Christmas racing – the AA Roadwatch guide

date-icon 21 Dec 2017  author-icon Posted by Adrian Harmon


There are two big race meetings to look forward to this festive season as both the Leopardstown and Limerick racing festivals gallop into view. Both events offer four great days of National Hunt racing, with thousands expected to attend.

Whether you’re a regular or a novice, we’ve put together some handy details to make your travels and race experience as stress-free as possible.

LEOPARDSTOWN RACING FESTIVAL

An annual highlight on every racing fan’s calendar, the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in Dublin is back this year for four days of fine fillies that are bound to stirrup some excitement.

The festival runs from its traditional beginning on St. Stephen’s Day until Friday 29th December. It’s one of the main events on the Irish racing calendar and not to be missed!

TICKETS

Prices: adults €30 / seniors and students €20 / top level ticket €60. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

RACE DETAILS

Gates open at 10am daily, with race times as follows:

  • Tuesday – first race at 12:15pm, last race at 3:30pm.
  • Wednesday – first race at 12:10pm, last race at around 3:35pm.
  • Thursday (Ladies Day) – first race at 12:15pm, last race at around 3:35pm.
  • Friday (Ryanair Day) – first race at 12:20pm, last race at around 3:35pm.
GETTING THERE

The Luas Green Line offers a regular service between Broombridge and Sandyford. On St. Stephen’s Day, services will operate between 9am and 11:30pm with a Sunday frequency (every 20mins throughout the morning and then every 8-10mins during the day). The racecourse is quite near the Luas stop, however a complimentary shuttle bus service is available on race days.

There are two entrances to Leopardstown Racecourse on race days. One is on Leopardstown Road, near the Brewery Road junction, and the other is off the M50 at J15 Kilternan. Parking is free but limited so motorists should allow ample time for their journey.

Need help planning your journey? Use the AA Routeplanner.

LIMERICK RACING FESTIVAL

Some 40,000 people are expected to attend the Limerick Christmas Racing Festival over the course of the four days, which also runs from St. Stephen’s Day until Friday 29th December. The racecourse is located at Patrickswell, south of Limerick City.

TICKETS
  • Tuesday and Wednesday: adults €20 / students and seniors €15 / children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult.
  • Thursday and Friday: adults €15 / students and seniors €10 / children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult.
RACE DETAILS

Gates open at around 10:30am each day with race details as follows:

  • Tuesday – first race at 12:35pm, last race at 3:55pm.
  • Wednesday – first race at 12:25pm, last race at 3:20pm.
  • Thursday (Ladies Day) – first race at 12:35pm, last race at 3:55pm.
  • Friday – first race at 12:30pm, last race at 3:45pm.
GETTING THERE

Bus Éireann will be providing shuttle services to the racecourse each race day from Limerick Bus Station. A single fare is €3.30 and a return fare is €5.50.

Travelling by road, motorists should take the M20 Cork Rd and exit at J3 Patrickswell. Expect extra traffic exiting the motorway before and after the races. A one-way system will be in operation for traffic into and out of the racecourse on race days.

Need help planning your journey? Use the AA Routeplanner.

For more information on public transport this Christmas, check out our comprehensive blog!

Written by Adrian Harmon