Kildare to Host a Summer of Top-Class Racing and Entertainment

County Kildare is set to come alive this summer with a stellar line-up of horse racing fixtures at three of Ireland’s premier tracks — Punchestown, Naas, and the Curragh. With events spanning from early June through to the prestigious Irish Derby, racing fans, families, and social revellers alike can look forward to unforgettable days at the races, with a rich mix of sport, entertainment, and hospitality.

The action kicks off at Punchestown Racecourse with Summer In Town Day 1 on Saturday, 7 June 2025. This flat racing fixture marks the start of Punchestown’s summer programme and promises a lively afternoon of competition starting around 1:20 PM. With general admission priced at €15 and a great value family ticket option (€25 for two adults and children), it’s an accessible way to enjoy a classic day at one of Ireland’s most celebrated racing venues.

The excitement continues at Punchestown on Sunday, 8 June with Summer In Town Day 2, offering another full card of flat racing from 1:00 PM. Building on the success of the opening day, this follow-up fixture is tailor-made for families and casual racegoers looking to experience top-class racing in a relaxed setting with plenty of off-track enjoyment.

Just a few days later, the attention shifts to The Curragh Racecourse for the Junefest Race Evening on Wednesday, 11 June. Part of Kildare’s wider Junefest celebrations, this midweek meeting includes a competitive race card featuring the EBF Maidens, the Spar Shop At The Curragh Maiden, and a series of Sky Bet-sponsored handicaps. With general admission starting at €15, it’s the perfect chance to experience the Curragh’s world-class facilities and race-day buzz under summer evening skies.

On Wednesday, 25 June, Naas Racecourse takes centre stage with its Summer BBQ & Music Evening, a popular highlight of the summer calendar. The headline race is the Listed Al Shira’aa Racing Irish EBF Jannah Rose Stakes, showcasing some of the finest fillies in training. Beyond the racing, guests can enjoy a top-quality BBQ, live music, and a range of hospitality packages including reserved marquee and restaurant seating — making this event ideal for those looking to combine socialising with sport in a relaxed but stylish setting.

Crowning the month’s racing is the jewel in the Irish flat calendar: the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday, 29 June. This iconic Group 1 race over 1 mile and 4 furlongs offers a prize fund of €712,500 and attracts the best three-year-old colts and fillies from across Europe. Derby Day is the centrepiece of a three-day festival that begins Friday, 27 June, featuring high-calibre races like the Pretty Polly Stakes and the Airlie Stud Stakes, alongside live music, fashion, and family entertainment. Sunday’s main event goes to post at 4:10 PM, rounding off what is set to be one of the biggest weekends in Irish sport this summer.

With something on offer for everyone — from serious punters and flat racing fanatics to families and first-time racegoers — Kildare’s summer schedule is a celebration of Ireland’s love for the turf, paired with the kind of hospitality and atmosphere that sets Irish race meetings apart. Whether you’re in it for the racing, the food, the music, or just a day out with friends and family, the tracks at Punchestown, Naas, and the Curragh are where memories will be made this June.

For more information on what’s happening in Kildare this summer, visit www.intokildare.ie.

About Into Kildare

Into Kildare is the official tourism body for County Kildare, proudly promoting everything the county has to offer — from its rich heritage and historic landmarks to its vibrant towns, scenic countryside, and world-class horse racing. Dedicated to showcasing the very best of Kildare, Into Kildare works with local tourism providers, businesses, and communities to develop unforgettable visitor experiences. Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend escape, or longer stay, you’ll find inspiration, events, and travel tips at www.intokildare.ie.

For image requests on the above, please contact colm@travelmedia.ie

For media requests and inquiries, please contact:

Áine Mangan

aine@intokildare.ie

+353 86 854 1234

Colm McDonnell

colm@travelmedia.ie

+353 86 011 1871

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Kildare to Host a Summer of Top-Class Racing and Entertainment

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