Irish Derby Festival
Irish Derby Festival 2026 ticket inclusive hotel packages from £359 per person.
Step into one of Ireland’s most iconic racing occasions and experience the thrilling atmosphere of the Irish Derby Festival at The Curragh. Steeped in tradition and prestige, this celebrated event brings together the very best of flat racing, Irish heritage, and world-class sporting drama.
Whether you’re a passionate racing enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day out, the Irish Derby offers an unforgettable experience in a truly stunning setting. From stylish enclosures to vibrant social scenes, it’s the perfect blend of excitement and elegance.
Official Tickets & Hospitality
As a partner of both The Curragh we only offer official tickets & hospitality
Exclusive Events
Join us at events such as an exclusive trip to Coolmore Stud.
Bespoke Experiences
Let our team of racing & travel experts build your perfect itinerary with your choice of hotel, hospitality and more
On-site Staff
You’ll be joined in Ireland by a team of racing & travel experts who will be on hand to assist you 24/7 to ensure you have the best trip.
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The Irish Derby Festival with Racing Breaks
Irish Derby Festival Hotel Packages
Make your Irish Derby Festival experience even more memorable with one of our carefully curated hotel packages starting from £359 per person.
All experiences can be booked with just an initial deposit and include accommodation, official tickets, all transfers, and optional hospitality to ensure a seamless and stress-free trip.
Westgrove Hotel
from £359 per person
- Two (or more) nights accommodation at the Westgrove Hotel
- Breakfast each morning
- Return racecourse transfers
- Admission ticket to all three days of the Irish Derby Festival
Optional:
- Airport transfers
- Additional night(s)
- Hospitality upgrades
- Excursions
- Convenient access to The Curragh
- Friendly Après-Racing Atmosphere
- Excellent Leisure & Spa Facilities
- Comfortable Four-Star Accommodation
2027 Irish Derby Tour
from £1,449 per person
Trip Dattes: Weds 23rd – Mon 28th June 2027
- Return airport transfers
- Five nights accommodation at Lawlors Hotel Naas
- Breakfast each morning
- Tour of Coolmore Stud
- Tour of Kildangen Stud (Godolphin)
- VIP Tour of Irish National Stud
- Lunch with Dermot Weld & tour of Rosewell House Stables
- Exclusive Preview Show
- Closing BBQ Party
- Return racecourse transfers (Sat & Sun)
- General admission tickets to Saturday & Sunday of the Irish Derby
Optional:
- Additional night(s)
- Ticket to Friday’s raceday
- Hospitality upgrades
- Close to The Curragh
- Lively Post-Racing Atmosphere
- Central Naas Location
- Great Dining and Bar Options
Irish Derby Festival Tickets
Our experiences include admission tickets as standard, however you may wish to consider upgrading to seats or hospitality on any/all racedays to enhance your experience.
General Admission
General Admission tickets give access to the entire main enclosure at The Curragh including the lower level of the Grandstand.
Guests can view the Parade Ring and Winner’s Enclosure as well as accessing great views of the track including the Winning Post from the steps in front of the grandstand.
Reserved Seats
Receive a designated seat in The Curragh’s grandstand, allowing you to come and go all day and experience incredible views of the racecourse.
Irish Derby Festival Hospitality
You may wish to upgrade your experience to include hospitality at The Curragh on any or all days.
Galileo Suite Hospitality
from £329 per person
- Premier level badge
- 3 course buffet
- Complimentary bar incl. beers, wines, selected spirits and softs
- Reserved suite seating
- Race card
About the Irish Derby Festival
The Irish Derby, held annually at The Curragh, is one of the most prestigious events in international flat racing. Steeped in tradition and dating back to 1866, the race attracts elite three-year-old thoroughbreds, top trainers, and world-class jockeys from across the globe. Run over a distance of one mile and four furlongs, the Irish Derby is celebrated not only for its competitive excellence but also for its vibrant atmosphere, where sport, style, and Irish culture come together. For racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it represents a highlight of the summer sporting calendar and a defining moment in the careers of many legendary horses.
Friday – Opening Evening
The festival begins on Friday with an evening race meeting that sets the tone for the weekend, typically featuring a full card of competitive races in a more relaxed, social atmosphere. This opening day is designed as an accessible entry point, where racegoers can enjoy quality racing alongside entertainment without the peak crowds of the weekend. It often includes preview-style build-up to the main events, with industry insight, hospitality experiences, and a lively but slightly less formal feel compared to later days.
Saturday – Feature Races & Fashion
Saturday is widely regarded as the key supporting day of top-class racing, headlined by major Group races such as the Pretty Polly Stakes, alongside other high-grade contests on a strong racecard. The day blends elite sport with style and spectacle, as fashion competitions and social events become a central part of the experience. With live entertainment and a larger crowd, Saturday offers a vibrant mix of serious racing and festival atmosphere, making it one of the most popular days for attendees.
Sunday – Irish Derby Day
Sunday is the climax of the festival, centred on the Irish Derby, one of the most prestigious Group 1 races in the world, run over one mile and four furlongs. The day attracts top horses, jockeys, and international attention, as competitors vie for a historic victory in a race that has been a cornerstone of Irish racing for over 150 years. Alongside the feature race, the card includes high-quality supporting races, while the overall atmosphere reaches its peak with large crowds, celebrations, and post-racing entertainment, bringing the three-day festival to a dramatic conclusion.
Irish Derby Festival Dress Code
There is no official dress code at The Curragh for the Irish Derby Festival.
Style is at the heart of racing so smart casual attire is recommended, however it is suggested to dress comfortably and wear something that is weather appropriate for June time! The event presents an opportunity to get dressed up and many racegoers choose to do so!
Irish Derby Festival Flights
There are regular flights to Dublin from many UK airports. Our experiences do not include flights, but they can be added to your package if required.
We can include racecourse transfers to coincide with your flight timings.
