If you happen to be in Dublin on St. Stephen’s Day (26th December), you should seriously consider joining the horseracing fans in placing a wager on their favourite horse. This would be the first day of the race meeting and the competition is fierce as these National Hunt races are a preparation for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Horse Racing Ireland & Leopardstown Racecourse launches the largest racing festival of the winter season; the annual Leopardstown Christmas Festival. Work off the Christmas excess at this exuberant feast of racing, with all the conviviality of such a highly social event. Fashion is just as compelling as the races themselves and a great many bars and restaurants are at hand to offer some nourishment and respite from the cold.
Built by Captain George Quin, Leopardstown dates back to 1888 and is modelled on England’s Sandown Racecourse in Surrey. In order to secure the future of the racetrack, the owners accepted an offer for the course from the Racing Board in 1967. Since then, it has been continuously upgraded, becoming a premier racecourse and boasting high quality racing and facilities. The Leopardstown Christmas Festival has become quite a traditional event during the Christmas season – and with good reason too. What better way can holidaymakers experience Dublin at its festive best?
