THERE’S a familiar moment every December when the “What do I get them?” panic sets in. They’ve already got the socks. They’ve already got the scarf. They definitely don’t need another gadget that will end up in a drawer by St Stephen’s Day.

What they do need, especially if they’re the kind of person who can tell the difference between a novice hurdle and a handicap chase, is something that gives them days out, not more stuff.

Step forward the annual membership badge at an Irish racecourse. With 26 racecourses on the island, there are one or two not far from you.

Without exception, these memberships offer amazing value. They typically pay for themselves even if the recipient only uses them a handful of times. Plus you usually get some perks, such as exclusive access to a members’ bar, parking areas, complimentary racecards, and even reciprocal free days at other tracks.

There isn’t space here to go through what’s on offer from all 26 tracks but we have listed a selection of them. Note that the prices quoted are for adult memberships. Almost all tracks offer lower prices for students and seniors.

So, which racecourse does the person you are buying for talk about the most? Go to that track’s website and see what’s on offer. In a Christmas season full of disposable presents, an annual racecourse membership is the opposite: a year of anticipation and enjoyable days out.

Ballinrobe: Just €125 for admission to all 2026 fixtures. You get a free racecard each day, exclusive access to the members, owners and trainers’ bar, free admission at over 20 Irish and UK racecourses on designated days, 10% off racecourse merchandise on racedays, and entry into the members’ draw.

Web: ballinroberacecourse.ie

Curragh: Packages range from €145 (students) to €500 (reserved seating). Lounges, parking, reciprocal free racedays, and free tickets for non-classic days also included.

Web: curragh.ie

Downpatrick: Only £130 for general admission to all 10 fixtures. Includes complimentary racecard, reserved car parking, and admission to 28 reciprocal race meetings in Ireland and the UK.

Web: downpatrickracecourse.co.uk

Dundalk Stadium: Bit of a different approach here, as you can buy a badge for €100, which gets you access to any 10 racedays.

Web: dundalkstadium.com

Fairyhouse: Annual membership starts at €235 and includes admission to all 21 meetings, reserved car parking, racecard, access to the members’ lounge, tickets for over 15 reciprocal days at other race tracks, a member’s gift and special trips.

Web: fairyhouse.ie

Galway: An annual badge for Galway is only €100? That can’t be right… is it? (checks small print again, yep, it’s correct.) So, you’re telling me that for €100 I get admission to all 13 racedays plus access to the exclusive The Club Bar. And there’s reciprocal free days and exclusive trips. And a birthday gift! Hey, Galway Races, I think you’ve been hacked.

Web: galwayraces.ie

Gowran Park: For €120, you get admission to all 18 racedays, access to the private members’ lounge overlooking the winning post and betting ring, free entry to reciprocal race dates throughout Ireland and the UK, 25% discount on green fees at Gowran Park Golf Course, and you can bring up to two guests on each raceday (excluding Thyestes) at a rate of €10 per person.

Web: gowranpark.ie

Killarney: The €190 Racegoers Club membership includes admission to every raceday, a complimentary ticket for selected racedays at Cork, Limerick and Punchestown, entrance to racegoers’ bar/private members’ area at Killarney, tipster each day, and entry into members’ draws. Double membership is €280.

Web: killarneyraces.ie

Leopardstown: This track has some of the best facilities of any racecourse. An annual membership costs €315 and the package includes admission to all 23 meetings throughout the year and to over 60 reciprocal racedays across Ireland and the UK. You get four complimentary passes to include admission and access to the Members Bar for selected race meetings. There are also social visits and opportunities to make parade ring presentations.

Web: leopardstown.com

Naas: At €125 this one looks particularly good value. You get admission to all 20 racedays, access to the exclusive Members’ Lounge, complimentary racecard, four flexi-guest passes, an invitation to the annual members’ trip, the usual reciprocal free racedays at selected racecourses, entry into the Christmas draw, 10% discount in the Panoramic Restaurant, and an opportunity to take part in parade ring presentations.

Web: naasracecourse.com

Punchestown: Full membership is priced at €275 and includes access to all 21 fixtures including the five-day festival, up to 80 reciprocal dates throughout Ireland and the UK, and added extras.

Web: punchestown.com

Tramore: You need to move fast if you want to use this membership on New Year’s Day. The deal covers all 12 racedays in 2026, free racecard, 20% off future ticket purchases, and admission into 44 reciprocal racedays across Ireland and Britain.

Web: tramoreraces.ie