Fairyhouse Easter Festival and the Irish Grand National

What it is

The Easter Festival at Fairyhouse is three days of National Hunt racing over the Easter weekend, and its Monday showpiece, the Irish Grand National, is one of the oldest and best-loved races in the country. Fairyhouse sits in the parish of Ratoath in Co. Meath, about 25km from Dublin city centre and 20km from Dublin Airport. Racing has been held here since 1848, and the first Irish Grand National was run at the course in 1870.

Each day has its own flavour. Saturday is Style Day, with a best-dressed competition. Easter Sunday is Family Day, pairing two Grade 1 races with free children's entertainment. Easter Monday is Irish Grand National Day, traditionally attended by the Taoiseach as guest of honour. Fairyhouse lists the festival's total prize money at €1.25 million.

Because it follows Easter, the dates move each year. Fairyhouse has published the 2027 festival as Saturday 27 to Monday 29 March 2027. In 2026 it ran from Saturday 4 to Monday 6 April, and the racecourse reported a record modern-day attendance of 34,985 across the three days, with 18,753 on Easter Monday alone.

The big races

The Irish Grand National is a handicap steeplechase over about 3 miles 5 furlongs with 24 fences. Handicaps give horses different weights to even up their chances, which is why the National so often produces a surprise and why big fields make it a real spectacle. Fairyhouse calls it Ireland's most valuable jumps race. In 2026 it went to Soldier In Milan, trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Donagh Meyler, who won by 16 lengths, the biggest winning margin since Our Duke in 2017. The 2025 winner was Haiti Couleurs for trainer Rebecca Curtis.

Easter Sunday brings the two Grade 1 races:

• The Irish EBF Honeysuckle Mares' Novice Hurdle, over about 2m4f, named after the great mare Honeysuckle who won it in 2019. Annie Power is another former winner.
• The WillowWarm Gold Cup, a Grade 1 novice chase over about 2m4f. Its roll of honour includes Arkle and, more recently, future Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Al Boum Photo and Galopin Des Champs. In 2026 it went to Fleur In The Park, a first Grade 1 for Tipperary trainer Andy Slattery.

Beyond the racing

Live music plays in the festival marquees after racing each day, from trad to pop. In 2026 the Monday card also featured a parade of retired racehorses organised by Treo Eile, the body that retrains Irish racehorses for new careers. If that side of racing interests you, see our guide to buying a retired racehorse and the horses listed on our marketplace.

Getting there

Fairyhouse says it is about 35 minutes from Dublin city and 15 minutes from Blanchardstown.

• Train and shuttle: the nearest station is M3 Parkway, reached by train from Dublin Connolly. A complimentary shuttle bus runs from M3 Parkway to the course for the Easter and Winter Festivals.
• Bus: check Transport for Ireland's journey planner for current routes and times.
• By car from Dublin: take the N3 past Blanchardstown, continue on the M3 for about six miles and take Exit 5 for Ratoath and Fairyhouse. Turn right onto the R155 and the course is about two miles along on the right.
• Parking is free. On busy days staff direct you to the right car park, and early arrival is strongly advised on Easter Monday.
• Electric cars: there are four EV charge points on site.

Where to stay

Accommodation near the course goes quickly over Easter, so book early. Good bases include Ratoath itself, Dunboyne, Ashbourne and Blanchardstown, or north Dublin and the airport area if you prefer more choice. Staying in Dublin city and taking the train to M3 Parkway is a practical option if you are not driving. Fairyhouse also offers race and stay packages through its website.

Tickets and tips

• Buy in advance. You can pay at the turnstiles on the day, but Fairyhouse recommends booking ahead to save money and skip the queues. For 2027 it advertised a best value package from €40 per person including admission, a racecard, a drink and a food voucher, and a 15% saving on groups of six or more general admission tickets.
• Children 14 and under go free with an adult. Under-18s must be with a parent or guardian at all times and are not allowed in bar areas. ID checks are strict: bring a passport, Garda Age Card or driving licence if you look young.
• No strict dress code. Smart casual is suggested for the restaurant and suites; otherwise wear what is comfortable, and plan for changeable spring weather.
• Gates typically open two hours before the first race. Bags may be searched on entry.
• Betting on course: there are on-course bookmakers and Tote windows. You do not need to bet to enjoy the day. If you do, keep it to an amount you are happy to lose, and free, confidential help is listed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

First time at a jumps meeting? Read first day at the races and National Hunt vs Flat. The next big stop on the jumps calendar is the Punchestown Festival, usually a few weeks later.