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Racing festivals back with a bang as Killarney Races presents ‘MayFest’

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Killarney Racecourse is set to host the first of its three summer horse-racing festivals from next weekend.

ALL SET: Mariam Diasamidze (right) and Aisling O'Sullivan all set for the racing festival at Killarney Racecourse this racing season. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Taking place from May 15 to Tuesday 17 inclusive, ‘MayFest’ at Killarney Races offers great racing and so much more at Ireland’s most scenic racecourse. Live music, family fun and delicious food and beverage offerings complement the best of summer racing at the track.

There are a number of ticket levels and packages to choose from, whether it is close to the action general admission tickets or silver service fine dining and a table for the day, there is something for everyone at Killarney Races. Adult admission tickets will give you access to all you need for a great day at the races; the viewing stands, public bars and restaurants, the bookies ring and parade ring viewing areas as well as access to live entertainment during and after racing all for just €20. OAPs and students enjoy a reduced rate admission of €15 per person with appropriate ID. Furthermore, it is good to note that all children under the age of 14 are free of charge to attend every race day at Killarney Races when accompanied by an adult. So why not bring along your very own ‘junior jockeys’ to Mayfest for a fun and inexpensive family day out.

Ideal for groups of friends and social clubs the Punters Package looks like a winner, offering the key ingredients for a good start to any race day; admission, racecard, a drink and a bet. The punters package will get you suited and booted for a proper day out with all the gang at Killarney Races. While those with a more discerning palate might opt for the Panoramic Restaurant package which includes four-course dining, a reserved table for the day, table service for food, beverages, and betting as well as a private balcony with stunning views overlooking the entire racecourse.

“Killarney Races is a boutique festival," Chairman Ger Coughlan said. 

"It encompasses a wonderful mix of summer horse racing blended with live entertainment on the lawn and indoors, a wide variety of delicious food and beverage offerings, family fun and fashion. Here at Ireland’s most scenic racecourse our focus is on customer experience. We offer an unrivalled quality product where sport, entertainment and hospitality all combine to create a memorable day out. The stunning backdrop we race against is without question one of the finest in the world and we’re just a stone’s throw away from the town centre where there will be lots of aprés racing fun and frolics also. The team here simply can’t wait to see crowds back, as it really is the people who attend that really make this place come alive. Killarney Races is unique, things are a little more special and remarkable here than your typical day out so if you're new to racing come along and all visitors and regular racegoers are valued and most welcome to join us.”

Sunday (May 15) is an all jump racing card with the first race off at 2pm and gates open from 12 noon. It will be a very special day at Killarney Racecourse, as the EBF Mares Race will be held in memory of the late Donie Sheahan, a fitting tribute to such a lovely man who adored and contributed so much to racing.

Monday (May 16) is an evening meeting, all jump racing again with a start time of 5pm and gates open from 3pm. The feature race is the TOTE Killarney National. Tuesday will close MayFest in style, the feature race is The Irish Examiner Handicap Flat Race. The first race goes to post at 4.55pm and gates open from 3pm.

Music throughout the festival will be provided by Cathal Flaherty, Craig Counihan and SuperCéilí. On Sunday there will be children’s entertainment also, to ensure plenty of fun between races during MayFest too.

Possibly the most competitive race of the festival could be the public dash for the new stunning rattan furniture on the lawns! Patrons are advised to come early, to nab the best seats in the house and enjoy something to eat or drink before racing, gates open two hours before the first race each day.

Killarney Racecourse is just a stroll from the town centre with ample on-site free car parking also. Enhanced facilities are complemented by new hospitality partners and an atmosphere you’ll want to bottle and bring home with you, the only question left is, have you booked yet? For further information or to book online visit www.killarneyraces.com.

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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