per person and includes general admission, racecard, €5 betting voucher, and €5 drinks voucher. A similar package, the Lunch Box Pack is available for the same price and includes a food voucher for €10 in place of the drinks and betting vouchers. A full range of additional corporate hospitality options are available within private boxes and suites at Punchestown races for up to 80 guests.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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