Kilkea Castle Hotel
The 4* Kilkea Castle Hotel is one of Ireland's premier 4* Hotels and one of THE places to stay for Punchestown Festival. Located in the upmarket area of Kilkea, just 60 minutes from Dublin Airport and only 25 minutes from Punchestown Racecourse. A fabulous place to stay for couples, small groups and those that want a quality, country style break.
Our packages include luxury accommodation in the spacious Lodges with very comfortable beds and pillows, en-suite bathroom, lounge area, flat screen TV, in room safe, Mini Kitchen, plenty of clothes hanging space and much more. Food is a major factor at Kilkea and all menus are a treat with many casual and fine dining experiences to enjoy you are welcome to dine in your Lodge or experience the A la Carte offerings in the Golf Clubhouse or in the fine dining restaurant in the 12th Century Castle itself. If you love Spa and Leisure facilities in your Hotel then Kilkea is a real treat. Surrounded by a Championship 18 Hole Golf Course with an award winning Spa and a myriad of wellbeing and Leisure facilities available to our guests we are sure you'll enjoy your stay here
Race and Stay
Packages Designed Exclusively for You.
Our most popular packages are shown below. To get your fast quote simply select the Package you want, then the Number of Guests you wish to book for and the TOTAL PRICE will be displayed for you. If you would then like to book just click the Green Button and a secure booking form will open where you can fill out your personal and card details. If you do not see a package that suits you please do contact us and we will build a Race and Stay package exclusively for you.
2 Night Packages
From Only €350 pp
3 Night Packages
From Only €490 pp
4 Night Packages
From Only €630 pp
PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL
You Need to Know
WHATS INCLUDED
Our Race and Stay Packages include all you need for a great stay for the Punchestown Festival
The Punchestown Festival takes place between Tuesday 27th April and Saturday 1st May 2027
WHEN YOU BOOK
Over 80,000 happy guests have booked with Race and Stay and when you book with us you will be asked to pay a €100 deposit. The balance is due no later that 45 days before your first arrival date. When you book you will be emailed a BOOKING CONFIRMATION which contains all the details of your requested booking.
AFTER YOU BOOK
Our booking terms are very fair and easy to understand, for both you and us. After you have booked you can email us to change anything, add extras or cancel your booking in full and receive a full refund anytime up until 31 days before you arrive. After that date no refunds are possible.
FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT
Depending on the number of guests travelling together, the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Kilkea Castle Hotel is by taxi. The drive will take around 65 minutes and will cost around €160 to €190. If you are travelling as a group we can arrange a mini-coach or coach for your return journey.
ARRIVING BY CAR
Parking for hotel guests at Kilkea Castle Hotel is free and you can get Google Map directions to the Hotel from this link here:
The Lodge car park is located at ground level and is only a short stroll from your accommodation. There are no barriers to entry or exit.
PRIVATE TRANSPORT
Private Transfers are available to and from Dublin Airport with our travel partner, Platinum Driving Services. You can view charges and book online HERE. For Groups of 7 or more guests we can offer Private return coach transport from €250 each way, depending on guest numbers.
CHECKING IN
Please go to Hotel reception and check in. If you arrive before check in time (3:30pm) you may not have access to your room. In this case the Hotel will store your luggage for you until your room is ready. The Hotel will be 100% full during this event so please be prepared for a longer check in time than normal.
OUR GUEST DESK
Our Race and Stay guest desk is located a short distance from Hotel reception. Our staff are based there each morning and this is where you will collect your race tickets from each day. We are there to help you have the best time possible. Please ask your Guest Manager for any new information.
YOUR ROOM AND COMFORT
The Kilkea Lodges are amazing, very spacious and all feature very comfortable Beds and Pillows. You'll have plenty of hanging space for your clothes, with in room safe, tea and coffee station, hairdryer, flat screen TV and channels, iron and board, fluffy towels and all you need for your stay.
EATING AND DRINKING
Kilkea Castle is a luxury experience with a choice of casual and fine dining options that will appeal to all. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks. the 1880 fine dining retaurant, Golf Clubhouse , with Al Fesco Dining an option overlooking the 9th Hole of the golf course, and Room service available for our guests use you'll be spoilt for choice.
HOTEL LEISURE
The Championship golf course at Kilkea has hosted many important tournaments and is an easy walking course. The Gym is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The access is complimentary to our guests. The well-equipped, small but modern, gym is suitable for everyone so that you can enjoy your workout featuring the latest technology in fitness training
SPA
Our Award-Winning Boutique Spa is nestled within one of the oldest inhabited Castles in Ireland. We have carefully chosen two distinctive lines of skincare, Comfort Zone and Mervue Organic, to make your treatments personal to you. Every treatment is shaped and moulded around you. So, you can enjoy your truly unique experiece cared forby professionals
Punchestown Festival Races
Punchestown Festival runs from Tuesday 27th April to Saturday 1st May 2027. Racegoers love the first 3 days. Tuesday, for the iconic Punchestown Champion Chase. Wednesday for the Punchestown Gold Cup, the highlight of the week, and Thursday For the Stayers Hurdle. If you are going for more of a party type experience then Friday and Saturday are for you. With valuable prizes on offer more UK runners are ever more attending.
Punchestown - Day 1
Tuesday 27th April
Coach Departs 12:30pm
First Race 14:30pm
Last Race 18:30pm
Coach Departs 19:10pm
The first day of the festival includes the Champion Chase and several other Graded Races to enjoy.
Punchestown - Day 2
Wednesday 28th April
Coach Departs 12:30pm
First Race 14:30pm
Last Race 18:30pm
Coach Departs 19:10pm
Today is the highlight of the week, the Punchestown Gold Cup and several other Grade 1 contests.
Punchestown - Day 3
Thursday 29th April
Coach Departs 12:30pm
First Race 14:30pm
Last Race 18:30pm
Coach Departs 19:10pm
Today features the Stayers Hurdle and other valuable races on the card .
Punchestown - Day 4
Friday 30th April
Coach Departs 13:45pm
First Race 15:40pm
Last Race 19:30pm
Coach Departs 20:10pm
Today features the Irish Champion Hurdle and is also Ladies Day.
Punchestown - Day 5
Saturday 1st May
Coach Departs 13:00pm
First Race 14:30pm
Last Race 18:30pm
Coach Departs 19:10pm
Today is the finale of the festival week with many high class races to enjoy.
Punchestown Racecourse is located close to the vibrant town of Naas in County Kildare. Located only 35 minutes from Dublin Airport and set in a 500 acre plot Punchestown is the home of Irish National Hunt Racing. The Festival is our end of season Championships where Irish Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockeys are crowned.
Racing takes place at Punchestown on 22 days per year and outside of the main festival at the end of April there are several other important races and events that take place. The Premiere Festival (previously the Winter Festival) takes place in mid-November and features the iconic John Durkan Chase and The important Morgiana Hurdle. Both Grade 1 contests. The Premiere weekend is another great option for guests to enjoy and with packages available from only £140pp, great value too.
Punchestown has a great connection with our local community and often makes racing more accessable to all with great discounts or even free entry on selected race days. Racing at Punchestown is always fun, exciting and a very comfortable experience for guests with plenty of space, great viewing, top quality food, drink and service. Not to mention excellent value for money. If you are interested in any other race meeting at Punchestown please do get in touch. Our team will be delighted to help.
The Experience
Punchestown Festival is renowned for an electric atmosphere, thrilling, top class, jump racing and a fabulous vibe post racing in Naas Town, the social hub of the festival week. Punchestown is all about the races but plenty of space, Top quality Hospitality, Casual food and plenty of Bars and Toilets on course make it a very comfortable guest experience. Guests have plenty of time after a hearty breakfast to enjoy a visit to The Irish National Stud, a variety of Traners yards or just to chill out before racing begins. We always run special events throughout the week to make your Punchestown Festival stay with us as memorable as it can be.
Check Out
Check out all the Hotels and Packages we offer for the Punchestown Festival here
PUNCHESTOWN HOSPITALITY
AVAILABLE SOON
We have some great complete packages but if you WANT TO ADD Hospitality.
Our 2027 Hospitality Packages will be available after May this year. Enquire NOW
ENQUIRE NOW80K HAPPY CLIENTS
Testimonials
The way we are treated from arrival to departure is second to none & speaks volumes for your professionalism & dedication to your guests.
Punchestown is a fabulous Racecourse and both days of racing and hospitality were exceptional. THANK YOU for a wonderful time in Ireland.
You and your team were amazing. The trips were fab; we met some great people and made friends we will keep in contact with long into the future.

