← All events
sport · Saturday 5 September 2026 · Various 
Flat Racing at Navan Racecourse - September
At Navan Racecourse · Proudstown Road, Navan, Co. Meath
At Navan Racecourse · Proudstown Road, Navan, Co. Meath
A day at the races in Co. Meath has a particular pull, and the 5 September flat fixture at Navan Racecourse is one of the last chances of the year to see flat racing on this track before the jumps season takes over. Navan is a proper racecourse - first used in 1921, it stages around 18 days of racing annually, split between flat and National Hunt. September is a hinge point in the Irish racing calendar, so this Saturday meeting carries real seasonal weight. It suits everyone from seasoned punters with a Racing Post folded in their pocket to families looking for a sociable day out with atmosphere that TV can’t replicate.
A full card of flat racing runs through the afternoon on Navan’s right-handed oval track, which is set on generally flat ground and suits front-running horses. The card typically includes a mix of maiden, handicap and listed races - the programme for the specific day is published on the racecourse website in the week before the meeting. The main grandstand building holds three hospitality suites with restaurant-level catering and views directly over the course, but general admission gives you plenty of access too. The Troytown Bar is a popular gathering point, and there are cafe and restaurant options alongside the Bar One betting shop and on-course bookmakers. Arkle had his maiden win here in 1962, which gives you some sense of the history in the place. Free car parking is included with admission.
Navan sits 56km north-west of Dublin on the N3/M3 corridor - from Dublin take the M3 to Junction 8, then the R147 into town, turning right at Flower Hill onto the R162 Proudstown Road. The racecourse is around 4km along on the left. Bus Eireann runs an hourly service to Navan town centre from Dublin Busáras; from the town it is a short taxi ride out to Proudstown Road. The nearest rail station is Drogheda, about 24km away, with bus connections to Navan. Free on-site parking is available - arriving a little early on race days is sensible.
Navan is the county town of Meath and a solid base for the day: good cafes, the River Boyne running through, and the Hill of Tara just a short drive south for anyone who wants to bolt on a bit of history. There is more to see in Navan and across Co. Meath.
Heading to Navan Racecourse in Navan? Meath has plenty more to see. Read the Navan area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.