Easter weekend is shaping up to be absolutely epic this year, and if you're wondering how to keep the whole family entertained while the chocolate comas wear off, Fairyhouse Racecourse has got you covered. The Easter Festival will run from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th April, promising three days of world-class racing, style competitions, family fun and live music that'll have you questioning why you ever thought staying home in your pyjamas was a good plan.
The star of the show will be the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, which goes to post at 5pm. This isn't just any old race - we're talking about Ireland's most famous steeplechase with €500,000 in prize money up for grabs. First run back in 1870, it's the kind of event where legends are made and where you'll find yourself shouting at horses like you actually know what you're talking about.
Saturday: Bring Your Best Hat Game
Easter Saturday will be all about the style, with the Bellinter House Hotel & Spa Most Stylish Person competition taking centre stage. Celebrity makeup artist Michelle Regazzoli Stone (aka Mrs Make Up) will be on hand to judge who's nailed that perfect balance of race day glamour without looking like they're trying too hard.
The winner and their guest will bag a two-night stay in the luxurious Boyne Valley Suite, complete with spa treatments and dinner at the award-winning Preston's Restaurant. Second prize includes a swanky two-night stay at The Exhibitionist hotel in London with arrival cocktails, while third place gets a Private Pod experience at Bellinter House with lunch included.
The Highstool Prophets will headline the live music after racing, so you can dance off all that champagne and canapé indulgence.
Sunday: The Kids Will Actually Thank You
Easter Sunday is where Fairyhouse really wins over the mum vote. Designated as Family Day, they're pulling out all the stops with free children's entertainment that'll keep the little ones occupied for hours. We're talking petting farms, racehorse simulators, puppet shows, magic shows, a sensory bus, colouring stations, face painters and the La Bucca Easter bonnet competition.
Meanwhile, the grown-ups can enjoy the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup, which promises some seriously impressive jump racing. It's the perfect setup - kids are entertained, adults get their racing fix, and everyone goes home happy (especially if you back a winner).
Monday: The Main Event
Easter Monday is when things get properly exciting with the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National. This race has serious pedigree - legendary horses like Arkle have thundered around this course, and jockeys like Pat Taaffe have made their names here with six victories to his credit.
The race covers three miles and five furlongs with 24 fences to jump, and historically it's produced some incredible stories. In 2021, Freewheelin Dylan won at odds of 150-1, probably making someone very rich and very happy indeed.
John Sheridan, Fairyhouse General Manager, said: "We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Fairyhouse for what promises to be an unforgettable Easter Festival. The Easter Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration with something for everyone from our style day on Saturday to family day on Sunday concluding with the feature event, the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National Day on Monday."
Getting there won't be a headache either. Besides public transport, Fairyhouse will run free shuttle buses to and from Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne on a first-come, first-served basis. Irish Rail customers can also hop on a free shuttle from the M3 Parkway.
Tickets are available now at www.fairyhouse.ie, including group discounts if you want to make it a proper day out with friends. After spending the last few months juggling school runs, work deadlines and general chaos, doesn't a day at the races sound like exactly what you need?
