The countdown is on for the much-anticipated Easter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse, with three spectacular days of racing, fashion, entertainment, and family fun. Taking place over Easter weekend, the festival promises a thrilling blend of elite National Hunt racing and a vibrant social atmosphere, making it one of Ireland’s standout sporting and cultural events of the year.
The prestigious BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National is the feature act on Easter Monday, one of the most valuable and historic jump races in the country. Featuring a competitive field of top horses, jockeys, and trainers, the race is expected to draw huge crowds and nationwide attention.
Across all three days, racegoers can enjoy a packed schedule of high-quality racing, complemented by a wide range of fashion, family fun, live music, and food experiences. From casual race fans to seasoned enthusiasts, there is something for everyone both on and off the track.
The Easter Festival will also deliver an exciting lineup of live music entertainment, over the three days. The Highstool Prophets, who have quickly become one of the most sought-after folk bands around, headline on Saturday after racing but racegoers are guaranteed performances from a mix of popular Irish acts and crowd-favourite bands before during and after racing, blending top-class racing with high-energy entertainment and creating a lively backdrop throughout the weekend.
EASTER SATURDAY – STYLE DAY
Glamour, elegance and horsepower will come together on Easter Saturday for the Bellinter House Hotel & Spa Most Stylish Person event, inviting racegoers to showcase their finest style at one of the most anticipated social and sporting events of the spring calendar.
Michelle Regazzoli Stone, aka Mrs Make Up, celebrity makeup artist and businesswoman, will be on hand to choose the most stylish racegoers who perfectly capture the spirit of modern race day fashion. From statement hats and elegant tailoring to bold contemporary looks, contestants are encouraged to bring their own unique flair to the occasion.
The winner and their guest will enjoy a two-night stay in the luxurious Boyne Valley Suite, indulge in the ultimate escape with a treatment each at The Spa at Bellinter House and dinner on one evening in the award-winning Preston’s Restaurant.
Second prize includes a two-night B&B stay at the boutique Kensington hotel, The Exhibitionist, including cocktails on arrival.
Third prize features a Private Pod experience for two at Bellinter House Hotel & Spa, including lunch.
EASTER SUNDAY – FAMILY DAY
Families are especially welcome on Easter Sunday which promises a thrilling combination of top-class jump racing featuring the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup with a dedicated programme of free children’s entertainment including a petting farm, the racehorse simulator, puppet shows, magic shows, a sensory bus, colouring stations, face painters and the La Bucca Easter bonnet competition.
EASTER MONDAY – BOYLE SPORTS IRISH GRAND NATIONAL DAY
The Fairyhouse Easter Festival culminates in the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National which goes to post at 5pm on Easter Monday.
First run in 1870, race sits proudly at the heart of the Irish sporting calendar. Ireland’s most famous steeplechase has produced many brilliant winners and generated a treasure trove of racing memories and stories. It is a race that affords horses, jockeys, trainers and owners the opportunity to etch their names into racing folklore, with every winner and their connections joining a most exclusive group.
John Sheridan, Fairyhouse General Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Fairyhouse for what promises to be an unforgettable Easter Festival. It’s a unique opportunity to experience world-class racing alongside great entertainment in a truly festive setting.
“The Easter Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration with something for everyone from our style day on Saturday to family day on Sunday concluding with the feature event, the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National Day on Monday. It’s very much a tradition for thousands to be in Fairyhouse on Easter Monday and this year is sure to be no different. It’s not to be missed.”
Tickets, including group ticket discounts are available at www.fairyhouse.ie In addition to public bus and train transport, Fairyhouse Racecourse will offer a free shuttle bus to/from Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne on a first-come, first-served basis. Irish Rail customers can also avail of a free shuttle bus to/from the M3 Parkway. See www.fairyhouse.ie for more information.
