If there were ever another racing fixture that comes close to the supremacy of the Cheltenham Festival; and the joy it brings to so many racing fans, it would have to be none other than the Punchestown Festival.
This year’s festival started on Tuesday 27th April and came to close on Saturday 1st May. This is the last of the major jumps racing fixtures of the season and what better way to showcase the best talent within National Hunt than with five days of racing.
Punchestown is considered to be one of the most popular Irish tracks of the many that cover the country, and one that provides some of the best jumps racing action of the season. Held annually during the last week of April, the festival features five days of fantastic racing with a total of 39 races including a spectacular 12 Grade 1 contests.
The festival is considered the grand finale of the Irish jumps season with top class jockeys, horses and trainers from both sides of the Irish sea, converging on the Kildare turf to contest titles and confirm reputations. Titles for the seasonal champion jockeys and trainers are handed out on the last day to celebrate all of the successful stories and runs throughout the year.
The atmosphere is electric as the Celtic exuberance streams through the crowds day after day. The views and scenery that surround the course are breathtaking, with glorious views over the hilly landscape beyond. Unlike many racecourses in the UK, the track at Punchestown features banks which are a unique attribute of many other Irish courses based on the undulating topography of the land. The racecourse offers a variety of enclosures, bars, hospitality, and even the Punchestown Junior Jockey Fun Club for the little ones. Immerse yourself in the social hub of the festival with your friends at the chic new Bollinger Bar, buzzing Festival Bar and much more.
The neighbouring town of Naas is only a short drive from the racecourse, and there is plenty to get your teeth stuck into after each race day concludes. Every bar, restaurant, pub, and hotel, has something to offer racegoers who are wanting to enjoy a few drinks as well as some live music and entertainment into the later hours of the evening. The Osprey hotel is a must for those wanting a night of music and live entertainment, or why not head to the Naas Court hotel which is a local favourite. If you fancy more of a relaxed evening after a day out on your feet, then there are a number of quality restaurants that line the high street amongst some of the more lively bars and pubs.
This is a fantastic trip for individuals or groups of any size with group offers and discounts to enjoy! If you are planning a stag or hen do, this is also one of our top five trips to consider for your party come 2022!
An example package includes the following;
Return Flights
Airport Transfers
Two nights accommodation at the Court Yard Hotel
Breakfast each morning
Racecourse Transfers
Tickets to two days of the Punchestown Festival
Built on the site of the original Guinness Brewery, where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, this 4* hotel offers everything you need to make the most of a trip to the Punchestown Festival. Situated in the heart of Leixlip, Co. Kildare, it is just 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre, 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and 35 minutes from Punchestown Racecourse.
From £349pp - Book now with just a £50 deposit!
For more information and to enquire about this package please click here.