What to expect from one of Ireland’s greatest sporting spectacles
Attending the Irish Grand National for the first time? Whether you’ve already secured your ticket or you’re considering a last-minute dash to Fairyhouse, you’re in for an Easter treat. This isn’t just a race — it’s a cornerstone of Irish sporting heritage, a social highlight of the season, and an experience every racing fan should enjoy at least once.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your debut visit to the Irish Grand National or the wider Easter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse.
Easter Weekend Racing: What’s On at Fairyhouse?
The 2025 Easter Festival kicks off in style on Saturday, 19 April, with the much-loved Ladies Day — a vibrant curtain-raiser combining top-class racing and fashion. The action gets underway with the eagerly awaited Tom Quinlan Electrical Maiden Hurdle with a start time of 2:10pm, however it’s not just the racing that turns heads.
Sunday, 20 April, ups the ante with a pair of Grade One races on the card, including the prestigious Willow Warm Gold Cup. This contest has become a familiar hunting ground for trainer Willie Mullins, whose runners have dominated in recent years — including big names like Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs.
The crown jewel of the festival arrives on Easter Monday, 21 April, as the BoyleSports Irish Grand National takes centre stage around 5pm. It’s the moment the whole weekend builds towards — a fiercely competitive steeplechase that draws in runners and riders from across the country and beyond.
A Race Steeped in History
First run in 1870, the Irish Grand National has become a staple of the Irish sporting calendar and holds a revered status in National Hunt racing. Held annually at Fairyhouse in County Meath, just a stone’s throw from Dublin, it regularly attracts bumper crowds for what is both a competitive test and a rich cultural tradition.
Spanning 3 miles and 5 furlongs with 24 fences to clear, the race is a true stamina-sapping examination of horse and jockey. Past winners include legends such as Arkle and Desert Orchid, as well as more recent stars like Our Duke and Burrows Saint, securing its place among the sport’s most iconic contests.
Click Here for the 2025 Irish Grand National Runners & Riders
Getting to Fairyhouse: Travel Made Simple
Fairyhouse Racecourse is roughly 30km northwest of Dublin, making it easily accessible whether you’re travelling locally or making a day trip from the capital.
By Car
Fairyhouse is well-signposted from Dublin and is easily reached via the N3/M3 motorway. Do allow extra time on race day — traffic can be heavy with thousands heading to the event.
By Bus
Special race-day bus services run from Dublin City Centre and are worth booking in advance. The return route from Wellington Quay Bus Stop number 135101 costs around €30 and offers a hassle-free way to travel.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and Ubers are available but expect surge pricing around peak times. Sharing a cab with friends can make things more affordable.
What to Wear: Racing Style with a Touch of Irish Flair
There’s no official dress code at Fairyhouse, but dressing up is all part of the fun — especially on Ladies Day.
For Men
Think smart-casual: a blazer, shirt and chinos is a popular choice, with many donning tweed suits and ties for a classic racing look. A flat cap or trilby rounds off the outfit nicely.
For Women
Expect a blend of elegance and flair — dresses, tailored suits, jumpsuits and statement hats or fascinators are the order of the day. Do prepare for Irish weather: a stylish coat or wrap is essential.
Footwear Tip
Comfort is key — Fairyhouse is a large course with grassy areas, so block heels, wedges or smart boots are more practical than stilettos.
Ladies Day Spotlight
Saturday’s Tankardstown House Style Awards add extra glamour to proceedings. Winners can bag prizes like a luxury overnight stay, gourmet dining, and even a helicopter tour of the Boyne Valley. Judges include influencer Terrie McEvoy and photographer Jenny McCarthy, so dress to impress.
Best Spots for Watching the Racing
Whatever your ticket type, Fairyhouse offers plenty of ways to soak up the action:
- Grandstand & General Admission: Ideal for views of the finishing straight and the winner’s enclosure.
- Hospitality Suites & Private Boxes: For those after a more refined experience with food and drinks included.
- Parade Ring & Betting Ring: The place to be to see the horses up close and feel the buzz before the off.
Food & Drink: From Casual Bites to Fine Dining
Fairyhouse caters for all appetites, whether you fancy a quick bite or a gourmet meal.
Casual Options
Food trucks serve up fish and chips, burgers, Irish stew, and sweet treats — ideal for eating on the go.
Sit-Down Dining
The Bobbyjo Bistro, named after the 1998 Aintree Grand National winner, offers a premium dining experience. Other packages, like Bubbles & Bublé, offer a mix of music and meals, though some options (like the “Arkle” suite) sell out fast.
Drinks & Bars
From Guinness and Irish whiskey to bubbly and cocktails, there’s no shortage of choice. The Festival Bar and Pavilion Bar are popular haunts, and live music keeps the energy high well into the evening.
Placing a Bet: How It Works
Having a flutter is all part of the thrill. You can bet with on-course bookmakers or via mobile apps such as those available from Ladbrokes and Boylesports.
Betting Options:
- Win – Your horse must finish first.
- Each-Way – Pays out if your horse finishes in the top few (number of places depends on the bookmaker).
- Forecast & Tricast – Predict the exact finishing order of the first two or three.
Be sure to check the latest odds before placing your bet, and as always, gamble responsibly.
Handy Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive early to avoid the rush and find your bearings.
- Check the weather and dress appropriately — layers are your friend.
- Bring both cash and card — some stands may not accept one or the other.
- Soak up the atmosphere — the racing is only part of what makes this event special.
An Easter Outing to Remember
Whether you’re going for the fashion, the food, the thrills of the turf, or just a fantastic day out, the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse delivers in spades. For racing fans and first-timers alike, it’s a weekend packed with spectacle, tradition, and top-quality sport — all wrapped in the warm, welcoming spirit of Irish racing.
