A Weekend of Top-Class Racing, Live Music and Style in the Boyne Valley
Excitement is building as the BAR 1 Betting Navan Racing Festival returns to Navan Racecourse on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November 2026, marking its fourth year. One of the highlights of the Irish National Hunt racing calendar, the two-day festival promises an outstanding weekend of jumps racing, live entertainment, fashion, food and plenty of atmosphere.
With some of the country's leading trainers, jockeys and horses expected to feature, the festival will once again bring racing enthusiasts and visitors together in the heart of County Meath. Whether you're a regular racegoer or simply looking for a great day out, there's plenty happening across both days to make this a weekend worth putting in the diary.
Gates open at 10am each day, with tickets available from €25 per person.
The Racing
The Navan Racing Festival is known for attracting some of the finest National Hunt horses in the country, with three major races taking centre stage across the weekend: the BAR 1 Betting Troytown Chase, the BAR 1 Betting Fortria Chase and the Grade 2 Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle.
Saturday's action features two Grade 2 contests, while Sunday sees the return of the prestigious Troytown Chase, a highlight of the Irish jumps season. The Grade 3 handicap chase carries a prize fund of €100,000, with a competitive field expected to line up for one of the most anticipated races of the weekend.
Here's a look at the published race schedule for both days.
Saturday 14th November 2026
The first race starts at 11:52am, with the final race scheduled for 3:53pm.
- 11:52am – The Kilberry Pub & Kitchen Maiden Hurdle
- 12:27pm – The Lisadell Equine Hospital Handicap Hurdle
- 1:02pm – The Hotel Park St. Johann In Tirol Austria Handicap Hurdle
- 1:35pm – The BAR 1 Betting For Auction Novice Hurdle
- 2:07pm – The Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2)
- 2:43pm – The BAR 1 Betting Fortria Steeplechase (Grade 2)
- 3:18pm – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase
- 3:53pm – The BAR 1 Betting 'Guaranteed Overnight Prices' (Pro/Am) Flat Race
Sunday 15th November 2026
Sunday's racing begins at 11:40am, with the final race at 3:35pm. The feature race of the afternoon is the BAR 1 Betting Troytown Handicap Steeplechase.
- 11:40am – The BAR 1 Betting 'Price Boosts Across All Channels' 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle
- 12:10pm – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle
- 12:40pm – The Gaeil Colmcille GAA Kells 'Day At The Races' Handicap Hurdle
- 1:15pm – The John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)
- 1:50pm – The BAR 1 Betting 'Bet €10 Get €50 Sign Up Offer' Tara Handicap Hurdle
- 2:25pm – The Race And Stay Irish EBF Beginners Steeplechase
- 3:00pm – The BAR 1 Betting Troytown Handicap Steeplechase (Grade 3)
- 3:35pm – The Coolmore N.H. Sires Hurricane Lane Irish EBF Mares Flat Race
For the full race programme and any updates, visit the official Navan Racing Festival race schedule.
The Style Competition
The racing isn't the only attraction on Saturday, with the Bellinter House Hotel & Spa Style Competition returning for the festival's opening day.
With winter wardrobes at the ready, racegoers are encouraged to put their best looks forward for the occasion. Celebrity judge Mandy Maher will be keeping an eye out for some of the most stylish outfits around the enclosure.
It's a great opportunity to embrace winter race-day fashion, with plenty of inspiration to be found throughout the crowd. Whether you're planning a statement outfit or keeping things classic, the style competition adds another element to the Saturday festivities.
Hospitality and Food
There are several ways to enjoy the Navan Racing Festival, from general admission to dedicated hospitality experiences.
For those looking for a little extra on the day, The Real Deal offers a value package which includes an admission ticket, food voucher, drink voucher, racecard and €5 betting voucher.
For a more premium experience, the Final Fence Marquee will be available on Sunday 15th November. Guests can enjoy a reserved table overlooking the Final Fence, a two-course buffet lunch, racecard and exclusive betting and bar facilities. Groups booking tables for fewer than 10 people may be seated at a shared table.
Day 1 hospitality is already sold out, while the Final Fence Marquee remains available for Sunday, with bookings selling fast.
There will also be plenty of food options throughout the racecourse, including hot and cold food, refreshments, outdoor food units and coffee vans.
Live Music and Entertainment
The festival atmosphere continues long after the final race, with live music taking place across both days.
Saturday 14th November
Popular three-piece band Out On Bale will headline the entertainment in the festival marquee after racing. Known for their lively performances and crowd-pleasing singalong favourites, they're sure to get the celebrations going.
Meanwhile, Peadar Farrelly will be performing live in the Troytown Bar.
Sunday 15th November
On Sunday, The Sandmen will take to the festival marquee stage after racing, bringing plenty of traditional tunes and entertainment to round off the weekend.
The Wingmen will also be performing live in the Troytown Bar, ensuring there's music and entertainment across the venue once the racing concludes.
There will also be a BAR 1 Betting Racing Preview Panel in the festival marquee, where special racing guests will share their thoughts, insights and tips on the day's racecard.
Find out more HERE!
Getting to Navan Racecourse
Navan Racecourse is located on the R162 Proudstown Road, Navan, County Meath (C15 A623), approximately 5km from Navan town centre and around 48km north-west of Dublin.
There is plenty of free parking available at the racecourse, although visitors are encouraged to arrive early to avoid potential traffic delays on what is expected to be a busy weekend.
For those travelling from Navan town, local shuttle buses will operate on both days of the festival.
The shuttle bus arrangements are as follows:
- First bus: Departs from The Ardboyne Hotel at 9:45am, stopping at The Fair Green, Foxes Pub and The Round O before continuing to the racecourse.
- Second bus: Departs from The Fair Green at 10:15am, stopping at Foxes Pub and The Round O before continuing to the racecourse.
- Return buses: Begin departing from the racecourse immediately after the last race and operate continuously between the racecourse and Navan town for 1.5 hours.
Visitors travelling from further afield can also make use of the bus services to Navan town, with taxis available for the onward journey to the racecourse.
For further details, including directions and parking information, visit the Navan Racecourse website.
Make a Weekend of It in the Boyne Valley
With two full days of racing, entertainment and activities, the Navan Racing Festival is a great opportunity to spend a weekend in the Boyne Valley.
Navan town offers a selection of accommodation, pubs and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy the festival and continue the celebrations after the racing finishes. There are also a number of hotels and accommodation providers throughout the wider region for those looking to make a longer stay of it.
Find out more HERE!
Book Your Tickets for Navan Racing Festival 2026
The BAR 1 Betting Navan Racing Festival 2026 promises another fantastic weekend in County Meath, bringing together top-class National Hunt racing, live music, winter fashion and the unmistakable atmosphere of a big race meeting.
With Day 1 hospitality sold out and Sunday hospitality selling fast, now is a good time to start planning your visit.
General admission tickets are available from €25 per person, with gates opening at 10am on both days. Children aged 14 and under can attend free when accompanied by an adult.
For tickets, hospitality information and the full festival programme, visit www.navanracecourse.ie.
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