One of the best times of the year to enjoy a racing festival in Ireland is at Christmas. It is the perfect opportunity to have a get together with family and friends and enjoy a fantastic day out. There’s a unique festive atmosphere that comes with Christmas race meetings and Ireland has lots to choose from. Read our guide to find out where in Ireland you can go racing this Christmas.

The Fairyhouse Festival is the first on the Christmas racing calendar. It takes place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of November. It features the Porterstown Handicap Steeplechase on the Saturday and three Grade I races on the Sunday. The first race on Saturday begins at 12.30 pm and this year admission prices have been reduced. Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of the premier racecourses in Ireland and is the home of the Irish Grand National. The racecourse is located in Rathoath in County Meath just about a half and hours drive from Dublin city. Visit the Fairyhouse Racecourse website for further info.

The Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse starts runs from the 26th - 29th of December. This action packed 4-day event is the highlight of the National Hunt Season. The impressive Leopardstown Racecourse is one of the most popular race venues in the country. It’s located just about 10km south of Dublin city at the foothills of the Dublin mountains. Gates at the racecourse open at 10.15am morning and the first race is off at 12.25pm each day. Leopardstown has fantastic facilities with lots of bars and restaurants on offer. For further info visit the Leopardstown Racecourse website.

If you’re in Limerick city for the festive season then make sure you enjoy a day out at the Limerick Races. This 4 day racing festival runs from the 26th - 29th of December and is the highlight of the social calendar in Limerick each Christmas. Races start at 12.30pm and there will be live music after the races each day to add to the festive atmosphere. Punters will also be able to watch other live race action from Leopardstown and Kempton Park on the big screens. Limerick Racecourse is located about 10km south of Limerick city on the M20. For further information visit the Limerick Racecourse website.

No matter where you spend your Christmas in Ireland, there’s sure to be a race meeting close to you. Smaller race meeting taking place around Christmas include Navan (19th December), Thurles (20th December), Down Royal (26 December), Punchestown (31st December), Tramore (31st December).

For lots more information on race meetings this Christmas visit the GoRacing.ie website

If you’re going racing this Christmas why not leave a comment in the box below and let us know which one you’re heading to!