Your next proper day out...

Gowran Park is excited to announce the return of the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day on Saturday, July 27th. This year's event promises to be bigger and better, with TV Fashion Stylist Marietta Doran returning as the guest judge at her local track. Marietta expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am absolutely delighted to be a judge at the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day at Gowran Park and I am really excited to see you all there." 

 As a highlight of the region's social calendar, the event will offer a variety of entertainment options, including a live DJ in the style marquee, live music on the Prosecco Lawn, and a live band in the Thyestes Bar.

The grand prize for the best-dressed participant includes:

• A two-night B&B stay at the 5-star Lyrath Estate with spa treatments 

and

• A €1000 gift card for MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. 

To accommodate the high demand, Gowran Park has introduced a new BBQ & Bubbles Package for €30, which includes admission, reserved seating, a burger, and a glass of Prosecco or a cocktail. Corporate hospitality is already fully booked, reflecting the event’s popularity. This offer is strictly limited so to book please call  056 7726225.  

The event will also offer courtesy buses from the Kilkenny Castle Gates one hour before the first race.

Early bird tickets can be purchased online below, offering a 33% discount before July 27th, with general admission on the day priced at €20 for adults and €15 for OAPs and students.

Gowran Park is situated close to many famed training and breeding establishments in the heart of County Kilkenny, just outside the village of Gowran on the old Dublin/Waterford road. In 1952, the first ever Irish racetrack commentary in history was performed at the course. The venue boasts stunning scenic views and hosts regular high-profile races over the jumps and on the Flat throughout the year. Gowran Park is a right-handed oval of around a mile and a half which hosts 18 fixtures with 6 jump races and 12 flat races including Goffs Thyestes Day, Red Mills Day, Shamrock Chase Day, Denny Cordell Day and PwC Champion Chase Day. 

Gowran Park is best known for staging the historic Thyestes Chase in January of each year, attracting bumper crowds to the extremely picturesque venue. The race is usually contested by horses who go on to run in the Irish Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

Food halls, catering kiosks, hospitality suites and a host of different bars are all located with quick access to the betting ring and grandstands.

Check out Gowran Park’s upcoming race meetings and experience a proper day out.

By Road:
Gowran Park is 13km east of Kilkenny, 130km south of Dublin and 48km north of Waterford.

Coming from Dublin: Take the M9 South , exit at Junction 7 signposted Paulstown, follow the signs for Gowran. On entering the village of Gowran, drive straight through for approx 2km, the entrance to Gowran Park is on your left.

Coming from Kilkenny: The racecourse is 8 miles from Kilkenny City. Take the N10 for 10km and branch right onto the R702 (signposted Gowran). On entering the village, turn right, following Thomastown/Waterford road, and drive straight for approx 1km, the entrance to Gowran Park is on your left.

Coming from Waterford: Take the M9 North, exit at Junction 7 signposted Paulstown
Follow signs to Gowran. On entering the village of Gowran, drive straight through for approx 2km, the entrance to Gowran Park is on your left.

By Rail:
There is a regular train service to Kilkenny Station and Thomastown Station from Waterford and Dublin. Taxis are available from both stations. For timetable see Dublin to Waterford route on www.irishrail.ie

By Bus:
There is a free shuttle bus service provided from Kilkenny on race days.

By Air:
Dublin airport is an hour and twenty minutes from the racecourse.