There’s nothing quite like a trip to Ireland in the summertime. Whether you are heading over for a short city break in Dublin or for a longer trip exploring the counties, the country makes for a special experience.
But many of the Irish will tell you that no trip in the summer months is complete without spending a day at the races. Ireland’s horse racing scene is famous throughout the world for its competitiveness and glamour, with the courses packed on race days as people travel in their droves.
But before tourists can get to planning what they’ll be wearing and checking out the best free bets to spend on course, they need to know the options available to them. Here are a few dates to keep in mind if you are heading to Ireland this summer.
Leopardstown: 9th, 16th, 23rd July
From June until late July, Leopardstown Racecourse throws three nights of racing and entertainment, with fun continuing late into the evening.
The course is just a short journey outside of Dublin, making it the perfect option for those who might want to stick to the capital for most of their stay.
Musicians, comedians and street performers take centre stage to celebrate Irish culture. If you are looking for an evening of fun, alongside quality racing, you can’t go too wrong at Leopardstown.
Killarney Summer Festival: 13th – 17th July
Heading to County Kerry, Killarney Racecourse plays host to five days of racing, as spectators are treated to the stunning backdrop of the National Park, which has helped earn the track a reputation for being the most scenic in all of Ireland.
While it might start with three days of Flat racing, including the thrilling Cairn Rouge Stakes, the festival then switches to National Hunt racing, ensuring spectators get the complete experience. Concluding with the Best Dressed Day and live music on Friday, 17th July, Killarney’s blend of style and action makes it a must-visit for those exploring the south-west of Ireland.
Irish Oaks: Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July
The Curragh Racecourse is Ireland’s most famous and July sees it host one of Ireland’s five Classics, the Irish Oaks. The one-mile, four-furlong race was first run in 1895 and it remains one of the country’s most historic and most important races of the year.
Situated in County Kildare, the course is an hour and a half outside of Dublin, but is well worth the journey. Saturday 18th, when the Oaks is scheduled, is Ladies’ Day, which will see the Curragh teeming with beautiful outfits and style. And with Sunday 19th dedicated to families, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Galway Festival: 27th July – 2nd August
The Galway Summer Festival brings the curtain down on Irish racing in July, with a week of action celebrating the sport’s best. Thousands will flock to Ballybrit between the 27th July and 2nd August, celebrating local culture with live music, entertainment, and elite competition.
From Tribes Tuesday celebrating the Galway community to the showpiece event, the Galway Plate, testing the stamina of each runner over two miles and six and a half furlongs, the 2026 edition of the festival will be as enthralling as ever. It’s simply a must if you find yourself in the west of Ireland.
Dingle Racing Festival (horse and pony meeting): 7th – 9th August
Heading back to County Kerry, the 7th, 8th and 9th of August will see 20 races take place at Dingle. The largest horse and pony festival in the country, it has run for over 100 years and draws people in from all over the country, and indeed from many other parts of the world.
These events typically serve as a gateway for aspiring jockeys and trainers, but there is fun for the whole family, with fairground stalls and entertainment to keep everyone amused. For those looking to experience local Irish culture, the festival is an excellent way to do just that.
