9Oct 2026
October Race Meeting
The final scheduled meeting of the 2026 season. Gates open at 1pm and the first race is at approximately 2:10pm; the racecourse lists the day as running until about 5:20pm.
Meetings and tickets for 2026/27
Downpatrick’s final scheduled raceday of 2026 is Friday 9 October, with gates open from 1pm and the first race at 2:10pm. The 2027 season returns in spring for the Randox Ulster National.
Downpatrick fixturesSeason 2026/27
Tickets
Ticket options range from general admission to hospitality; prices for each raceday are on the racecourse site.
The big one
The Randox Ulster National in spring.
History
Ireland’s oldest racecourse, near St Patrick’s grave.
Dressing up
Ladies Day in late summer.
Bringing children
The Family Race Day in July.
Which enclosure should you choose?
Downpatrick offers General Admission and three separately booked hospitality spaces: the Byerley Turk Private Suite, Brownlow Suite and Dunleath Suite. Hospitality and Punter’s Packages must be booked in advance; the racecourse FAQ says General Admission may be bought online or at the turnstiles, while its ticket page also carries an online-only note.
Private balcony
Byerley Turk Suite
The most intimate suite, for up to 12 guests, with a private balcony, bar-waiter service and Tote-waiter service.
VIP suite
Brownlow Suite
An upstairs hospitality room with an elevated view over the winning line, a private balcony and capacity for up to 100 guests or smaller groups.
Large hospitality
Dunleath Suite
A large hospitality suite with course-facing windows, private bar and Tote facilities, with capacity for more than 350 guests.
Main enclosure
General Admission
The public raceday ticket provides access to the main enclosure, grandstand, Parade Ring, winning post and public seating areas.
Compare every enclosure side by side: prices, views, bars and food, dress codes and entrances.
What will the trip cost?
A quick estimate for your group. Where we have confirmed a ticket price it’s filled in; otherwise add the price from the racecourse’s booking page. Change any figure to match your plans.
Getting to Downpatrick
Downpatrick is a County Down market town about 34 miles south of Belfast. The racecourse is a mile from the town centre and 0.6 miles from Downpatrick Bus Centre.
By car from Belfast
The racecourse is about 40–48 minutes from Belfast by road, via Ballynahinch and the A24/A25. On-site parking is available; use the Ballydugan Road entrance and follow event signs.
By bus from Belfast
Goldliner service 215 runs between Belfast Europa Buscentre/Grand Central Station and Downpatrick Bus Station. The bus station is 0.6 miles from the racecourse; allow about 15 minutes to walk the final stretch or arrange a taxi.
By bus from Dublin
Travel by coach to Newry and connect to Downpatrick on Translink services. Check the full journey and return connections when planning: services and change times vary by day.
By air
Belfast City and Belfast International airports are the nearest major airports. From either, continue by road or public transport to Downpatrick; there is no railway station in the town.
Coming by train?
Book trains to Belfast, then drive or take the bus.
Hotels near Downpatrick Racecourse
Downpatrick has a historic coaching inn and several guesthouses, while rural Ballydugan has restored mill accommodation, country houses and cottages. Town-centre stays put the Saint Patrick sites and local restaurants within easy reach.
Downpatrick town
Stay centrally for the Saint Patrick Centre, Down County Museum, cathedral, shops and restaurants. Denvir’s is an historic coaching inn with bedrooms in the main building and a nearby Mews residence; The Shed at the Quoile offers self-catering accommodation.
- Denvir’s of Downpatrick, historic coaching inn with hotel rooms, apartments, restaurant and bar
- The Shed at the Quoile, self-catering stay on Old Belfast Road
- Downpatrick guesthouses, the local tourism directory lists B&Bs and guest accommodation around town
Ballydugan and the Lecale countryside
A few miles outside town, Ballydugan offers a restored 18th-century mill hotel, country-house accommodation and cottages. These rural bases suit visitors exploring the Quoile, Strangford Lough and the wider Lecale coast.
- The Mill at Ballydugan, restored 1792 flour mill with 22 en-suite bedrooms
- Ballydugan House, country-house accommodation with gardens near Downpatrick
- Hollymount Cottage, self-catering cottage near Ballydugan Lake
Find a hotel
Compare hotels in County Down.
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Evenings in County Down
Downpatrick’s town centre has a historic hotel bar and restaurant, traditional pub dining and places for a relaxed evening meal after the races.
- Historic inn dining
Denvir’s
Denvir’s is a coaching inn in the centre of Downpatrick, with a restaurant, snug bar and rooms. It serves breakfast, lunch and evening meals, so visitors can eat and stay in one historic town-centre location.
- Town-centre pub meal
Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant
On Market Street, Murphy’s is listed by the regional tourism directory as a Downpatrick bar and restaurant. It offers a relaxed local option for dinner and drinks within walking distance of central accommodation.
- A rural evening
The Mill at Ballydugan
The restored flour mill outside town provides a countryside setting for food and drink. It can pair an evening meal with a stay near Ballydugan Lake rather than a late drive back from Belfast.
Things to do while you are here
Downpatrick is the centre of Saint Patrick’s Country, with a walkable historic quarter and access to the Quoile and Strangford and Lecale coast.
Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s grave
The medieval cathedral stands above the town and is traditionally identified as Saint Patrick’s burial place. The graveyard, cathedral and nearby Saint Patrick Centre make a connected heritage visit.
Saint Patrick Centre
This purpose-built interactive exhibition in the town centre tells the story of Saint Patrick and early Christian Ireland. The centre also serves as Downpatrick’s visitor information centre.
Down County Museum
Set in the former county gaol, the museum interprets County Down’s archaeology and history, including early Christian finds, the gaol’s original cells, farming and maritime collections.
Quoile and Strangford Lough
The Quoile countryside and Strangford Lough offer wildlife, shoreline scenery and walks a short drive from town. The wider Strangford and Lecale area is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with villages and coastal routes to explore.
On the day
Downpatrick publishes opening and race times for each meeting, with its October fixture beginning at 1pm.
1:00pmGates open for the October Race Meeting on Friday 9 October 2026.
2:10pmApproximate first race time for Friday 9 October 2026.
Downpatrick Racecourse October Race Meeting event page; checked 2 October 2026. First race is approximate.
Gates and first race
For Friday 9 October 2026, gates open at 1pm and the first race is approximately 2:10pm. The racecourse lists times meeting by meeting.
Cash and card
The racecourse’s FAQ covers ticketing and racecourse facilities. Carry a payment card as well as any cash you intend to use for betting; ask the venue directly if you need a specific payment method confirmed.
Getting from the bus station
Downpatrick Bus Centre is around 0.6 miles from the course. The venue is a mile from the town centre, so allow time for the walk or arrange a lift.
Betting is optional
You do not need to bet to enjoy the day. If you choose to bet, you must be 18 or over and should set a limit before you arrive.
Families and groups
Downpatrick’s heritage sites and surrounding walks give families options beyond race day.
Family visits in town
The interactive Saint Patrick Centre, Down County Museum and the cathedral are close together in the historic centre. The Saint Patrick Centre’s gardens also provide views towards the cathedral.
Racecourse facilities
The racecourse FAQ says its facilities are wheelchair and disabled accessible and directs visitors who need extra help to contact the venue. For the October meeting’s current timetable, gates open at 1pm and the first race is approximately 2:10pm.
Help on the day and afterwards
In an emergency
Call 999 and give the address, Downpatrick Racecourse, 24 Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick, BT30 6TE. Then tell a member of staff.
Racecourse office
Call 028 4461 2054 or email info@downpatrickracecourse.co.uk.
After your visit
Downpatrick races under Horse Racing Ireland, so results are on the HRI website.
A little history
- 1685The first recorded racing takes place at Downpatrick, making it the oldest racecourse in Ireland. Racing has been held on the present site for more than 150 years.
More Downpatrick guides
Compare the enclosuresPrices, views, dress codes and entrances side by sideAccessibilityParking, viewing areas, toilets and personal assistant ticketsYour first racedayHow a day at the races worksOther racecoursesPlan a trip to another course
Prices, dates and travel details were checked on 2 October 2026. The racecourse can change prices, times and arrangements, so check your booking page before you pay. This is an independent guide, not connected to Downpatrick Racecourse. Some links may earn us a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you; this never decides what we recommend.