ontrack IRELAND RACING Tour
22-29 June 2026 (7 nights)
TOUR SUMMARY
Experience the very best the Irish Racing & Breeding world has to offer on our 7 day tour, featuring three days of racing at The Curragh during the famous Irish Derby carnival. Our group will be based throughout in the heart of Irish horse country in the beautiful Keadeen, County Kildare.
This tour is designed to fit neatly alongside our Royal Ascot & Newmarket Racing Tour, which ends the day our Irish tour commences.
RACES: IRISH DERBY CARNIVAL @ The CURRAGH
3 days of top class Racing for the Derby Festival at The Curragh
The group will enjoy premium hospitality packages daily inc reserved seating, fine dining & beverage packages
Day 1 - Friday 26 June, 2026
Day 2 - Saturday 26 June, 2026 (Pretty Pollly Stks)
Day 3 - Sunday 27 June, 2026 (Irish Derby)
The group will enjoy premium hospitality packages daily inc reserved seating, fine dining & beverage packages
Day 1 - Friday 26 June, 2026
Day 2 - Saturday 26 June, 2026 (Pretty Pollly Stks)
Day 3 - Sunday 27 June, 2026 (Irish Derby)
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PRIVATE STUD TOURS
Kildangan Stud
Coolmore Stud
Coolmore Stud, located in Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland, is the headquarters of one of the world's largest breeding operations of thoroughbred racehorses. The operation, currently owned and run by the Magnier family, has been associated with a long sequence of top-class stallions since the 1850s, originally in County Cork, where stallions still stand as part of Coolmore today. The farm currently occupies over 7000 acres and has been active in the American sales market since the mid-1970s, displaying particular interest in the offspring of Northern Dancer. Coolmore's first major homebred was Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer born in Kentucky at Sangster's Swettenham Stud. The Magnier family has played a significant role in the history of Coolmore Stud, with John Magnier being a key figure in its transformation into a multi-national, multibillion-euro operation.
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
The Irish National Stud is a Thoroughbred horse breeding facility in Tully, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland. It was formally established in 1946 and is owned by the Irish Government. Since the early 1900s, the stud has produced some of the finest racehorses in Europe and is one of the only thoroughbred breeding farms open to the public. The Japanese Gardens at Tully were created between the years 1906–1910. They were devised by Colonel William Hall-Walker (later Lord Wavertree), a wealthy Scotsman of a famous brewery family, and laid out by Japanese craftsman Tassa Eida and his son Minoru.
Kildangan Stud
Kildangan Stud, located in County Kildare, Ireland, has a rich history that dates back to its purchase in 1986. It has been a significant player in the thoroughbred racing world for over a century, producing many Champions. The stud is part of Godolphin's operation in Ireland, which includes five farms in County Kildare, one in County Meath, and two in County Tipperary. Kildangan is known for its role in breeding and training yearlings and older horses, with a focus on sustainability and education. The stud's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the estate and promoting biodiversity is a testament to its dedication to the environment and future generations.
Coolmore Stud, located in Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland, is the headquarters of one of the world's largest breeding operations of thoroughbred racehorses. The operation, currently owned and run by the Magnier family, has been associated with a long sequence of top-class stallions since the 1850s, originally in County Cork, where stallions still stand as part of Coolmore today. The farm currently occupies over 7000 acres and has been active in the American sales market since the mid-1970s, displaying particular interest in the offspring of Northern Dancer. Coolmore's first major homebred was Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer born in Kentucky at Sangster's Swettenham Stud. The Magnier family has played a significant role in the history of Coolmore Stud, with John Magnier being a key figure in its transformation into a multi-national, multibillion-euro operation.
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
The Irish National Stud is a Thoroughbred horse breeding facility in Tully, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland. It was formally established in 1946 and is owned by the Irish Government. Since the early 1900s, the stud has produced some of the finest racehorses in Europe and is one of the only thoroughbred breeding farms open to the public. The Japanese Gardens at Tully were created between the years 1906–1910. They were devised by Colonel William Hall-Walker (later Lord Wavertree), a wealthy Scotsman of a famous brewery family, and laid out by Japanese craftsman Tassa Eida and his son Minoru.
Kildangan Stud
Kildangan Stud, located in County Kildare, Ireland, has a rich history that dates back to its purchase in 1986. It has been a significant player in the thoroughbred racing world for over a century, producing many Champions. The stud is part of Godolphin's operation in Ireland, which includes five farms in County Kildare, one in County Meath, and two in County Tipperary. Kildangan is known for its role in breeding and training yearlings and older horses, with a focus on sustainability and education. The stud's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the estate and promoting biodiversity is a testament to its dedication to the environment and future generations.
Irish National Stud
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Coolmore Stud
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PRIVATE STABLE & Racecourse TOURS
Ballydoyle - Aiden O'Brien
Ballydoyle - Aiden O'Brien
The history of Ballydoyle is deeply intertwined with the horse racing industry in Ireland. The name Ballydoyle is derived from the anglicised townland name 'Baile Uí Dhúill', which is linked to the surname Ó Dúill. This surname is found in various parts of Ireland, including maritime counties of Leinster and Munster, and is one of the most numerous surnames in County Tipperary. The name reflects a long-standing tradition of horse breeding and training in the region. Ballydoyle has been a significant training facility for racehorses, with notable trainers such as Vincent O'Brien and Aidan O'Brien (not related). The facility's history is marked by the training of many famous racehorses, including Nijinsky, Ballymoss, and Sir Ivor. The stables are renowned for their high attention to detail and world-class facilities used in the preparation of horses throughout their racing careers. The legacy of Ballydoyle continues to influence the horse racing community, with the facility's training methods and facilities being a key factor in the success of many racehorses. The stables' commitment to excellence in training and breeding has made Ballydoyle a respected name in the world of horse racing.
Carriganóg Racing - Joseph O'Brien
Set in the picturesque location of Owning Hill near Piltown in County Kilkenny, Carriganóg Racing is headed up by Joseph O’Brien and is based in a yard that is steeped in racing history. Joseph’s grandfather Joe Crowley was the first to train from the yard on Owning Hill and enjoyed great success there. In later years, Joseph’s parents Annemarie and Aidan were both crowned Irish Champion National Hunt Trainers while based there and Annemarie’s sister Frances also trained an abundance of winners from the yard. Quite literally thousands of winners have been trained on its famous uphill gallop over the decades. With there having been substantial improvements and developments made to the yard in recent years, it is now very much a world-class training facility.
Jessica Harrington
Jessica Harrington Racing is a family-run operation based in the rural village of Moone, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Situated on 120 acres of rolling hills in the Irish countryside, this facility is a perfect schooling ground for future stars on the track globally. Commonstown Stud boasts three gallops, fences, hurdles, two-hundred stables, an outdoor and indoor school and plenty of turn-out space. We also are on the doorstep of one of the most renowned training facilities in the world at the Curragh Racecourse. Horses come from near and far to use these facilities so aptly convenient to our operation. Jessica Harrington's journey in horse racing began with her early success as a jockey, earning a reputation as one of Ireland's best three-day event riders. She represented her country at the Olympics and in other international competitions.
The history of Ballydoyle is deeply intertwined with the horse racing industry in Ireland. The name Ballydoyle is derived from the anglicised townland name 'Baile Uí Dhúill', which is linked to the surname Ó Dúill. This surname is found in various parts of Ireland, including maritime counties of Leinster and Munster, and is one of the most numerous surnames in County Tipperary. The name reflects a long-standing tradition of horse breeding and training in the region. Ballydoyle has been a significant training facility for racehorses, with notable trainers such as Vincent O'Brien and Aidan O'Brien (not related). The facility's history is marked by the training of many famous racehorses, including Nijinsky, Ballymoss, and Sir Ivor. The stables are renowned for their high attention to detail and world-class facilities used in the preparation of horses throughout their racing careers. The legacy of Ballydoyle continues to influence the horse racing community, with the facility's training methods and facilities being a key factor in the success of many racehorses. The stables' commitment to excellence in training and breeding has made Ballydoyle a respected name in the world of horse racing.
Carriganóg Racing - Joseph O'Brien
Set in the picturesque location of Owning Hill near Piltown in County Kilkenny, Carriganóg Racing is headed up by Joseph O’Brien and is based in a yard that is steeped in racing history. Joseph’s grandfather Joe Crowley was the first to train from the yard on Owning Hill and enjoyed great success there. In later years, Joseph’s parents Annemarie and Aidan were both crowned Irish Champion National Hunt Trainers while based there and Annemarie’s sister Frances also trained an abundance of winners from the yard. Quite literally thousands of winners have been trained on its famous uphill gallop over the decades. With there having been substantial improvements and developments made to the yard in recent years, it is now very much a world-class training facility.
Jessica Harrington
Jessica Harrington Racing is a family-run operation based in the rural village of Moone, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Situated on 120 acres of rolling hills in the Irish countryside, this facility is a perfect schooling ground for future stars on the track globally. Commonstown Stud boasts three gallops, fences, hurdles, two-hundred stables, an outdoor and indoor school and plenty of turn-out space. We also are on the doorstep of one of the most renowned training facilities in the world at the Curragh Racecourse. Horses come from near and far to use these facilities so aptly convenient to our operation. Jessica Harrington's journey in horse racing began with her early success as a jockey, earning a reputation as one of Ireland's best three-day event riders. She represented her country at the Olympics and in other international competitions.
Carriganóg Racing - Joseph O'Brien
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Jessica Harrington
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DUBLIN DAY TOUR
Guinness St James Gate Brewery
Embark on a Dublin city adventure beginning with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Here you see the world-famous Book of Kells, a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, who became Dean of St. Patrick’s in 1713. Enjoy lunch and beverages at a premium lunch venue (inc beverages). Later, embark on a fully guided journey through the seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse, learning to pour your own pint in our Guinness Academy along the way, and finishing your tour with a pint of Guinness or Guinness 0.0 at the Gravity bar.
Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar
St Patricks Cathedral, Dublin
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Trinity College
Guinness Gravity Bar
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ACCOMODATION: THE KEADEEN HOTEL, COUNTY KILDARE
Established in 1970, The Keadeen is the longest standing family-run hotel in County Kildare, located just 40km South-West from Dublin City on the outskirts of Newbridge - ideal as a base to explore Ireland's Ancient East. Nestled within 8 acres of award winning gardens, The Keadeen boasts 69 luxurious bedrooms and extensive conference, occasion, banqueting, and wedding suites. A wide variety of dining options include the casual Saddlers Bar & Bistro, open daily for lunch and dinner, relaxing by the fire in The Atrium Bar & Lounge for afternoon beverages and evening cocktails, or, on Saturday evenings, The Bay Leaf Restaurant can be your romantic or special occasion dining destination. Residents and members can unwind or keep fit in The Club Health & Leisure Centre - a purpose built facility which includes an 18m Indoor Heated Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Hot Tub, a Fitness studio and a Fully Equipped Gym. The Keadeen is perfectly situated to explore and shop. Guests will stay in Standard rooms. The Keadeen is located just 5 minutes from the Curragh racecourse, and nearby to the Kildare Village Shopping.
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INCLUSIONS
- 7 nights accommodation The Keadean Hotel, County Kildare (Standard Room)
- 3 x The Curragh Irish Derby race Meetings
- Premium Raceday Hospitality packages daily inc reserved seating, fine dining & beverage packages
- Day 1 - Friday 26 June, 2026
- Day 2 - Saturday 26 June, 2026 (Pretty Pollly Stks)
- Day 3 - Sunday 27 June, 2026 (Irish Derby)
- 1 x Dublin Day Tour
- 3 x Stud Tours
- 3 x Stable Tours
- One way economy flight London>Dublin (22 June 2026)
- Transfer from Sheraton London Grand to Heathrow (22 June 2026)
- Transfers from Dublin Airport to Keadean Hotel (22 June 2026)
- Luxury coach and expert driver throughout.
- Expert guides throughout.
- Group limited to strictly 11 guests.
INCLUDED MEALS
- Full Breakfast: Daily
- Dinner: Monday 22 June, 2026 (inc Beverage Package)
- Lunch: Tuesday 23 June, 2026
- Lunch: Wednesday 24 June, 2026
- Lunch: Thursday 25 June, 2026 (inc Beverage Package)
- Lunch (Races): Friday 26 June, 2026 (inc Beverage Package)
- Lunch (Races): Saturday 27 June, 2026 (inc Beverage Package)
- Lunch (Races): Sunday 28 June, 2026 (inc Beverage Package)
NOT INCLUDED
- Post Tour Airport Transfers (29 June 2026 or other dates)
- Additional baggage allowance fees on London>Dublin Flight (22 June 2026)
- All other air travel and associated costs not specified in 'Inclusions'.
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Gratuities.
- Airport porterage.
- All items of a personal nature (e.g. beverages, telephone calls, laundry, personal insurance).
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
VISAS
- Guests are responsible for checking entry requirements and obtaining their own visas if required
- US Passport Holders visiting Europe:
- The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is due to be operational in 2025 but will not start in the first half of 2025 and the European Union will inform about the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch. No action is required from travellers at this point.
- The ETIAS will be required for US passport holders to visit Europe.
- ETA – for US, Canadian and Australian guests (and others) visiting the UK after 8 January 2025:
- From 8 January 2025, visitors to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) must apply for and be approved for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Without this pre-authorisation, travellers will not be permitted to board their flight to the UK. If you are visiting the UK (except for visitors who transit by air in the UK and do not pass through UK immigration), visitors must ensure they have received their authorisation before travel.
