BARBERSTOWN CASTLE BACKING THE DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL AT LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE

press release

BARBERSTOWN CASTLE BACKING THE DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL AT LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE

 

The historic, four-star Barberstown Castle, located in Straffan, Co. Kildare, has announced its sponsorship of a feature race at the 2026 Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse — one of Ireland’s most prestigious and exciting fixtures in the National Hunt calendar.

 

Barberstown Castle will sponsor the Barberstown Castle Handicap Steeplechase (Listed) on Saturday, 31 January 2026 (Day One of the Festival). The race takes place in a prime slot on the card, running immediately after the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, ensuring a high-profile and competitive contest in front of a large and engaged audience.

 

The Dublin Racing Festival (DRF) is one of Ireland’s premier racing events, attracting the very best horses, trainers and jockeys, as well as an enthusiastic international audience.

Barberstown Castle has long been a supporter of the Irish racing industry and has sponsored racing at The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown, as well as being actively involved in racing hospitality and partnerships. The hotel also supports and sponsors jockeys Dylan Browne McMonagle, Scott Mc Cullagh, Patick Mc Gettigan and Simon Torrens.

 

Amanda Torrens, CEO and owner of Barberstown Castle, said; “The Dublin Racing Festival attracts a hugely engaged audience and represents the very best of Irish National Hunt racing. With approximately 36,000 people expected to attend over the weekend, it provides a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase Barberstown Castle to both Irish and international racegoers.  We love horse racing — it’s a special industry — and we relish the opportunity to support and work with dynamic racecourses, jockeys and sporting events at the highest level.”

 

To mark the occasion, Barberstown Castle has created a special Dublin Racing Festival accommodation package, which includes accommodation with breakfast and a complimentary return shuttle transfer to and from Leopardstown Racecourse. The offer is priced from €275 single / €295 double and is available on the 30th & 31st January 2026.

 

The luxury hotel features 61 spacious bedrooms, including a recently renovated ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite, along with a collection of elegant public rooms, dining spaces and banqueting suites. The Barton Rooms, the main hotel restaurant was named ‘Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025’.

 

The historic property is centred around a medieval keep dating from 1288, later enhanced with Victorian and Elizabethan additions, resulting in a property that is richly atmospheric while offering modern luxury and comfort.

 

For further information or to book, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie or call (01) 628 8157.