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Kildare Derby Festival 2026 Returns for a Spectacular Week of Racing, Music & Family Fun

One of the highlights of the summer calendar is set to return as the Kildare Derby Festival comes back from Tuesday 23rd June to Sunday 28th June 2026, bringing an exciting week packed with racing, live entertainment, family activities, and fantastic food to the heart of Kildare Town.Celebrating the very best of County Kildare, the festival promises something for everyone with a vibrant programme of events taking place throughout the week. From thrilling race days and live music performances to family-friendly activities and local food experiences, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable atmosphere across the town.

The week kicks off with plenty of family fun, including the ever-popular Connolly’s Red Mills Pooch Parade on Wednesday, while music lovers can enjoy a special performance from acclaimed violinist Vladimir Jablokov during “Up Close in the Cathedral” on Thursday evening.

Saturday will see the streets come alive with The Final Furlong Sessions, featuring fantastic Irish acts performing live across Kildare Town, creating the perfect festival atmosphere ahead of the main racing celebrations.

The festival concludes in style on Sunday with the prestigious Irish Derby followed by a lively afterparty performance from The Tumbling Paddies, ensuring the week ends on a high note. With a wonderful mix of racing, music, entertainment, and Kildare’s finest food offerings, the Kildare Derby Festival continues to be one of the county’s standout summer events.For the full festival line-up and ticket information, visit kildarederby.ie


Tuesday 23rd June

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JAZZ NIGHT at Solas Bhríde

Ease into festival week with a relaxed and atmospheric evening of live jazz at Solas Bhríde. Enjoy great music, warm hospitality, and the perfect setting to begin the Kildare Derby Festival celebrations.



WED 24th JUNE

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THURS 25th JUNE

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Vladmir Joblokov – Up Close

This year’s acclaimed Concert in the Cathedral welcomes internationally celebrated violinist Vladimir Jablokov for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and atmosphere.

​Joined by his sister, pianist Olga Jablokov, the programme features beloved favourites including:​

  • Flight of the Bumblebee

  • Libertango

  • Danny Boy

  • My Way

  • The Last Rose of Summer

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Step into centuries of history as soaring strings, powerful harmonies, and timeless melodies fill the magnificent vaulted ceilings of one of Ireland’s most treasured landmarks. An exhilarating and heartfelt night where music meets history.

VLADIMIR TICKETS

FRI 26th JUNE

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Enjoy an exciting evening of racing at The Curragh Racecourse from 5pm, followed by a live performance from crowd favourites The Whistlin’ Donkeys.

​Festival goers can also experience a special “Beyond the Rails” Tour, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what happens at one of Ireland’s most iconic racecourses.

  • Racing from 5pm

  • Live music with The Whistlin’ Donkeys

  • Beyond the Rails Tour

  • FREE transport to and from The Curragh from Kildare Town

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Tickets & Information:
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby – The Curragh Where Champions Are Made

Group 1 Racing and the Final Furlong Sessions

Saturday at The Curragh features top-class racing including the prestigious Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes.

​​FREE transport to and from The Curragh from Kildare Town

Tickets & Information:  Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby 

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The Final Furlong Sessions FREE 

From 7.30pm, Kildare Town comes alive with The Final Furlong Sessions, featuring live music performances across pubs and venues throughout the town.

The amazing line up includes:

  • Brian Kennedy

  • Ham Sandwich

  • Paddy Casey

  • The Dublin City Ramblers

Keep an eye on the website and social channels for the full 2026 line-up and venue details.

SAT 27th JUNE

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The grand finale of the Kildare Derby Festival promises an unforgettable day of racing, entertainment, and celebrations.

Start the day with the Pre-Derby Brunch on the Square with Tanqueray before heading to The Curragh for one of the biggest racing events of the Irish sporting calendar.

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  • Pre-Derby Brunch on the Square with Tanqueray

  • Racing at The Curragh

  • FREE transport to and from The Curragh from Kildare Town

The festival closes in spectacular style with live music from The Tumbling Paddies on stage at The Curragh from 5.30pm.

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