Leopardstown Christmas Racing Festival

The Leopardstown Christmas Racing Festival is one of the great traditions of Irish sport. Four days of top-class National Hunt racing from St Stephen’s Day to 29 December, it’s the social and sporting highlight of the Christmas period for racing fans.

What to Expect

Grade 1 races, huge crowds, and an electric atmosphere. This is National Hunt racing at its very best with Ireland’s top trainers, jockeys, and horses competing for some of the biggest prizes in the calendar. The festival often previews what’s to come at Cheltenham in March.

Beyond the racing, it’s a massive social event. After days of family Christmas, Leopardstown is where Dublin gets dressed up and goes out. The atmosphere is festive, lively, and brilliant.

Good to Know

• Four days: 26 to 29 December
• First race usually around 12:30pm
• Tickets from €20, hospitality packages available
• Multiple bars, restaurants, and food outlets on site
• Dress code is smart casual (no dress code like Ascot, but people do dress up)
• Gets very busy, especially St Stephen’s Day
• Book early for the best prices

Getting There

Leopardstown Racecourse is on Leopardstown Road, Foxrock. The Luas Green Line stops at Balally, with a shuttle bus to the racecourse on race days. Dublin Bus routes serve the area. There’s car parking at the racecourse.