Known variously as ‘the Irish Cheltenham’, the end of the Irish jumps season…or just ‘FUN-chestown’, the annual 5-day Punchestown Festival means something to everyone and is a must for racegoers and fun lovers, alike, and has become a staple of the Spring/Summer event calendar, whether you’re a huge fan of the gee-gee’s or not.
This year’s festival runs from April 30 to March 4 (Tuesday-Saturday) and features 40 races (including 12 Grade-1 races) and total prize money of €3.5m.
The traditional top racing days are Tuesday (Punchestown Champions’ Chase), Wednesday (Punchestown Gold Cup) and Thursday (The Stayers’ Hurdle), but any day is worth the admission price, if we’re being truly honest.
For the non-hardcore racing fans, there is plenty of entertainment on tap – best-dressed competitions, free kids’ entertainment zone, top quality hospitality and a family day.
This year sees reduced prices (€30 in for most days) – which will be welcomed by everyone – and a return to earlier race times – which may not be universally welcomed (race start times, for 3 of the 5 days, reverting to 2:30pm; from the 3:40pm introduced back in 2009).
Check out below for race times and www.punchestown.com for full festival details, including ticketing options.
| Festival Race Times (Subject to minor changes) | |||
| Day | Gates Open | First Race | Last Race |
| Tuesday | 12pm Hospitality/12pm Public | 2.30pm | 6.35pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm Hospitality/12pm Public | 2.30pm | 6.35pm |
| Thursday | 12pm Hospitality/1pm Public | 3.40pm | 7.40pm |
| Friday | 12pm Hospitality/1pm Public | 3.40pm | 7.40pm |
| Saturday | Saturday 11.30am for all | 2.30pm | 6.30pm |
