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The Irish Derby Festival
Note: Details below refer to the previous event. Updated information for this year will be published here as soon as it becomes available.
This is the biggest day in the Irish racing calendar, when the best 3 your old thoroughbreds in the world come to the Curragh to race for Europe's richest prize in the Irish Derby.
If you want to really fit in you need to dress up, and I mean UP! Hats are an essential for the ladies and many will have spent the previous weeks on serious buying sprees in the smartest boutiques in Dublin, London and Paris being kitted out for the Derby.
Sometimes the racing seems almost overlooked, such is the glittering style on the rails, but it will be a high quality card right through with some great and hotly contested races guaranteed and for anyone with a real interest in horseracing or in horses this is a must.
A Festival has been built around the Derby in neighbouring Kildare town, with live music events and other entertainment available thoughout the three days of racing. On the Firday events include a barbecue, live music and the annual Curragh Big Bash.
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What else to do in Kildare?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our Midlands and East Area Guide.
