IN PICTURES: See best outfits on Day 1 of Punchestown Festival
Thousands of punters flocked to the Kildare track on Tuesday
Across 40 races, leading Irish and British competitors will contest a record €3.6 million prize fund at Punchestown.
Last year, sunny weather helped the Punchestown festival achieve the biggest ever crowds – with the overall five-day attendance of 136,651 up 15 per cent from 2024.
Co Kildare Chamber president Ruth Murphy said: “Across our towns and villages, local hotels, restaurants, retailers and service providers see a real and meaningful boost during festival week and that is what makes it such a vital week for the local economy.”
Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill said: “The Punchestown Festival is big business, has a huge economic impact of over €70 million, boosts tourism by filling every hotel room in the region and attracts international interest from as far as the USA and Australia.”
Corporate hospitality has already sold out for midweek, with more than 24,000 guests from 800 companies expected to attend. Alongside the racing, the festival will feature live music, style competitions, and new attractions including the Kildare Village Grand Pavilion and expanded family entertainment zones. Punters were urged to use public transport, particularly on the busiest day – Friday.