FOR the biggest racing fans to the curious newbies, there is nothing like the big meetings and festivals. Why not convert that passion or interest into a fabulous Christmas gift? You’re not just buying a ticket, you’re buying anticipation and excitement. The option is also there to push the boat out with a hospitality ticket. Here are the big three to consider for 2026:

Dublin Racing Festival,

Leopardstown,

January 31st and February 1st 2026

This two-day meeting, featuring eight Grade 1 races, goes from strength to strength each year and has proven very popular with Dubliners, but also with people travelling in from around the country (and from Britain) to spend one or two nights in the capital.

It’s a cannot-miss for an avid jumps racing fan or a more casual sort, keen for a trip to the capital, with the Luas bringing you from St Stephen’s Green to Leopardstown.

You’ve lots of options with regard to the fancier tickets. General admission is from €35, flexi-tickets are €40 and it’s €95 for premium level access, which gives spectators excellent views of the track. If you want to push the boat out further, there are hospitality packages such as Molly Malone’s Banquet at the Pavillion (building opposite the final hurdle) for €215 each.

Leopardstown also offers gift vouchers that can be used against ticket sales for all race days at Leopardstown Racecourse.

Cheltenham Festival

March 10th - 13th 2026

If you know a big jumps racing fan who hasn’t been to Cheltenham, Christmas is a great opportunity to book them in for an absolute must-go event.

The whole week might not be for everyone, so it may be better to select one or two days.

It’s remarkable how many people say their favourite day to go is the Tuesday for the Champion Hurdle. It might be a good idea to add on a second day this year, because it’s shaping up to be a real thriller.

There are tickets priced from £42.30 (€47.84) the Best Mate Enclosure, £45 (€50.89) for the Guinness Grandstand right through to £105 (€118.75) in The Racing Lounge and others in between. We’d recommend you get a Best Mate Enclosure or Tattersalls Enclosure Multi-Day ticket and save 20% on additional days.

If you fancy a more luxurious day, there is no better place to watch racing than from the Panoramic Restaurant, available at every raceday throughout the season. Situated on the fifth level of the grandstand overlooking the Winning Post, this premier restaurant provides the most stunning views over the racecourse. Accommodation-wise, you’ll need to be quick to book something in Cheltenham, with lots of hotels likely to sell out, but there are great AirBnB options if you shop around.

Royal Ascot

June 16th - 20th 2026

The initial presumption for some is that the pomp and pageantry that comes with Royal Ascot looks a bit over the top, but it really is a fantastic event with a stunningly unique atmosphere.

The dress code is strict, but mostly for the Royal Enclosure, which isn’t an option for the vast majority, so don’t worry about that.

Tickets start at £30 (€33.93) and get more expensive as the week goes on, but the racing at the beginning of the week is just as strong. There are some great party packages too, if you fancy gathering up a bunch of friends and getting the glad rags on.

You may as well make a mini holiday out of it, if you’re going over, and spend some time in London, with plenty of train services from the centre of the city out to Ascot (52 minutes from Waterloo Station).