Chasing Abbey to headline Kildare Derby Festival

The full line up for this year's Kildare Derby Festival has been announced. Experience a week filled with unique events and experiences showcasing the best of Kildare's history, culture and horses.

Running from Tuesday, June 25 to Sunday, June 30, there will be a great buzz in the town throughout the week.
People are invited to come along for an unforgettable celebration, blending tradition with innovation at this year’s festival.
The fun begins on Tuesday, June 25 with an exclusive tour of the Irish National Stud at 10.30am.

There will be a Kildangan Stud’s Foal-To-Fame Tour at 2.30pm at Kildangan Stud followed by the official opening of the ‘Horse Tales’ Equestrian Art Exhibition at 6pm at the No. 8 Gallery. The gallery is thrilled to announce this exhibition, which is curated by Lauren Hamilton, in association with The Kildare Derby Festival 2024, Into Kildare, and kindly supported by the Kildare County Council.

Artists interpret the subject of ‘equine’ in various mediums from painting, photography and sculpture.
Kildare Town Library will host a Literary and Jazz Evening from 7.30pm to 9pm.

On Wednesday, there will be an Irish Derby Breakfast with Michael Kinane at 9.30am at the Curragh Racecourse.
Join The Curragh’s MC Robbie Irwin in the stunning setting of the Lilywhites Lounge, overlooking the Flat Rath gallops, for a continental breakfast in the company of legendary retired jockey, Michael Kinane.

Hear about famous horses, jockeys, owners and trainers who won the Irish Derby during Michael Kinane’s career int he saddle, including his back-to-back wins on Galileo and High Chaparral

Meanwhile, tours of the National Stud kick off at 11am.

The Racing Legends Museum Tour with Jim Kavanagh is on at 2pm. Embark on a journey through the realm of sporting greatness as Mr Kavanagh, local historian and legend, unveils this year’s illustrious Hall of Fame inductees, regaling you with tales of legendary thoroughbred horses, iconic jockeys, and masterful trainers who have graced and triumphed in the revered grounds of the Irish Derby.

At 2pm, the ‘Horse Tales’ Equestrian Art Exhibition will be open from 4pm to 8pm at No. 8 Gallery.

Enjoy the Ennio Morricone Experience and Kildare Choir Cathedral Concert at 7.30pm. This iconic ensemble will bring to life the timeless compositions of Ennio Morricone, transporting you through a musical journey filled with emotion and grandeur.
Another action packed day is promised for Thursday, June 27.

The Curragh Gallops Tour with John Oxx and Breakfast at Orby’s by Lucy kicks off at 6:30am. Take a tour behind the scenes at the Curragh Racecourse, to locations that are strictly off limits to the public on race days and gain an insight into what it is like to experience a race day as a jockey, a racehorse trainer and a racehorse owner. This tour takes place at 9.30am.

Once again there will be an exclusive tour of the Irish National Stud at 10:30am.

There will also be a Kildangan Stud’s Foal-To-Fame Tour at 2.30pm.

The Soap Box Derby will be held in the square in Kildare at 7pm, while the Horse Tales Equestrian Art display continues from 4pm to 8pm at the No. 8 Gallery.

There will be a free outdoor concert with Hot Cross Dunnes at 8pm in the square.

On Friday, June 28 The Jessica Harrington Racing Experience will be held at the trainer’s yard at 9.30pm.
Further tours take place at the National Stud at 12pm.

The Funky Friday Racing at The Curragh returns at 3.30pm, with a concert from Abbaesque after racing.
Meanwhile, the Horse Tails exhibiton remains open from 4pm to 8pm.

On Saturday, June 29, there will be racing at The Curragh with gates opening at 11am. After racing, Rack The Ashes take to the stage.

The ‘Horse Tales’ Equestrian Art Exhibition will be open from 12 noon to 8pm at No. 8 Gallery. In Kildare town, there will be a free outdoor concert with DJ Owen Fagan and Chasing Abbey in the square from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

On Sunday, June 30, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Race Day takes place at The Curragh. Gates open at 11am with an after racing concert from Electric Dreams.

The ‘Horse Tales’ Equestrian Art Exhibition continues from 12 noon to 8pm.

The square in Kildare will host a free outdoor concert with Epilogue Band and Riff Shop from 5.30pm to 9pm.
For the full list of events and booking details check out Kildare Derby Festival on Facebook or log on to www.thoroughbredcountry.ie/kildare-derby-festival

There are a range of free and paid for events.