The Tumbling Paddies and Lead Style Judge Vogue Williams

What:

Derby Sunday Features the absolute pinnacle of the Irish Flat Racing Calendar – the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Nothing matches the thrill, the history and the spectacle associated with this epic race! A must visit day for the racing purist!

Where:

📍The Curragh Racecourse

When:

June 28th 2026

Description:

Delighted to welcome the wonderful Vogue Williams to the Curragh on Sunday, 28th June, as she leads the judging panel for this year’s highly anticipated Best Dress Competition. The Dublin-born presenter, podcaster, and entrepreneur will be casting an expert eye over the crowd, keeping a special lookout for standout style, bright personality, and a genuine sense of fun. It promises to be a spectacular day of fashion, with racegoers competing for a truly luxurious Dubai holiday prize package on what is always one of the most glamorous dates in our sporting calendar.

To bring this magnificent weekend of world-class racing and culture to a fitting close, the incredible Tumbling Paddies will take to the stage on Sunday evening. Known far and wide for their energy-packed live shows, the band have captured the hearts of music lovers from Ireland to Dubai, Germany, and Spain. They will be performing their standout original tracks, including Pretty Girl, Night on the Town, and their massive chart-topping hit The Way I Am, which held the number one spot for an amazing ten weeks. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience their brilliant live performance right here in the heart of County Kildare, making memories that will last long after the final race is run.

More information/Booking

Cost €30.00

🏇🎶 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day

What:
The highlight of the Kildare Derby Festival, combining world-class racing, live entertainment and festival celebrations.

Where:
📍 The Curragh Racecourse & Kildare Town

When:
📅 Sunday 28th June 2026
🏇 Racing throughout the day
🎶 Live music from 5:30pm

Description:
The Kildare Derby Festival reaches its spectacular finale with Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day at The Curragh, one of the biggest events in Ireland’s sporting calendar.

Begin the day with the Pre-Derby Brunch on the Square in Kildare Town before making your way to The Curragh for an unforgettable day of racing, atmosphere and entertainment.

The celebrations continue after racing with live music from The Tumbling Paddies, bringing the festival to a lively close.

Complimentary transport will be available between Kildare Town and The Curragh, making it easy to enjoy the full festival experience.

More Information / Booking:
Tickets and full event details are available here:
https://tickets.curragh.ie/festival-tickets/307

For full Kildare Derby Festival updates visit:
www.kildarederbyfestival.ie

🏇🎶 Group 1 Racing & The Final Furlong Sessions

What:
A full day of racing excitement at The Curragh followed by an evening of live music across Kildare Town venues.

Where:
📍 The Curragh Racecourse & Kildare Town

When:
📅 Saturday 27th June 2026
🏇 Racing throughout the day
🎶 Live music from 7:30pm

Description:
Saturday of the Kildare Derby Festival brings together the very best of sport, music and community spirit.

Enjoy top-class racing at The Curragh, including the prestigious Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, before heading back to Kildare Town for The Final Furlong Sessions.

From 7:30pm, pubs and venues across the town come alive with live performances from talented Irish artists, creating a brilliant festival atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

More Information / Booking:
Tickets and racing information:
https://tickets.curragh.ie/festival-tickets/307

Full Final Furlong Sessions line-up and updates:
Visit www.kildarederbyfestival.ie

🏇 Evening Racing at The Curragh with Live Music

What:
An exciting evening of racing, live music and behind-the-scenes experiences at The Curragh Racecourse as part of the Kildare Derby Festival.

Where:
📍 The Curragh Racecourse, County Kildare

When:
📅 Friday 26th June 2026
🕔 Racing from 5:00pm

Description:
Experience the atmosphere of one of Ireland’s most famous racecourses with an evening of thrilling racing followed by live music from crowd favourites The Whistlin’ Donkeys.

Visitors can also discover more about the world of racing with the special Beyond the Rails Tour, offering a unique look behind the scenes at The Curragh.

With racing, music and festival entertainment, this is a fantastic way to enjoy the Derby Festival celebrations. Complimentary transport will be available between Kildare Town and The Curragh.

More Information / Booking:
Tickets and full event details are available here:
https://tickets.curragh.ie/festival-tickets/307

Derby Friday with Performance by Whistlin Donkeys

What:

The Whistlin Donkeys will get the Irish Derby weekend off to a thunderous start with their energetic live performance

Where:

The Curragh Racecourse

R56 RR67

When:

June 26th 2026

Description:

🎵 A Lively Evening in Champions Hall

As the sun begins to set over the plains of Kildare, the excitement moves indoors. We are thrilled to welcome the brilliant Whistlin' Donkeys to Champions Hall for our post-race celebrations. Famous for their infectious energy and brilliant blend of traditional Irish folk melodies and contemporary Celtic rock, they are guaranteed to get your feet tapping and bring the house down.