The Curragh Racecourse is set to make Irish racing history this Easter by staging the country’s first ever Good Friday race meeting, with a unique, family-focused fixture taking place on Friday, April 3.
In a landmark move for the sport, the Kildare venue will open its gates free of charge to all racegoers, with the initiative supported by the Curragh On Course Bookmakers. The occasion is being positioned as both a high-quality day of flat racing and an inclusive Easter celebration aimed at attracting new audiences alongside regular attendees.
Racing will get underway from just before 13:30. Organisers believe the combination of top-class racing and a relaxed, festival atmosphere will make the event a standout addition to the 2026 calendar.
Beyond the action on the track, the day has been designed with families in mind, featuring a range of attractions and entertainment. Nore Valley Pet Farm will be on site, offering children the opportunity to meet and interact with animals, while a series of Easter-themed games, activities and treats will add to the festive feel.
A further incentive for those attending is the chance to win a €2,500 Centre Parcs voucher, with one family set to take home the prize as part of the day’s celebrations.
“Hosting Ireland’s first ever Good Friday race day is a truly historic occasion for the Curragh and for Irish racing,” said Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the Curragh Racecourse.
“We are proud to open our gates for a special Easter celebration designed with families in mind.”
“With thrilling racing and a wide range of children’s entertainment, we look forward to welcoming regular and new racegoers of all ages for what promises to be a memorable day at the home of Irish flat racing.”
Traditionally, horse racing has not taken place in Ireland on Good Friday, making the decision to stage a meeting on the day a notable shift that reflects a broader effort within the industry to innovate and expand its audience base.
By combining sporting quality with accessibility and community engagement, the Curragh is aiming to create a new annual fixture that appeals beyond its core racing audience.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to position racecourses as multi-purpose venues capable of hosting events that cater to families and younger audiences, while maintaining the integrity and appeal of the sport itself.
With free entry, a competitive race card and a strong emphasis on entertainment, organisers are optimistic that the Good Friday meeting will attract a large and diverse crowd.
All attendees will be required to present a valid ticket, which can be downloaded free of charge via the Curragh Racecourse website.
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