Sport guides · Racecourses · Updated November 2026
Leopardstown racecourse guide: festivals, getting there and race-day tips
By the Irish Sports Betting Sites team
In short: Leopardstown, in Foxrock in south Dublin, is one of Ireland’s top racecourses, hosting both flat and jump racing. Its biggest days are the Dublin Racing Festival in February, the Irish Champions Festival in September and the Christmas Festival from St Stephen’s Day.
The big meetings
| Meeting | When | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin Racing Festival | Early February | Two days of top-class jump racing and a key trial for Cheltenham. |
| Summer evenings | Summer | Relaxed evening flat meetings, popular for after-work groups. |
| Irish Champions Festival | September | Top flat racing, shared with the Curragh. |
| Christmas Festival | From 26 December | Four days of jump racing and one of the biggest crowds of the year. |
Getting there
Leopardstown is around 10km south of Dublin city centre. The Luas Green Line runs nearby, and the racecourse usually runs shuttle buses on big days. Taxis and car parking are available, but expect queues after the last race at festival meetings. Check the racecourse’s website for race-day travel details before you go.
Race-day tips
- Book tickets early for the Christmas and February festivals, as they sell out.
- Dress for the weather. Winter meetings get cold once the sun goes down.
- Decide your betting budget before you arrive and leave your cards at home if that helps you stick to it.
- New to racing bets? Read our each-way betting guide first.
FAQs
Is Leopardstown flat or jumps?
Both. It hosts top-level jump racing in winter and flat racing in spring, summer and autumn.
When is the Leopardstown Christmas Festival?
It starts on St Stephen’s Day, 26 December, and runs for four days.
How do I get to Leopardstown from Dublin city centre?
The Luas Green Line runs nearby and shuttle buses run on big race days. Check the racecourse website for details.
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