Now in its 45th year, the Kildare Derby Festival is set to be the best yet for 2023 with Nathan Carter heading up the free open-air events that run in the town in association with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse. Running from Monday, 26th June until Sunday, 2nd July 2023, the week-long festival has something on offer for all generations including live open-air free music performances, the hugely popular Pooch Parade, a ticketed concert by leading Soprano, Claudia Boyle at the magnificent St Brigid’s Cathedral, the Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum and much more. The festival draws to a close on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day on Sunday, 2nd July with a post-Derby party in Kildare Square featuring live music from Vegas Nights and special guests.
Tickets for Claudia Boyle’s concert at the stunning St Brigid’s Cathedral on Wednesday, June 28th are now available from €25 and can be purchased at Kildare Heritage Centre or from
Pooch Parade entries for Thursday, June 29th are on sale now at €10 per dog category and can be purchased from POOCH PARADE Tickets, Thu 29 Jun 2023 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
All live open-air performances in Kildare Town Square are free and ticket-free events.
For library events, please contact Kildare Library directly on 045 520 235.
The Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum will open daily from 10am to 4pm from 23rd June until 23rd July 2023. Admission is free.
Kildare Derby Festival – Full Event Schedule from June 26th to July 2nd 2023
Monday June 26th
Photographic/Art Exhibition in Aras Bhride – Runs until Friday 30th June.
Legends Museum at Kildare Courthouse (open daily) 10-4pm. Free admission.
Tuesday June 27th
7pm Literary Night with entertainment.
Hosted by Mae Leonard in Kildare Town Library. Free Event. Pre-booking essential through Kildare Library.
Wednesday June 28th
7pm Claudia Boyle performs in St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets from €25 per person. Available on Eventbrite.ie or Heritage Centre
Thursday June 29th
7pm Pooch Parade in Market Square, Kildare Town. Enter on Eventbrite.ie.
Friday June 30th
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival – Funky Friday at Curragh Racecourse. First Race 5.00pm.
Saturday July 1st
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival – Ladies Day at Curragh Racecourse first race at 1.40pm last race at 5.00pm
7.30pm Rockshore presents Nathan Carter with Bailey
Opening at 6.30pm. This outdoor free entry event takes place on the Market Square.
Sunday July 2nd
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival – Irish Derby At the Curragh Racecourse. First race at 1.50pm last race at 6pm.
7pm Vegas Nights – live music on the Square, Kildare Town. Battle of the Bands