Bellewstown Races 2026: Free Tickets, Times and 300th Anniversary Events
300 years of speed and excitement. Bellewstown reaches a remarkable milestone this week as the Co Meath racecourse celebrates 300 years of racing with a two-day meeting on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 August.
General admission on Tuesday is free with advance registration, while those following the betting markets can also compare Irish betting bonuses before the first race.
Bellewstown August Festival 2026: key details
| Detail | Tuesday 25 August | Wednesday 26 August |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting | Flat racing | National Hunt |
| First race | 16:55 | 16:25 |
| Last race | 20:02 | 19:38 |
| Number of races | 7 | 7 |
| Main theme | 300th anniversary celebration | Family Day |
| Admission | Free with pre-registration | Standard admission |
| Venue | Bellewstown, Co Meath | Bellewstown, Co Meath |
Tuesday’s free admission is sponsored by the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association, but racegoers must register online in advance to claim their free ticket. Free does not mean you can simply turn up without a ticket — pre-registration is required for Tuesday.
Bellewstown race times for Tuesday and Wednesday
The opening day features seven Flat races, followed by seven National Hunt contests on Wednesday.
Tuesday 25 August
- Race 1: 16:55
- Race 2: 17:30
- Race 3: 18:02
- Race 4: 18:32
- Race 5: 19:02
- Race 6: 19:32
- Race 7: 20:02
Wednesday 26 August
- Race 1: 16:25
- Race 2: 17:00
- Race 3: 17:35
- Race 4: 18:05
- Race 5: 18:38
- Race 6: 19:08
- Race 7: 19:38
What’s happening for Bellewstown’s 300th anniversary?
The anniversary celebrations will be much more than a standard race meeting. Tuesday’s programme includes:
- A parade of vintage horse-drawn carriages along the home straight.
- Live performances from the Julianstown Youth Orchestra.
- The unveiling of a commemorative 300th-anniversary plaque.
- The official opening of the new 1726 Restaurant.
- The opening of an extended jockeys’ and officials’ weigh room.
- Historical displays and memorabilia around the racecourse.
Wednesday will be more family-focused, with bouncy castles, face painting, a 300th-anniversary treasure hunt and free ice cream for the first 100 children.
We are looking forward to a very special two days.” – Jack Gogarty
Bellewstown betting markets to watch
The meeting is particularly interesting for punters because Tuesday is entirely Flat racing before the programme switches completely to hurdles and a bumper on Wednesday.
Bellewstown handicaps can move quickly, so check the final declarations and live prices rather than relying on the previous day’s market.
How to get to Bellewstown Racecourse
Bellewstown Racecourse is located on the Hill of Crockafotha in Co Meath, around 37km from Dublin city centre and 11km south of Drogheda.
- By car: Take the M1 and leave at Exit 7 for Julianstown/Drogheda South.
- By train: Drogheda is the recommended rail station, followed by a taxi to the racecourse.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the racecourse.
- Dress code: There is no formal dress code; smart casual is recommended.
- Children: Those aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult are admitted free under the racecourse’s usual ticket policy.
