Killarney Racecourse August Festival

Killarney Racecourse holds its August Festival across three days of racing from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 August 2026, one of four fixed meetings on the track’s calendar alongside its May, July and October dates. The course sits on Ross Road on the edge of Killarney, framed by the mountains that give the town’s race days their reputation as some of the most scenic in Ireland. Race fans mix with visitors taking in Killarney for the first time, and the festival lands as the county’s busiest tourist season starts to ease.

What to expect

Three consecutive days of racing bring a full card each afternoon, with the mix of flat and National Hunt fixtures typical of an Irish summer festival meeting. Killarney’s track is known among racegoers for its setting as much as its racing, with Torc and Mangerton mountains visible from the stands and the National Park close by, giving the meeting a backdrop unlike most Irish tracks. Expect on-course bookmakers, a tote, and food and drink stands running throughout each day, along with hospitality packages for anyone booking ahead. Race days like this draw a mixed crowd, from serious racing regulars to visitors treating it as a day out during their Kerry holiday.

Getting there

Killarney Racecourse is on Ross Road, a short drive from Killarney town centre and the National Park. On-site parking is available on race days, and it is close enough to town that a taxi from most Killarney hotels is a short journey.

While you’re in Killarney

Killarney is built for a race-day trip, with hotels, restaurants and bars in the town centre a few minutes from the course. There is more to see in Killarney and across Co. Kerry.

Good to know

• Dates: Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 August 2026
• Venue: Killarney Racecourse, Ross Road, Killarney
• Price: see killarneyracecourse.ie for admission and hospitality packages
• Format: three days of flat and jumps racing