The Punchestown Festival runs from Tuesday April 28 to Saturday May 2 2026. Here is exactly how to watch, when the races run and what to look out for each day.
TV Coverage
The Punchestown Festival is broadcast live on Racing TV across all five days. Racing TV is the primary broadcaster for Irish jump racing and carries complete coverage of every race at the festival from the first race to the last.
ITV Racing typically carries selected races from Punchestown — particularly the headline Grade 1 events — across the festival week. Check the ITV Racing schedule for specific races that will be shown on free-to-air television in Britain. Races not on ITV will be available on Racing TV.
In Ireland, the festival is carried on Racing TV and through bookmaker streaming services. Most major Irish and British bookmakers offer free live streaming of Punchestown races to funded account holders or customers with a qualifying bet placed on the relevant race.
The Daily Schedule
Racing at Punchestown during the festival typically begins in the early afternoon with the first race from approximately 3:30pm-4:00pm and finishes by 7:00pm each day. The Grade 1 races are positioned later in each day's card — the Gold Cup runs at 6:05pm on Wednesday April 29, ensuring it falls in peak viewing time.
Tuesday April 28: William Hill Champion Chase Day. Three Grade 1s on the opening card. Wednesday April 29: Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup at 6:05pm. The centrepiece of the entire festival. Thursday April 30: Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle. Teahupoo and Bob Olinger among the entries. Friday May 1: Boodles Champion Hurdle. Lossiemouth defending after Cheltenham. Saturday May 2: Festival finale — Mares Champion Hurdle and Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle.
Getting to Punchestown
Punchestown Racecourse is located approximately 25 miles south-west of Dublin city centre in County Kildare. By car, the course is accessible from the M7/N7. Bus and train connections run from Dublin city centre on festival days. Kilcullen is the nearest village; Naas is the nearest large town. On-site parking is available. Festival attendance is typically in excess of 40,000 on the Wednesday and Friday peak days.
Tickets
Tickets for the Punchestown Festival are available through the Punchestown Racecourse website. Under-18s go free when accompanied by an adult on selected days. Members Club holders have dedicated facilities and complimentary entry across the five days.
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