Killarney August Festival 2026: Times, Tickets and Kingdom Gold Cup
Summer in Kerry would not be quite the same without the Killarney August Festival, with three days of racing, entertainment and summer atmosphere running from Thursday, 20 August to Saturday, 22 August 2026.
National Hunt racing opens the festival on Thursday, while Friday switches to the Flat and features the Kellihers Toyota Kingdom Gold Cup, one of the highlights of Killarney’s August programme. The jumps return on Saturday, when racing is joined by the meeting’s much-anticipated Best Dressed Day.
Whether you are heading to Killarney for the racing, a few bets, the fashion or simply a great day out, it is also worth checking the latest betting bonuses before placing a wager. Here is everything you need to know before making your way to the racecourse.
When is the Killarney August Festival 2026?
The Killarney August Festival takes place from Thursday, 20 August to Saturday, 22 August 2026 at Killarney Racecourse on Ross Road. It is the third of Killarney’s three summer festivals in 2026, following meetings in May and July.
The programme combines National Hunt and Flat racing:
- Thursday, 20 August: National Hunt racing
- Friday, 21 August: Flat racing and the Kingdom Gold Cup
- Saturday, 22 August: National Hunt racing and Best Dressed Day
What time does racing start at the Killarney August Festival?
Killarney Racecourse originally advertised first races at 4:35pm on Thursday, 4:37pm on Friday and 1:25pm on Saturday. However, the latest racecards have since changed two of those times.
Thursday’s declared card still begins at 4:35pm, while Friday now starts at 5:12pm. The latest published Saturday card currently lists its opener at 2:00pm, rather than the earlier provisional 1:25pm time.
| Date | Racing | Latest first race time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 20 August | National Hunt | 4:35pm |
| Friday, 21 August | Flat | 5:12pm |
| Saturday, 22 August | National Hunt / Best Dressed Day | 2:00pm |
Race times can change as declarations and final arrangements are confirmed, so racegoers should check the latest racecard before travelling.
Kingdom Gold Cup 2026: race time, runners and betting odds
The Kellihers Toyota Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap is scheduled for 7:20pm on Friday, 21 August.
The race is run over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 80 yards, and the latest At The Races card lists 13 declared runners. Defending champion Chutzpal is among them after winning the race at 6/1 in 2025. For punters looking at the feature race, the latest At The Races betting forecast — updated on 19 August — has the following horses towards the top of the market:
How to buy Killarney August Festival tickets
Racegoers can buy tickets through the official Killarney Racecourse ticketing service, with tickets available for the August Festival online. The racecourse also offers a range of hospitality and upgraded raceday packages. Options include the Punters Pack, as well as BBQ and premium hospitality experiences for those looking to make more of their day at the races.
What happens on Thursday?
The festival gets under way on Thursday, 20 August with a National Hunt card. The latest declared card begins at 4:35pm, with the opening Sheahan’s Pharmacy 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle starting an eight-race evening programme. It is the first of two jumping days at the festival, before Flat racing takes centre stage on Friday.
What happens on Friday?
Friday, 21 August is the festival’s Flat racing day and features the Kellihers Toyota Kingdom Gold Cup.
The seven-race card begins at 5:12pm, with the Kingdom Gold Cup scheduled for 7:20pm. For racing fans and punters, Friday is likely to be the sporting highlight of the meeting, with the feature handicap taking centre stage during the evening programme.
What happens on Saturday?
The festival concludes on Saturday, 22 August with another National Hunt card and Killarney’s Best Dressed Day.
While Killarney’s original festival information advertised a 1:25pm opening race, the latest published Saturday racecard currently begins at 2:00pm. Best Dressed Day is one of the major social occasions of Killarney’s summer racing calendar, attracting racegoers for a mix of racing, fashion and entertainment. Live music and post-racing entertainment are also part of the festival programme.
Where is Killarney Racecourse?
The racecourse sits close to Killarney town, with the Killarney National Park and MacGillycuddy Reeks providing the backdrop to the track. For anyone driving, parking is available inside the track and in designated car parks next to the racecourse. The venue is also around a 10-minute walk from Killarney town centre.
