Kildare hotel hosting 'Legacy Series' events during Irish Derby Weekend

As the eyes of the racing world turn to The Curragh in Co Kildare for the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, The Keadeen Hotel—the closest hotel to the famous racecourse—is preparing to take centre stage with a fabulous weekend of entertainment, hospitality, and heritage.

From Friday, June 27th to Sunday, June 29th, The Keadeen Hotel will come alive with a trio of unforgettable events as part of its brand-new ‘Legacy Series’, celebrating the hotel’s deep roots in Irish racing culture.

Long a fixture in Kildare’s racing landscape, The Keadeen was once the home of legendary trainer Paddy ‘Darkie’ Prendergast, who helped shape the course of Irish flat racing and trained for stars including Bing Crosby.

The hotel’s newly launched Legacy Series is a premium partnership with The Curragh Racecourse, designed to honour that proud heritage while ushering in a bold new chapter. The series will see The Keadeen sponsor a variety of races over the season, with the jewel in the crown being its vibrant involvement in Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend.

Kicking off the festivities on Friday, June 27th, the hotel will host “Pig & a Pint”, an open-air garden party with spit-roasted BBQ, live music, and unmissable entertainment from one of Ireland’s most beloved presenters, personalities and social media stars, James Patrice, appearing as his iconic character, ‘Malahide Woman’. Tickets from €25 with a range of spot prizes and surprises on the night.

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“I’m absolutely thrilled that Malahide Woman is making her way to Newbridge!” said James Patrice. “She’s always had a soft spot for the Newbridge ladies — the blow-dries, the heels, the attitude! Honestly, you wouldn’t get style like it even in Paris... and that's just the men. She’s ready to bring her most fabulous frock and fiercest face for a night of lip-sync battles, catwalks, and maybe even a glamorous gallop!”

From performing her own show-stopping numbers to doling out salacious spot prizes, Malahide Woman will have guests in stitches—and stilettos—throughout the night. She’ll also crown the person with ‘the best outfit’ on the evening, in what promises to be the most fabulous, and cheeky fashion moment outside the parade ring.

On Saturday, June 28th, guests will rise in style for a lively Bottomless Brunch, served from 11am to 1pm. Featuring bubbles, a full Irish breakfast, and exclusive insights from legendary jockey and racing broadcaster Fran Berry, it’s the perfect way to fuel up and talk form ahead of a thrilling day at The Curragh. The hotel will also sponsor the last race on Derby Sat at The Curragh.  Tickets from €49 including brunch, tipster, transfer to the Curragh and admission ticket.

The weekend will come to a stylish close on Sunday, June 29th—Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day—with the hotel hosting its signature post-race celebration: “Beats and Treats”. After the final horse crosses the line, guests will return to The Keadeen for a lively night of food, fun and flair. With DJ Mo Kelly spinning the tracks and Natalia on sax, the ‘Trax and Sax’ duo will set the tone for an evening that’s as stylish as it is entertaining. Gourmet bowl food, upbeat vibes, and a crowd still buzzing from the day's racing action will bring the curtain down on what promises to be the most glamorous weekend on the Irish sporting calendar. Tickets from €25 including supper bowl and entertainment.

Michael Masterson, General Manager of The Keadeen Hotel, expressed his pride in bringing the hotel’s story full circle, “We’re proud to bring the legacy back to life. The Keadeen has always been close to the heartbeat of Irish racing. With the Legacy Series, we’re not just honouring our past—we’re creating something new, vibrant and rooted in our community. And there’s no better moment to start than Derby Weekend, right on our doorstep. We are also thrilled to say that we will sponsor a number of races throughout the year at key meetings including both derby weekend and at the Oaks later in the summer.”

As the curtain rises on this new chapter, The Keadeen Hotel is once again the place to be—for locals, racegoers, and anyone looking to experience the magic of the Irish racing tradition.

Three great events. One legendary weekend. The Keadeen Hotel—it’s where it’s at before and after the races.

For event tickets, bookings, or more information on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend and the Keadeen Hotel Legacy Series, visit www.keadeenhotel.ie or call  +353 (0) 45 431666. Tickets at Eventbrite or available at hotel reception. 

Pig on the Spit & Pint Night Hosted by James Patrice aka Malahide Woman Tickets, Fri 27 Jun 2025 at 20:30 | Eventbrite