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JulyFest at Killarney Races is back!
Killarney Races is set to open their gates for JulyFest running from July 15 to 19.
All the key ingredients that make festivals at Killarney Races such a remarkable event will be present.
Top class summer racing, food, fashion, live music and a fantastic atmosphere are all guaranteed. Visitors from home and abroad are set to gather to enjoy a proper day out in style at Ireland’s most scenic racecourse.
There is lots to look forward to with a selection of highlights included below. Off-track entertainment plans are set to go down a treat with punters, offering family fun, a visit from The Roses, Live Music and of course the highly anticipated The Lee Strand Ladies Day fashion event, there is something for everyone on and off the track during JulyFest!
Kicking the festival for the opening day is a flat fixture on Monday 15th with live music on the lawn and post-racing in the Jim Culloty by the very talented Nicole Lonergan.
On Tuesday there is a prize fund of €100,000 on offer for the seven-race flat card which includes a race for qualified riders. This is likely to attract competitive representatives from many of the leading yards in the country. Tuesday will also feature live music from Resolute.
Wednesday is the final day of flat racing of the festival, with some surprises in store. Family Day is back, featuring games and attractions for all to enjoy. A panel of Roses taking part in the 2024 Rose of Tralee Festival will be in attendance. Live music from Resolute and post-racing DJ Ray Stack will ensure the party goes on until late.
As the codes change to National Hunt things step up a gear, Frankie Foster, from Raceday the Racing TV social media channel ,will enjoy the first of his JulyFest racedays at Killarney Races. Frankie will be out and about taking in the great racing, spectacular sights and chatting with the crowd with his famous orange mic. There will also be live music from Resolute and Nicole Lonergan to enjoy.
“I could not be any more excited to come over to Killarney this July. Like many people I've seen the footage and images of Killarney Racecourse and the scenery looks amazing, I can't wait to see it for myself. Since we started #Raceday we have been lucky enough to do several trips to Ireland and we have had nothing but great fun at the races and with the Irish racing fans. I have some great friends from Kerry who have been telling me for years to come over for the craic.”
The final day of the festival is Friday July 19. This is when the competition really heats up off the track with the popular Lee Strand Best Dress Day taking place.
Ten lucky ladies and gents will be selected by celebrity judges, each taking home a prize for their efforts in the fashion stakes.
Ladies and gents will battle it out in style for the chance to be crowned best dressed and take home the covetable prizes of a VIP trip for two to Paris and Milan.
The top tip for Lee Stand Ladies Day is to come racing early, the judges will be out an about from early doors to find this year’s best dressed ladies and gents!
Gates open at 3pm on each day and at the earlier time of 12 noon on Friday with the first race off approximately two hours later each day.
Patrons are advised to come racing early, to nab the best seating areas and soak up the atmosphere, music and the best of Killarney’s renowned hospitality. For further information or to book tickets, bundles and hospitality online visit, killarneyraces.com.
Book launch: Sister completes late brother’s Shipping Forecast sea kayak challenge
A unique book promotional event will take place in the Beaufort Bar next week, telling the story of a sister who took to the sea to complete her late brother’s extraordinary adventure.
Katie Carr will speak at the Beaufort venue on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30pm to launch her most recent book, Thundery at Times. The book follows her journey to honour her brother, Toby, who passed away in the middle of his challenge to paddle in every sea area of the BBC Shipping Forecast. Despite having never been in a sea kayak before, Katie decided to take over the expedition and finish what he started.
The upcoming talk connects her new perspective with her earlier work, Moderate Becoming Good Later, which she wrote in Toby’s voice as a tribute to his determination. Her latest book looks at the intense physical and emotional challenges of taking on the journey herself.
Six of the famous BBC Shipping Forecast area, Fastnet, Irish Sea, Shannon, Rockall, Malin, and Lund, reach the Irish coast. Five of the book’s chapters are set in Ireland, including a dedicated chapter on Kerry, making her upcoming visit to the county particularly meaningful.
The launch is being highlighted locally by Donal Dowd of Coolcaslagh, the retired Director of Cappanalea OETC, who accompanied Katie on the water during her journey.
“I accompanied Katie on one of her trips while she was completing the Shannon section, which commences in Valentia and stretches up as far north as Connemara in west Galway,” Donal said. “I encourage members of the public to attend what will be an entertaining event, as Katie is a most entertaining speaker, has great slides and video footage, and has a very interesting story to tell.”
The evening will include readings from the book, reflections on the writing and paddling processes, an audience question-and-answer session, and a book signing. Admission is open to all members of the public.
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