Punchestown 2026

Punchestown, in spring, promises four unforgettable days of sport, hospitality, and Irish charm. As guests prepared to travel across to Dublin, excitement was already building about the highlights of the National Hunt racing calendar.

For those choosing to arrive early on Monday, there was the opportunity to ease into the experience with an optional evening at Naas Racecourse. With transfers included, guests could begin soaking up the electric racing atmosphere before the main event even began.

Tuesday marked the official start of the trip as guests flew from the UK into Dublin. Upon arrival, coach transfers brought everyone to their chosen hotel, perfectly placed for the exciting days ahead. After settling in, the group travelled to Punchestown Racecourse for Day 1 of the festival. The buzz around the course was immediate, with racing fans gathering from across Ireland and beyond to enjoy world-class action, vibrant hospitality, and the unmistakable energy that makes Punchestown so special. Following an exciting opening day, return transfers took guests back to the hotel to relax and reflect on the racing highlights.

Wednesday delivered a true behind-the-scenes racing experience. After breakfast, guests were collected for a stable visit and a morning on the gallops at Jessica Harrington’s yard, where we saw Quinta Do Lago ahead of his victory later that day at the festival. This visit offered a fascinating insight into the preparation, dedication, and tradition behind Irish racing. Watching the horses work created a memorable and authentic experience that few racing fans ever get to witness firsthand.

Later that day, attention turned back to Punchestown for Day 2 of the festival and the highly anticipated Gold Cup Day. The atmosphere around the racecourse reached another level as crowds gathered to watch some of the biggest names in National Hunt racing compete for glory. The highlight came as Gaelic Warrior stormed to victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup, producing a brilliant performance for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in one of the festival’s most prestigious races. From thrilling finishes to the lively festival atmosphere, the day captured everything that makes Punchestown one of racing’s premier events.

Thursday offered another opportunity to experience Ireland beyond the racecourse. Following breakfast, guests had the option to visit the world-renowned Irish National Stud, home to generations of champion thoroughbreds and beautifully landscaped gardens. Afterwards, the group returned once more to Punchestown Racecourse Day 3 of the festival, enjoying another afternoon of top-class racing, hospitality, and entertainment.

The day’s feature race delivered one of the most emotional moments of the entire festival as Bob Olinger produced a magnificent final career performance to win the Champion Stayers Hurdle. In a thrilling contest, the popular horse rolled back the years to defeat Teahupoo and bring his remarkable racing career to a memorable close. The celebrations around the winner’s enclosure captured everything that makes Punchestown such a unique and special festival.

For guests on the two-night package, Thursday marked the journey home, with transfers returning them to the airport for flights back to the UK.

Those extending their stay enjoyed one final evening in Ireland before Friday’s relaxed departure. After breakfast at the hotel, transfers took guests to the airport for the journey home, bringing to a close an incredible few days of racing, exclusive experience, and unforgettable memories.

A trip filled with excitement, tradition, and the very best of Irish racing, Punchestown at its finest.