IRISH DERBY FESTIVAL
Fri 26th - Sun 28th June 2026
There is nothing like the Irish Derby Festival A celebration of Irish flat Racing held at The Curragh Racecourse, close to the charming towns of Newbridge, Naas and Kildare in County Kildare. The fabulous 3 days of top class racing, Fashion, Food and Fun, include over 25 exciting races to enjoy, including the prestigious Irish Derby itself with over 3M Euros in prize money on offer over the extended weekend.
Race and Stay are the only Official Guest Partner for The Irish Derby Festival. Our exclusive and complete Race and Stay Packages start from as low as €144 per guest and include Hotel Accommodation, Breakfast, Admission Tickets and Transport. You can also add a wide range of extras like Racecourse Hospitality, Stud Tours, Golf, Derby Hooley and much more when, or after, you book.
Booking is safe and secure with us, online, 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 an option below. If you do not see exactly what you want please do contact us, we'll be delighted to help.
JOIN US IN 2026
IRISH DERBY FESTIVAL
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT
Irish Derby Festival
The Races
Friday is the traditional opening of the Derby Festival. An evening race meeting featuring several good handicap races and the prestigious Apprentice Derby. A real party atmosphere with Music and entertainment throughout and after race concert.
Saturday is an afternoon meeting featuring the Pretty Polly stakes and Group 2 Races with the emhasis on Top quality racing, Good Food, Fashion and entertainment. Today is Ladies Day at the Curragh and your chance to dress up, see and be seen.
Sunday is Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day, the most prestigious race day in the Irish flat race calendar. The Highlight of the weekend with top quality Food, Fashion, Races and Music and entertianment throughout the day and live bands after racing.
Irish Derby Festival
The Experience
The Derby Festival acutally starts the week before the racing weekend with a Derby Parade on Sunday and host of Stable and Stud tours, Previews and events in Kildare Town. The Irish Derby Festival races are renowned for an electric atmosphere, thrilling, top class, flat racing and a fabulous vibe post racing in Newbridge, Kildare and Naas Towns, the social hubs of the festival weekend.
Racing usually starts at 5:15pm on Friday, giving you plenty of time to do Stable and Stud Tours in the morning, and at 1:30pm on Saturday & Sunday. We always run exclusive special tours and events throughout the week to make your stay with us as memorable as it can be.
TOUR PACKAGE
Ready Made 5 Night Package
5 NIGHT TOUR
IRISH DERBY 2026
5 NIGHTS3 DAYS RACING2 STUD TOURS
24th - 29th June 2026
Join us for a Race and Stay exclusive trip this year arriving on Wednesday 24th June . Our tour includes Lunch and a VIP meet and greet with Irish Training Legend Dermot Weld and our Irish National Stud tour on Thursday. A VIP Tour of the Kildangan Stud, Godolphins Breeding operation in Ireland and our exclusive Irish Derby Festival Preview show on Friday. All this, coupled with 3 days racing for the Irish Derby Festival at The Curragh on Friday, Saturday & Sunday with our fabulous Celtic Hooley closing party makes up into a fabulous, exciting tour package. Do not Miss it!
IRISH DERBY PACKAGES
Your Choice of Hotel with All You Need Included
WE CAN HELP
Just call Us: +353 59 8623998 or Email Us: Here
LAWLORS HOTEL
20 mins from The Curragh
OUR MOST POPULAR 4*NAAS TOWN HOTEL
A fabulous Hotel ideally located in Naas Town, the social hub of the local area, with lots of bars and restaurants on your doorstep. Quality rooms, Great food and evening entertainment.
OSPREY HOTEL
20 mins from The Curragh
VERY POPULAR 4*NAAS TOWN HOTEL
Ideally located right in the heart of the social hub of Naas Town, with great leisure facilities, and within easy walking distance of Naas Town Bars and Entertainment. Ideal for Singles, Couples and Groups.
KEADEEN HOTEL
5 mins from The Curragh
VERY POPULAR 4*CURRAGH HOTEL
Ideally located on the edge of the Curragh and close to Newbridge Town's Bars and Entertainment. A historic racing hotel with great dining, fabulous rooms and leisure facilities Ideal for Singles, Couples and Groups.
MALDRON HOTEL
55 mins from The Curragh
DUBLIN CITY 4*
A popular Hotel, located on Pearse Street in the heart of Dublin City. within easy walking distance of many of the Dublin attractions and hundreds of bars and restaurants. Ideal for Singles, Couples and Groups.
VIP HOSPITALITY
Let Us Know What Suits You best
GALILEO SUITE
EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Designed by us for the guests who want the best Hospitality available. Join us in the exclusive Race and Stay Galileo Suite this year where you can enjoy the best Curragh views and dining service.
- 3 Course Lunch
- Complimentary Bar*
- Guest Tipster
- Race Card & Pen
- Premier Location
- In Room Betting
EXCLUSIVE EXTRAS
We can easily ADD them to your Package
Irish National Stud
Our Irish National Stud Tours take place on Thursday & Friday Mornings. Packages include Return transport to and from your Hotel, the Stud Tour, Meet the Living Legends, (Hurricane Fly, Faugheen, Sizing John, Beef or Salmon, Rite of Passage), The Irish Racehorse Experience and Japanese Gardens. €70 per guest.
Irish Derby Preview
Join us on Friday lunchtime for our Irish Derby Preview Show. Enjoy the banter and fun as our panel of racing experts take you through the big races over the weekend. A really enjoyable event that is FREE and exclusive for all Race and Stay Guests to attend. Starts at 2pm at Lawlors Hotel on Derby Friday.
Kildangan Stud
Our Kildangan Stud Tours take place on Thursday & Friday Mornings. Enjoy a visit to one or Ireland's premier stud farms and the centre of operations for the mighty Godolphin conglomorate. Packages include Return transport to and from your Hotel, the Stud Tour and The Trophy Room Tour. €80 per guest.
Irish Derby Hooley
Join us after the Irish Derby on Sunday night for a fabulous Irish Hooley. Traditional Celtic Dancers and local Musicians will entertain you late into the evening and you can enjoy one of our special BBQ Suppers. Great criac altogether. Cost is €60 per guest without transport or €90 per guest including return transport
What Our Guests
SAY ABOUT US
" Just wanted to say Thank You on behalf of me and our party. Amazing few days again this year organised by a great company. We will be back next year - and I would imagine our party grows in numbers again. Please also pass on our thanks to your team. Yet again they were all great and a credit to you." Chris Vause
Why You Should Book With
RACE & STAY
- Over 80K Happy Guests
- Official Curragh Partner
- Great Guest Reviews
- One Shop For Everything
- Great Hotels on Offer
- Official Irish Sponsors
- Great Value Packages
- 100% Refund Guarantee
- Irish Derby Specialists
- Fast & Secure Booking
- Friendly Expert Staff
- Easy & Secure Booking
