It’s time to book your tickets and head to the oldest racecourse in Ireland to enjoy a day of horseracing.
Downpatrick Racecourse has a list of fixtures for 2025.
On Sunday 30 March the gates open at 12 noon for the Randox Ulster National Raceday. The first race starts at 2pm. If you can’t make that date then clear your diary for Friday 9 May and head for Downpatrick for this evening meeting. There is also an evening meeting scheduled for Friday 23 May. Saturday 14 June sees the gates opening at 12 noon. Sunday 15 June is Father's Day, the gates open at 12.30pm, what better way could you celebrate Father's Day than a day out at the Races? Monday 14 July is a family day. Enjoy a day out with all the family and Sunday 10 August is Style Sunday, not to be missed!
Ladies day is Monday 25 August, with gates opening at 12noon. Friday 19 September has gates open from 1pm and Friday 10 October is the End of the Season Raceday.
Get the dates fixed in your diary.
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Why not make a weekend of it?
Stay in Denvir’s Coaching Inn, in the centre of Downpatrick and enjoy the charm of the oldest surviving coaching Inn in Ireland. For dinner you can choose from a range of traditional and modern home cooked Irish fare. They only use the freshest products, sourced locally or home grown.
Built in 1803 and formerly the Ulster Bank, the four star Dufferin Coaching Inn & Hall retains many of the historic building’s original features and is situated in the shadows of Killyleagh Castle, one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, and near the shores of Strangford Lough - one of Europe’s richest locations for marine wildlife.
Featuring seven comfortable, unique and well-appointed en-suite guest rooms, Dufferin Coaching Inn offers a unique and welcoming home from home perfect for long or short-term stays.
Go Explore
Explore the Lecale Way and visit The Cuan for a hearty lunch or book a room and stay a bit longer.
Downpatrick Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Ireland, dating back to 1685. Today, we host 10 fixtures each year with our feature being the Randox Ulster National which this year takes place on Sunday 2nd April. The Racecourse is a hub of local life and attracts visitors from far and wide
A charming Coaching Inn dating from 1642 providing bed and breakfast with restaurant service daily and entertainment four nights per week. Meals can be served in the restaurant, the bar, and in either of two function rooms, suitable for larger parties.
The Cuan is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, on the Village Green in the beautiful tranquil village of Strangford. The Cuan is the perfect setting for a mid-week break, weekend getaway or an activity led holiday with the family.
This beautiful Georgian Building welcomes guests throughout the year where a very warm welcome awaits. Enjoy Free Parking, WIFI, Tea/Coffee making facilities, bathrobes and slippers, Toiletries Bottled Water, and a delicious freshly cooked breakfast.
