YOUR NEXT PROPER DAY OUT…

Down Royal racecourse is located in Co. Down, just 20 minutes outside Belfast City. It is a thoroughly modern racecourse with a rich history. It is the only racecourse in Northern Ireland which hosts both jump and flat racing.

Providing racing all year round, this track stages some of the biggest and most prominent races in the Irish racing calendar. The track is a right-handed square track measuring just under two miles in length. The winners are not always predictable at this course which in turn makes it more enjoyable for the spectator.

The Down Royal Summer Festival usually takes place at the end of June consisting of two days of action-packed racing featuring the listed His Majesty's Plate race and the Boylesports Ulster Derby. With a Ladies Day incorporated within the festival it attracts many stylish racegoers to take part. 

Down Royal racecourse traditionally hosts the first Grade 1 steeplechase of the Irish National Hunt season during a two-day Festival of racing which is usually hosted in early November. The festival has an exceptional role of honour including great chasers such as Kauto Star, Beef or Salmon, The Listener and Don Cossack. Taking place on the 3rd and 4th of November, the feature race is the Ladbrokes Champion Chase with a range of Grade 2 and 3 races throughout the two days. 

With numerous private suits and hospitality packages to avail of throughout the racecourse it offers the ultimate race-day experience. 

Check out Down Royal’s upcoming race meetings and experience a proper day out.

By Road:

There is free car parking available to everyone attending Down Royal. All car parks are within a 5 minute walk of the turnstiles. Their postcode is BT27 5RW for Sat Nav. 

By Bus:

There is a return bus service operating direct from Belfast City Centre provided by Belfast Bus Company and departing from College Square North an hour and thirty minutes before the first race. After racing the bus will return to the City Centre from the racecourse an hour after the last race.

By Rail:
Heuston Station, Dublin has regular trains to Belfast Central Station which is the closest train station to the racecourse. Passengers can then get a bus to the racecourse.

By Air:

Belfast International Airport is only 27 minutes drive from the racecourse.