Frequently Asked Questions
We are looking forward to welcoming you back on track and hope you have a wonderful experience on both days. As well as a full programme of top-class racing, both Leopardstown and The Curragh will have a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options.
Yes, however, we recommend pre-purchasing in advance to avail of the best price tickets. Hospitality packages must be pre-purchased. Tickets are on sale now for Irish Champions Festival 2026.
Leopardstown
There will be a variety of outdoor hospitality options for you to enjoy at Day 1 at Champions Festival. On entering the racecourse you will be greeted by The Champions Food Village Marquee where a rolling buffet will be served throughout the day and welcome to all. The Champions Patio, located opposite the parade ring will be serving delicious BBQ options for you to enjoy. The Racing Hall, will have a walk through area, serving quick and tasty convenient food. Throughout the racecourse there will be plenty of opportunities, to purchase teas, coffees and a range of beverages from our contemporary mobile units.
The Curragh
Food and Beverage facilities and amenities will be available around the racecourse. A limited amount of indoor bar/lounge seating will be open to the public on a first come basis.
Day 1 - Leopardstown 2026
Gates will open at 11:40 am*
*Times subject to change.
Day 2 - The Curragh 2026
Gates open at 11:00am*
*Times subject to change.
Leopardstown is conveniently located in South County Dublin and is easily accessible with excellent transport links from Dublin city centre.
BY CAR
Via the M50 - Southbound: Located just six miles south of Dublin City Centre, Leopardstown is very accessible by car, easily accessed from the M50 - exit 14.
From City Centre: Take the N11 (Stillorgan dual carriageway) heading towards the Southeast, past Stillorgan (right). At traffic lights turn right onto Leopardstown Road R113 signposted Leopardstown.
BY RAIL
LUAS from City Centre: The LUAS offers a regular service from St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford that takes about 30 minutes. The racecourse will provide a complimentary shuttle bus service from Sandyford Luas Stop on the day.
The Curragh is in County Kildare, Eircode: R56 RR67 and easily accessible by car, bus or rail:
BY CAR
Via the M50 - From Dublin take Exit 9 off the M50 onto the N7 southbound. Take Exit 12 off the M7. When you arrive, you’ll find plenty of free car parking which will be signposted on approach roads. We encourage those requiring accessible parking to contact the racecourse in advance on 045-441205.
PARKING
Parking is free at The Curragh. Public car parking is available in the Orange and Green car parks.
Accessible car parking spaces are also available in the Blue Car Park . We encourage those requiring accessible parking to contact the racecourse in advance on 045-441205.
BY BUS
Expressway bus service from Dublin to The Curragh Racecourse
Expressway have introduced a new direct bus return service from Dublin to The Curragh on race days – Busaras, Temple Bar (Wellington Quay), Heuston Station, Red Cow (Luas). To reserve your place see expressway.ie.
BY RAIL
Expressway bus service from Dublin to The Curragh Racecourse
Expressway have introduced a new direct bus return service from Dublin to The Curragh on race days – Busaras, Temple Bar (Wellington Quay), Heuston Station, Red Cow (Luas). To reserve your place see expressway.ie.
Tickets for Irish Champions Festival 2026 are on sale now! You can buy on the day, but we encourgae you to buy now for best priced tickets guaranteed! Hospitality must be pre-purchased.
Running order for the 2026 Irish Champions Festival races are as follows:
Day 1 - Leopardstown
11:40am - Gates Open
1:40pm - The Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes (Listed)
2:15pm - The Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Sovereign Path’ Premier Handicap
2:50pm - The Golden Fleece Stakes (Group 1) - New for 2026
3:20pm - The Kilternan Stakes (Group 3)
3:55pm - The Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes (Group 1)
4:25pm - The Tonybet Solonaway Stakes (Group 2)
5:00pm - The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)
5:35pm - The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Petingo Premier Handicap
6:10pm - The HKJC WorldPool Autumn Fillies Premier Handicap
Please see the 2025 race times below at The Curragh for reference. The 2026 race times are expected to be released soon.
Day 2 - The Curragh
1:30pm - The Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Bold Lad’ Sprint Handicap of €150,000
2:05pm - The Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes of €250,000
2:40pm - The Moyglare Stud Stakes of €400,000 (Group 1)
3:15pm - The Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes of €400,000 (Group 1)
3:50pm - The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes of €400,000 (Group 1)
4:25pm - The Comer Group International Irish St Leger of €500,000 (Group 1)
5:00pm - The Moyglare ‘Jewels’ Blandford Stakes of €200,000 (Group 2)
5:35pm - The Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Northfields’ Handicap of €150,000
Yes, all children under the age of 18 enter for free for Day 2 at The Curragh, however they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is over 18. All teenagers aged 13 – 17 must present a valid photo I.D. identification on arrival. All childeren under 14 go free for Day 1 at Leopardstown.
Yes. Free car parking available at both Leopardstown and The Curragh. Raceday staff will assist you on arrival.
Yes, if you are attending Leopardstown on September 12th, please see here https://www.leopardstown.com/Accessibility/
And for the Curragh on September 13th, please see the details here: https://www.curragh.ie/accessibility
Style is at the heart of racing at Irish Champions Festival and we recommend smart casual attire for all race meetings and ask you to dress comfortably and wear something that is weather appropriate.
This horse racing event presents an opportunity to get dressed up and look your best. You will also see plenty of horse racing fans in practical, smart casual clothing, so you have plenty of choice.