THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE
PREMIERE WEEKEND
Sat 21st & Sun 22nd November 2026
Race and Stay are the only Official Guest Partner for the Punchestown Premiere Weekend. We have the widest range and best value packages and we would love to welcome you in 2026 to savour what is one of the best racing weekends in Ireland. Held at Punchestown Racecourse, close to Naas in County Kildare, just 30 minutes from Dublin.
The Punchestown Premiere Weekend , formerly known as the Winter Festival, includes two fabulous days of jump racing with great prize money up for grabs. 2 Grade 1's, the iconic John Durkan Memorial Chase and the prestigious Morgiana Hurdle and a plethora of top class Hurdle, Chase, Banks and National Hunt Flat races for you to enjoy. This weekend marks the beginning of the 2026 - 2027 season where the top horses and upcoming equine stars start their campaigns.
Our exclusive Race and Stay Packages start from just €157 per guest and include Hotel Accommodation, Breakfast, Admission Tickets and Transport. You can also add a wide range of extras like Racecourse Hospitality, Stud and Stable Tours and much more when, or after, you book. Booking is safe and secure with us, online or over the phone or by email for any number of guests, with just one fully refundable €100 deposit backed up by our 100% refund guarantee. Check out all the options available by selecting a Hotel or Tour Package below. If you do not see exactly what you want please do contact us, we'll be delighted to help.
THE PREMIERE WEEEKEND
Race and Stay
Please note that all Hotels for Punchestown Premiere Weekend sell out very quickly please book now
Check out all the options available by selecting a Hotel below. If you do not see exactly what you want please do contact us, we'll be delighted to help.
PREMIERE WEEKEND
Useful Info
Things You Need to Know
RACING PREVIEW SHOW
Please do join us for our Racing Preview show on Saturday morning in Lawlors Hotel Ballroom starting at 09:30am. Enjoy a light hearted infomative racing preview with our special guests hosted by the Racing Post's David Jennings and featuring Jockeys, Trainers and racing personalities. After the show our coaches will depart to Punchestown.
THE RACES
The Premiere Weekend features 2 Grade 1 races and a number of excellent supporting contests to enjoy. Racing starts at 11:30 on Saturday and concludes at 15:45. On Sunday the first race is due off at 11:45 and the last race is at 15:25. We try to ensure we have all guests inside the racecourse and comfortable 40 minutes before the first race each day.
RACE TRANSPORT
We run one coach each day to Punchestown departing at 10:40 Direct to the racecourse. When you are dropped off it is a 300mt walk from the coach park to the entrance where you will present your ticket to be scanned on entry. Our Race and Stay return coach wil depart from where you were dropped off leaving 40 minutes after the last race each day.
TICKETS & HOSPITALITY
Please collect your race tickets from our Guest Desk no later than 10:30 each morning. When you arrive at the racecourse entrance you will have your ticket scanned and you are free to enjoy your day. Hospitality guests will be escorted by our staff to the area they are booked into.
AT PUNCHESTOWN
Both days will be busy but great fun. There are several food and drinks outlets outside and inside the grandstand. Entertainment will be on during the afternoon and after racing so if you want to stay on, please do, you can get a taxi back to the hotel if you leave after our scheduled coach departure time.
WHAT TO WEAR
There is no formal dress code at Punchestown but no sportswear or anything offensive. For the Ladies, if you want to “glam up for the day” please do so, but do also dress for the weather. For the Gents, smart casual always works in all areas but the main rule is to be comfortable and warm in what you are wearng.
PREMIERE WEEKEND
Hospitality Packages
TRACKSIDE HOSPITALITY
€ 100
Perfectly located on the first floor of the grandstand with the racecourse views. Guests can be seated on individual tables or shared tables of 10 guests.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
RACE AND STAY SUITE
€ 120
Perfectly located on the first floor of the grandstand with the racecourse views and guest balcony. Guests can be seated on shared tables of 10 guests.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
PRIVATE SUITE
from € 140
Your own private suite the grandstand with the racecourse views and guest balcony. Guests can be seated to suit you, minimum number 15 guests.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
PREMIERE WEEKEND
What our Guests Say
Testimonials
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
" Once again I would like to thank you and your team for another wonderful festival experience, with a special thank you to Amanda, the way we are treated from arrival to departure is second to none & speaks volumes for your professionalism & dedication to your guests. " Brynn
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