Midlands Grand National at Kilbeggan

The Midlands Grand National is the race meeting that Kilbeggan builds its summer around. With a €100,000 prize fund and a testing 3-mile, 1-furlong course over 16 fences, this is one of the biggest National Hunt days of the Irish summer - and it doubles as a key trial for the Galway Plate, so the runners tend to arrive with serious ambitions. For anyone who wants a genuine day at the races without the formality of a city track, this is about as good as it gets in the midlands.

What to expect

Kilbeggan runs exclusively jumps racing, and the course has a character you will not find at the bigger tracks. The circuit is set on rolling farmland - cattle graze in the fields outside the rails - and the atmosphere leans closer to a county fair than a formal race day. The Midlands Grand National is a handicap chase that rewards horses with both stamina and jumping ability; the uphill finish and sharp turns make the course deceptively hard on tired legs, and late drama is common.

The July meeting pairs the big race with a sustainable-style Ladies competition, which pulls a strong social crowd alongside the racing faithful. Dress code is relaxed and the mood is family-friendly. Evening fixtures are the norm at Kilbeggan, which keeps the crowd lively long into the summer evening.

Getting there

Kilbeggan sits on the N52, roughly 12 km north-east of Tullamore and about 90 km from Dublin via the M6. Driving from Dublin, exit the motorway at junction 3 (Tyrellspass) and follow signs into town - the racecourse is well signposted. On-site parking is available at the course.

Public transport is limited; Bus Eireann serves the town but evening services from Dublin or Tullamore are infrequent. Most visitors drive, and some local operators run race-day coaches from nearby towns - worth checking closer to the date.

While you’re in Kilbeggan

The town is home to Kilbeggan Distillery, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world - worth a look if you arrive before racing begins. There is more to see in Kilbeggan and across Co. Westmeath.

Good to know

• Date: July 2026 - confirm exact date at kilbegganraces.com before travelling
• Time: Evening fixture; first race time to be confirmed
• Admission: General admission typically around €15 on the day; online advance tickets available at a discount
• Prize fund: €100,000 handicap chase
• Tickets and enquiries: kilbegganraces.com or (057) 933 2176
• Sustainable-style Ladies competition runs alongside the racing
• Relaxed dress code; suitable for families