Prepare for an unforgettable week packed with thrilling horse racing, electrifying live music, family fun, and the very best of Kildare’s food scene as the Kildare Derby Festival returns to celebrate a monumental milestone — 160 years of the iconic Irish Derby!
From Sunday, June 22nd through to Sunday, June 29th, Kildare transforms into the ultimate festival destination, where locals and visitors alike will experience a dazzling blend of sport, culture, and community spirit. With a wide selection of free and ticketed events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Festival Highlights
Sunday 22nd June
Grand Opening Carnival, The Square, Kildare Town | 2:30 PM – FREE event!
Kick off the festival with a lively afternoon carnival celebrating the 160-year legacy of the Irish Derby alongside Derby influences from around the world. Fun and festivities for all ages!
Monday 23rd June
Pooch Parade, The Square, 7 PM – FREE to watch
Calling all dog lovers! Enter your furry friend in this charming parade, proudly supported by Connolly’s Red Mills. With, seven themed categories from Golden Oldies to Kardashian Kanines, there is ample opportunity for your dog to shine!! Prizes, vet advice, and pure fun await — but don’t forget to pre-register your pooch (at a small charge) at www.kildarederbyfestival.ie.
Tuesday 24th June
Racing Colours Art Exhibition, Southwells ‘Gather Store’, 6pm (FREE to attend!)
Celebrate the equine spirit at the Southwells ‘Gather Store’ with a captivating art exhibition. Whether of the horses, the jockeys, the silks, the style, this theme embraces all creative expressions connected to ‘the horse’.
Jazz Night, Solas Bhride, 7.30pm (FREE to attend!)
Unwind with the soulful sounds of the Des Hopkins Band at Solas Bhride from 7pm. Book your FREE ticket in advance at Eventbrite!
Derby Legends Evening, Silken Thomas, 7.30pm
An exclusive, ticketed evening at The Silken Thomas featuring legendary Irish Derby-winning jockeys sharing captivating stories. A rare chance to hear from such icons as Johnny Murtagh, Joseph O’Brien, Seamie Heffernan, Kevin Manning and Mick Kinane! Seating limited, so book your tickets now through Eventbrite.
Wednesday 25th June
Derby Dreams Breakfast, The Curragh
Enjoy a special morning at The Curragh with an exclusive Irish Derby event. More details and tickets through www.horsecountry.ie
Concert in the Cathedral with Jack L, 7.30pm
Enjoy an acoustic sensation with famous Irish songwriter and musician Jack L, in the beautiful surrounds of St Brigid’s Cathedral. This is a ticketed event (available through Eventbrite) and seats are limited!
Thursday 26th June
Early morning Gallops Tour with Legendary Trainer John Oxx. The Curragh 6.45am. Bookings through www.horsecountry.ie
Ciaran Wynne Band and Rugged Little Pill, The Square, 7pm (FREE event!)
Enjoy Ciaran Wynne’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies followed by the hits of Canadian superstar Alanis Morissette. A wonderful evening of music on the Square.
An Evening of Prose, Poetry and Music, Kildare Town Library, 7pm (FREE event!)
With poet, writer and broadcaster Mae Leonard and friends. Accompanied by music from Naas Community Men’s Shed. This event is free, but pre-booking is essential by calling 045 520 235.
Friday 27th June
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival at the Curragh commences!
Racing at the Curragh from 5pm, followed by The Classic Beatles LIVE after racing!
Sat 28th June
Racing at the Curragh from 1.15pm (gates open 11am).
Post Racing Afterparty, The Square, Kildare Town from 8pm (FREE event!) Goodtime Supergroup, Spring Break will take to the stage in the Square, Kildare Town to rock the night away!
Sunday 29th June
Tanqueray Tipple Brunch with Luke Thomas and the Swing Cats, The Square, 11am
Get your day off on the right groove with a pre-racing brunch in the Square! Then head to the Curragh for the 160th Irish Derby.
160th Irish Derby Day, The Curragh, Racing from 1.15pm
A fantastic day of Speed, Style and Spectacle awaits racegoers at the 160th Irish Derby! Nothing matches the thrill, the history or the spectacle associated with this epic race. A must visit day to the Curragh!
The Whistlin’ Donkeys, LIVE after Racing, The Curragh, 6.00pm
Sunday night will see the festival brought to a rip roaring close when The Whistlin Donkeys take to the stage at the Curragh Racecourse with their unique blend of traditional Irish music and Celtic rock influences!! Heart pounding and foot stomping fun to close the weekend!
Additional Info
Complimentary transport between Kildare Town and The Curragh will be provided throughout the Dubai Duty Free Derby weekend. Details will be available closer to the festival at www.curragh.ie.
Don’t miss out on Kildare’s biggest event of the year — where tradition meets excitement in a week-long celebration of sport, culture, and community!
Kildare Derby Festival 2025 – Experience the Thrill, the History, the Magic!
