The Punchestown Festival is one of the biggest weeks in the Irish racing calendar, and accommodation across County Kildare books up fast. The Silken Thomas, on Market Square in Kildare Town, gives you comfortable en-suite rooms, a traditional Irish bar and an award-winning restaurant, with Punchestown around half an hour away by car.
About the Punchestown Festival
Punchestown Racecourse, near Naas, is the home of Irish jump racing. Its festival takes place each spring and brings five days of top-class National Hunt racing, drawing racegoers from Ireland, the UK and beyond. Whether you're coming for one day or the full week, it's a fantastic atmosphere.
Why stay in Kildare Town
Festival week fills hotels across the county, so it pays to look a little further afield. Kildare Town is just off Junction 13 of the M7, an easy run to Punchestown, and you're back in a lively town centre each evening with dinner, drinks and your room all on Market Square. On a day off from the racing, Kildare Village is less than a 10-minute walk away.
Festival week tips
Book early. Rooms for festival week are often reserved months in advance, so secure yours as soon as the dates are announced.
Plan your transport. Pre-book taxis for busy race days, or ask our reception team to arrange one for you.
Dress for Irish weather. Spring days can be bright, wet and windy all at once, so bring layers and sensible shoes.
Reserve dinner. Our restaurant and bar are busy during festival week, so book your table before you head out.
Coming as a group?
Our double, twin and triple rooms across three historic houses on Market Square suit groups of friends heading to the races together. Call us on +353 45 522 232 to talk through larger bookings.
More racing nearby
Punchestown is just one of three famous racecourses close to Kildare Town. The Curragh, home of Irish flat racing, is around 10 minutes from us. Read our guides to horse racing in Kildare and accommodation near the Curragh.
Festival dates and race times change each year, so check the Punchestown website before you book.
