Killarney Summer Racing

Killarney is one of the most scenic places to go racing in Ireland. The racecourse sits on the edge of the town, set against the backdrop of Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy Reeks, and most of the racing takes place in the evening. That makes it easy to spend the day walking, cycling or touring the Ring of Kerry, then finish up at the races.

There has been racing at Killarney since 1822. Today all its summer meetings are grouped into three festivals, in May, July and August, with a shorter autumn festival in early October.

When is it?

The pattern is the same each year: a May festival, a July festival and an August festival, all in the evening-heavy summer style. The July festival is the centrepiece and runs over five days in mid July.

For reference, the racecourse's 2026 dates were:

• May Festival: 9 to 12 May
• July Festival: 13 to 17 July
• August Festival: 20 to 22 August
• October Festival: 4 to 5 October

Dates for 2027 had not been published when we last checked, so look at the racecourse website before booking travel.

The July festival

The July festival is the biggest week of the year at Killarney. It runs for five days with a mix of Flat and jumps racing, and one of the days is a dedicated Ladies Day, known for style and fashion competitions.

The racing

Killarney stages both Flat and National Hunt racing. Horse Racing Ireland highlights the Kingdom Gold Cup, the Cairn Rouge Stakes and the Ruby Stakes on the Flat, along with a number of valuable races over hurdles and fences.

The track is an undulating, left-handed oval with a circuit of around nine and a half furlongs. It is sharp in character, with a particularly tight turn after the winning post. If you are new to the difference between Flat and jumps racing, our National Hunt vs Flat guide will help.

Getting there

Killarney is one of the few Irish racecourses you can reach easily by rail.

Train. Killarney train station has regular services from the major Irish cities and is about half a mile from the racecourse, so you can walk.

Bus. Killarney bus station also has regular services from all the major cities, and it too is about half a mile from the course.

Driving. From Dublin, travel south on the M8. Parking is available inside the track and in car parks next to the racecourse, and it is signposted on the approach roads. The course is on the outskirts of the town just off the Killarney to Kenmare road.

Flying. Kerry Airport is about 15 minutes' drive from Killarney. Cork and Shannon airports are both less than 90 minutes away. Helicopter landings at the racecourse are possible by prior arrangement.

Where to stay

Killarney is one of Ireland's busiest tourist towns, especially in July and August, so accommodation fills quickly and you should book as early as possible. Staying in or near the town centre means you can walk to the races and walk back after. If the town is full, other towns in Kerry are within driving distance, but remember the racing finishes late in the evening, so plan how you will get back.

Tickets and tips

• Book ahead. Tickets and hospitality packages are sold on the Killarney Racecourse website.
• Make a day of it. With evening racing, you can spend the day in Killarney National Park and still be at the course for the first race.
• Eating and drinking. The course has a range of bars and restaurants, including a restaurant with views over the track and a bar with live entertainment after racing.
• Dress for the evening. Kerry evenings can turn cool and damp even in summer. Smart casual with a warm layer is sensible, and Ladies Day is the time to dress up if you want to.
• Betting. Like other Irish racecourses, Killarney has on-course betting. Betting is entirely optional, and plenty of people come just for the racing and the atmosphere. If you do bet, set yourself a limit. Free, confidential help is available from Gambling Care on 1800 936 725 (gamblingcare.ie).

For a first-timer's walk through the whole day, see our first day at the races guide. For more about the course itself, see our Killarney racecourse page.