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sport · Wednesday 8 July 2026 · Various 
Dino Day at Fairyhouse Racecourse
At Fairyhouse Racecourse · Ratoath, Co. Meath
At Fairyhouse Racecourse · Ratoath, Co. Meath
A mid-week summer Wednesday at a racecourse might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a family day out, but Dino Day at Fairyhouse Racecourse turns a flat racing card into something genuinely entertaining for younger visitors. Dinosaur-themed entertainment runs alongside a full programme of flat racing - including a Group 3 feature race - so adults get the sport while children get their own parallel world of oversized reptiles and bouncy castles. It suits families with kids roughly aged two to ten best, though the racing itself appeals to anyone who enjoys the sport.
The dinosaur entertainment is based in the ground floor of the Ballyhack Stand from mid-afternoon onwards. “Roar Roar Dinosaur” runs a series of short interactive shows - around 20 minutes each - between the races. These include meeting Tyson T-Rex, petting baby raptors, a live dinosaur egg hatching, and volcanic explosion demonstrations. The National Reptile Zoo has a live presence on the day, giving children a close look at real reptiles. Outside, bouncy castles cover different age groups, and face painting and free ice cream round out the entertainment for smaller visitors.
The racing card itself starts with gates opening at 14:00 and the first race at 16:00, running through to approximately 19:30. The Darley Irish EBF Stanerra Stakes (Group 3) is the feature race. Bars, a Bewleys coffee dock, and a self-service restaurant are all on site. Children under 14 get free entry; a family ticket (two adults, two children under 14) is €20.
Fairyhouse Racecourse sits on the edge of Ratoath, roughly 25 km north of Dublin city centre. By car, take the M2 motorway north from Dublin and follow signs for Ratoath - the racecourse is well signposted from the main road. On race days, parking is available on site and is the norm for most visitors. There is no direct rail link; the nearest train stations are Dunboyne and Drogheda, both requiring onward transport. Bus Eireann serves the Navan Road corridor from Dublin, with local connections, though driving or a rideshare is considerably more straightforward for a family group with young children.
Ratoath is a busy commuter town in east Meath with good food options and easy access to the wider county - Dunsany, the Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley are all within easy reach for a longer day. There is more to see in Ratoath and across Co. Meath.
Heading to Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath? Meath has plenty more to see. Read the Ratoath area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.