About the course
Down Royal is at Maze, near Lisburn in County Down, about 20 minutes from Belfast city. It is the only racecourse in Northern Ireland to stage both flat and jump racing, and it races throughout the year.
Its history is long. In 1685 King James II issued a Royal Charter forming the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders, and racing has taken place on the current course at Maze since the early 18th century, on land given by Arthur Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire. Although the course is in the United Kingdom, racing across the island is run on an all-Ireland basis, so Down Royal comes under Horse Racing Ireland.
The track is right-handed and roughly square, measuring just under two miles round.
Big meetings and races
- Festival of Racing: a two-day meeting in late October or early November that is widely seen as the start of the Irish jumps season. Its feature is the Grade 1 Champion Chase, the course's most valuable race and traditionally the first Grade 1 steeplechase of the Irish National Hunt season. Kauto Star, Beef Or Salmon, The Listener and Don Cossack are among past winners at the meeting. The second day is Ladies Day.
- Summer Festival: usually at the end of June, a two-day flat meeting featuring the Ulster Derby, the course's most valuable flat race, and the listed His Majesty's Plate.
- Bank holidays: Down Royal also races on St Patrick's Day, May Day and St Stephen's Day (Boxing Day).
The racecourse also hosts non-racing events such as a food truck festival. If you are new to it all, our first day at the races guide is a good place to start.
Getting there
- By road: use the postcode BT27 5RW for sat nav. Parking is free for everyone, and all car parks are within a five-minute walk of the turnstiles.
- Race-day coach: a return coach runs from Donegal Square West in Belfast, leaving 30 minutes before the gates open, and can be booked along with your ticket.
- By taxi: a taxi rank operates at the turnstile building on race days. The racecourse puts the trip from Belfast city centre at about 20 minutes.
- By rail: there are regular trains from Dublin to Belfast. From Belfast, the race-day coach or a taxi completes the journey.
- By air: Belfast International Airport is under half an hour's drive away.
Facilities and tips for visitors
- Arrival: turnstiles open about 90 minutes before the first race, and the racecourse suggests arriving at least an hour before it.
- Dress: smart casual. Sportswear is not allowed.
- Food and drink: outside food and drink are not permitted and bags may be searched. There is food on site, including a wine bar.
- Extras: free racecards, Wi-Fi around the venue, and a cash machine near the parade ring.
- Accessibility: the course is wheelchair accessible, carers get in free, and there is limited mobility parking.
- Dogs: not allowed, except guide and hearing dogs.
Nearby places to stay
Lisburn is the closest town, and Belfast, around 20 minutes away, has the widest choice and puts you on the race-day coach route. If you are visiting for a weekend, Downpatrick is also in County Down, and Dundalk is the nearest course south of the border.
Latest highlights
Highlights from Horse Racing Ireland on YouTube. Full race replays are on Racing TV.
Questions people ask
Is there a bus to Down Royal from Belfast?
Yes. A return race-day coach runs from Donegal Square West in Belfast, leaving 30 minutes before the gates open. You can book it when you buy your ticket.
Is there a dress code at Down Royal?
Smart casual is expected and sportswear is not allowed.
Is Down Royal part of Irish or British racing?
Irish. Although it is in Northern Ireland, racing is organised on an all-Ireland basis, so Down Royal comes under Horse Racing Ireland.
Sources
- Down Royal Racecourse: Plan your visit
- Down Royal Racecourse home page
- Horse Racing Ireland: Down Royal Racecourse
- AIR: Down Royal
- Wikipedia: Down Royal Racecourse
Last reviewed 30 September 2026. Dates and details change, so check with the racecourse before you travel.