Fairyhouse Winter Festival 2026

The Fairyhouse Winter Festival runs across Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026 at Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co. Meath. Fairyhouse describes it as Ireland’s biggest and most popular winter racing weekend, with gates open from 10am on both days of the festival.

What to expect

The two-day fixture is built around Grade 1 National Hunt racing, including the Bar 1 Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and the Bar 1 Racing Drinmore Novice Chase, alongside the Grade 2 Bar 1 Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. For those wanting more than a raceday ticket, “The Real Deal” package starts from €25 per person and includes admission, a racecard, a drink, a food voucher and a €5 Tote bet, while the Bobbyjo Bistro, on the second floor of the Grand National Stand, offers a hospitality package from €135 per person. Groups of six or more can avail of a 15% discount on tickets.

Getting there

Fairyhouse Racecourse is in Ratoath, Co. Meath, roughly 25km north of Dublin city centre off the M2 motorway, making it a manageable day trip from the capital as well as a home fixture for Meath racegoers.

While you’re in Ratoath

Ratoath is a fast-growing Meath town close to the M2 and M3, with Fairyhouse Racecourse as its best-known landmark and the reason many visitors come to the area at all. Read more on the Ratoath page, or explore more of Meath.

Good to know

• Date and time: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026; gates open 10am both days.
• Venue and address: Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co. Meath.
• Price: From €15; The Real Deal package from €25pp, Bobbyjo Bistro hospitality from €135pp, 15% off for groups of 6 or more.
• Booking: Book at fairyhouse.ie.
• Details from the Fairyhouse Racecourse website, checked 14 September 2026.