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food-drink · Saturday 27 June 2026 · Various 
The Curragh Racecourse Summer Food and Hospitality 2026
At The Curragh Racecourse · Curragh, Co. Kildare
At The Curragh Racecourse · Curragh, Co. Kildare
The Saturday of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at The Curragh is one of those days that pulls a crowd for reasons well beyond the racing. Ladies Day on 27 June 2026 sits at the middle of a three-day Classic festival, and it brings together Group 1 flat racing, a style competition judged by Una Healy, live music, roving performers, and a full spread of food and drink options from champagne bars to artisan café counters. If you like a day out that has a bit of occasion to it, this is a strong candidate.
The racing card for the day includes the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1) and The Reserve Ladies Derby at 16:30, so there is genuine sport running through the afternoon, not just atmosphere. The style theme for 2026 is 1950s race-day glamour, and The K Club’s Most Stylish Racegoer competition offers a luxury three-night break as the prize - so dressing up is well rewarded.
On the food side, The Curragh’s rebuilt grandstand carries several distinct venues. The Tattersalls Champagne Bar overlooks the parade ring and serves Moët & Chandon alongside afternoon tea and light bites. The Oaks Restaurant on the second floor offers a sit-down dining experience with racecourse views. Orby’s by Lucy, located near the entrance, is open to all racegoers and serves fresh artisan food throughout the day. The Atrium Café and Shoda Café cover sandwiches, tea, coffee, and homemade treats for those who prefer to keep it casual. Hospitality packages - private boxes, premium seating, dedicated dining - are available at various price points and need to be booked in advance through curragh.ie.
The Curragh is on the R445, roughly 50 km south-west of Dublin via the M7. Come off at junction 12 for Kildare town and follow the racecourse signs. Irish Rail runs special race-day services from Dublin Heuston to The Curragh station on festival days - worth checking irishrail.ie in the week before for the timetable. Bus services connect from Newbridge and Kildare town. Parking is available on-site on race days; arrive with plenty of time on a busy festival Saturday.
The Curragh sits on one of Ireland’s most famous stretches of open grassland, and Kildare town itself - with the Japanese Gardens, the National Stud, and Kildare Village outlet - is worth a wander before or after racing. There is more to see in Kildare and across Co. Kildare.
Heading to The Curragh Racecourse in Kildare? Kildare has plenty more to see. Read the Kildare area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.