Excitement is building as the Navan Racing Festival returns for its third year at Navan Racecourse, one of Ireland’s premier racing venues. Celebrating over a century of horse racing history, Navan continues to attract top trainers, jockeys, and racing fans from across the country and beyond.
Set to take place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November 2025, this two-day festival promises thrilling racing, fantastic live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that captures the very best of the Boyne Valley.
The Racing
The Navan Racing Festival is the highlight of the racing calendar in County Meath, drawing some of Ireland’s best and most promising horses for a weekend of high-quality action.
This year’s event features a programme packed with standout races, including the Bar One Racing Fortria Chase, and the Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle and the Bar One Racing Troytown Chase. Expect fierce competition, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments across both days.
- Saturday 15th November 2025 will showcase The Bar One Racing Fortria Chase and The Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle, two of Ireland’s most exciting early-season Grade 2 contests.
- Sunday 16th November 2025 brings the legendary Bar One Racing Troytown Chase, one of the most anticipated handicap chases on the Irish racing calendar.
Gates open at 10am each day, and racegoers can look forward to a packed card of top-quality racing, featuring some of the country’s brightest stars and rising talent.
On Saturday, November 15th, the first race starts are 11:50am and the last race is at 3:55pm
11:50am – The Kilberry Pub & Kitchen Maiden Hurdle
12:25pm – The Lisadell Equine Hospital 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle
1:00pm – The Hotel Park St. Johann In Tirol Austria Handicap Hurdle
1:35pm – The Bar One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle
2:10pm – The Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle
2:45pm – The Bar One Racing Fortria Steeplechase
3:20pm – The Pat Shiels Memorial Irish EBF Beginners Steeplechase
3:55pm – The Bar One Racing ‘Guaranteed Overnight Prices’ (Pro/Am) Flat Race
On Sunday, November 16th, the first race starts are 11:47am and the last race is at 3:42pm
11:47am – The Bar One Racing ‘Price Boosts Across All Channels’ 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle
12:17pm – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle
12:47pm – The Gaeil Colmcille GAA Kells ‘Day At The Races’ Handicap Hurdle
1:22pm – The John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle
1:57pm – The Bar One Racing ‘Bet €10 Get €50 Sign Up Offer’ Tara Handicap Hurdle
2:32pm – The Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Steeplechase
3:07pm – The Race And Stay Irish EBF Beginners Steeplechase
3:42pm – The Coolmore N.H. Sires Hurricane Lane Irish EBF Mares Flat Race
The Hospitality
Navan Racecourse is renowned for its warm hospitality and choice of excellent dining and viewing options, making the festival weekend an experience to remember.
The Bective Restaurant: A firm favourite for small groups, The Bective Restaurant offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and panoramic views over the racetrack. Diners can enjoy delicious silver-service lunch or dinner, with menus featuring the best local produce. Early booking is highly recommended as availability is limited on race days.
Suites & Function Rooms:
For larger groups or corporate outings, the Proudstown, Boyne, or O’Sullivan rooms can cater for 10–220 guests. Options include everything from finger food to fine dining, hot buffets, or even summer-style barbecues.
The Kilberry Restaurant:
Located beside the Troytown Bar, the recently refurbished Kilberry Restaurant offers hot meals, soups, desserts, and drinks, all served in a bright, comfortable space with multiple TV screens showing live racing action.
The Arkle Pavilion:
Reserved for annual members, owners, and trainers, the Arkle Pavilion sits above the weigh room and overlooks the parade ring. Its balcony is one of the best viewing spots on the course. Hot food, snacks, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day.
Troytown Bar & Café: Situated beneath the grandstand and at the heart of the action, the Troytown Bar is perfect for soaking up the festival atmosphere. Refurbished with a dance floor and upgraded facilities, it offers on-screen race coverage, Tote betting, and post-race live music.
The Entertainment
The fun doesn’t stop once the racing ends; live music and entertainment will keep the energy high all weekend long!
On Saturday, crowd favourites Out On Bale will take to the stage after the last race, ensuring the celebrations continue into the evening with a mix of classic tunes and lively beats.
On Sunday, The Sandmen will light up the marquee with a performance that’s sure to close the weekend in style.
Both days promise a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and community spirit. It’s a true festival experience for racegoers from near and far.
Getting There
Navan Racecourse is located on the R162 Proudstown Road, just 5km from Navan town centre, and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
- Free Car Parking: Available on-site. Arrive early to secure a good spot and avoid delays before the first race.
- Shuttle Buses: Three shuttle buses will operate throughout the festival weekend, running between Navan town and the racecourse.
- Pick-up points: The Ardboyne Hotel, The Fair Green, Foxes Pub, and The Round O.
- First pick-up: 10am each day.
- Return buses: Depart the racecourse after the last race to the Fire Station and The Fair Green.
- By Bus: Bus Éireann operates hourly services from Busáras in Dublin to Navan, beginning at 7:30am on weekdays and 9am on Sundays. Taxis are available at Navan to bring you directly to the racecourse.
Local hotels including The Newgrange Hotel, The Ardboyne Hotel, and The Castle Arch Hotel will be offering accommodation packages for racegoers, while Navan town’s pubs and restaurants will keep the festivities going long after the final race.
The Navan Racing Festival 2025 is the ultimate celebration of sport, style, entertainment, and community spirit. With thrilling races, live music, fantastic food, and the unbeatable energy of the Boyne Valley crowd, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend.
Tickets are now on sale from just €15 per person. For more information and to book your tickets, visit navanracecourse.ie.
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