Bellewstown Races - September Meeting 2026

Racing has been run on the hill at Bellewstown since at least 1726, and on a clear evening the course still feels like one of the best-situated in Ireland - panoramic views stretching to the Mountains of Mourne on one side and the Irish Sea glinting on the other. This September evening fixture is the final meeting of the year at Bellewstown, and that end-of-season quality gives the day a particular edge: trainers looking for a last win before winter, punters in no rush to leave. It suits race-goers who want proper sport in a relaxed, rural atmosphere rather than a corporate crowd.

What to expect

Bellewstown runs both flat and hurdle racing across a sharp, left-handed circuit of around nine furlongs. The track is undulating throughout, rising over the final two furlongs to an uphill finish that punishes horses who go too hard too soon - which keeps the racing honest and the results harder to call from the stands. The September meeting is an evening fixture, so expect racing to begin in the late afternoon and run through into dusk. The hilltop setting means the light changes beautifully as the card progresses. There is ample space on the hill for those who bring a picnic, and food and drink outlets are spread around the course. Crowds at the September meeting are more relaxed than the big July and August fixtures, which makes it a good choice for a first visit or for anyone who prefers a quieter atmosphere.

Getting there

Bellewstown is located between Drogheda and Navan in north Co. Meath. Coming from Dublin, take the M1 motorway north, exit at Julianstown or Duleek, and follow the race-day signs for Bellewstown. From Navan, the N51 towards Drogheda brings you within easy reach of the course. Parking is on-site and ample. There is no direct bus service to the course itself, so driving or arranging a lift is the practical option for most visitors. Drogheda is the nearest large town for those travelling by train from Dublin, from where a taxi covers the remaining distance.

While you’re in Bellewstown

The rolling Meath countryside around the racecourse is as good-looking as the course itself, and the drive out from Drogheda or Navan passes through some of the quieter parts of the county. There is more to see in Bellewstown and across Co. Meath.

Good to know

• Wednesday 30 September 2026, evening fixture - Bellewstown Racecourse, Co. Meath
• Admission from €15; check bellewstownraces.ie for current prices and race times closer to the date
• Ample on-site parking
• Contact the racecourse at +353 41 982 3614 or info@bellewstownraces.ie with queries