Details of Limerick's Christmas Festival

Press Release from Limerick Racecourse

After the over indulgence of Christmas Day, get stuck into a feast of racing that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. The 4 Day Christmas Festival at Limerick Racecourse from 26th to 29th December is synonymous with great National Hunt Racing, a great atmosphere and of course great fun! With live racing action from 12:30pm each day make sure you visit Limerick Racecourse for a great day out this festive season.

The Limerick Christmas Racing Festival is the pinnacle of race meetings in the Midwest and this year we have a number of excellent packages and general admission offers to service the racing public and provide superb value for money.

The racing is very competitive and the Grade 2 Greenmount Park Novice Chase takes centre stage on the opening afternoon. It is a classy affair with the likes of Mr Cracker, Imperial Call, Hi Cloy and One Cool Cookie having won recent renewals. Other highlights of the festival include the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase, won in 2010 by local horse Questions Answered and the Grade 3 Doran’s Pride Novice Hurdle.

General Admission prices for the four days will be €20 for the 26th and 27th and €15 for the 28th the special value price of €10 on the 29th December. A four day admission pass can be purchased online for €50 which is the perfect present this Christmas.

There are numerous hospitality packages available at Limerick Racecourse this festive season. Enjoy the comforts of the panoramic restaurant from €75 per person or avail of the great Guinness Village Marquee package for only €30 per person to include admission, hot whiskey and a hog roast roll.

The old favourite winter wonderland package for €40pp is also available along with the reserved enclosure package from €25 pp which offers a reserved seating area to watch the racing action. Treat a loved one this year by purchasing a gift voucher for a day at the races and you will definitely be onto a winner.

Visit www.limerickraces.ie for details of shuttle bus services with Mike Hynan Coaches from Limerick city and surrounding areas. The shuttle bus will operate on all days over the 4 day festival ensuring that you and your friends can enjoy all that Limerick Racecourse has to offer. With live music on the 26th, 27th and 28th, make sure you stay around after the last race for a celebratory dance or two.

Ever popular Jason Fallon will be back at the races this Christmas to entertain the crowds with his lively musical performance.

Limerick Racecourse has something for everyone this Christmas. Along with all the great packages available, we are holding a Hats & Heels Ladies Day on Wednesday 28th December. Show off that winter coat along with a fabulous headpiece and the all important footwear to be in with a chance of winning the first prize of a hamper full of Shiseido products.

Shiseido offers the highest quality products in skincare, makeup, and fragrance and there will also be fabulous prizes on offer for the runners up including a stunning 2nd place prize sponsored by Joli Accessories in Limerick.

The competition will take place in the Guinness Village Marquee between 12pm and 3.00pm on Wednesday 28th December. Just register your details and watch the racing action whilst the judges will mingle through the marquee. This is a day you will not want to miss as the glamorous ladies will be out in force at the races.

We will also have a Family Fun Day on 29th December with a puppet show, pony rides and much more. Children under 16 years will enjoy FREE Admission to the races on all 4 days of the festival.

Russell Ferris, General Manager of Limerick Racecourse "The anticipation and excitement surrounding the 2011 Christmas Festival is infectious, we have suffered at the hands of mother nature over the past two seasons and because of this there are so many people who have missed out on their annual pilgrimage to the festival. The value on offer this year for pre booked packages is second to none and I would advise everyone to have a read through the new website as you are sure to find something that suits your budget and taste!

The races are a wonderful place to meet old friends and make new acquaintances, the time between each race and the comfortable resting areas make this an ideal way to wind down and enjoy the craic.

We have revamped the festival this year adding a little extra style to the 28th, with the Hats and Heels competition, in addition we have a family day on the 29th which consists of a puppet show, pony ride, face painting and much more. This is one Munster festival that you do not want to miss, so get online or pick up the phone and let Limerick Racecourse make the last couple of days in 2011 that little bit special."

Also, this year Limerick Racecourse is teaming up with Thomond Park on 26th December to offer racing and rugby patrons great value offers for two big sporting traditions. Enjoy all the racing action from 12:45pm and then watch Munster v Connacht at Thomond Park later that evening for the all inclusive price of €45pp. Price includes shuttle bus to Thomond Park.

Check out our new and exciting website www.limerickraces.ie for special online discounts and to find further information about the great festive packages available for the Limerick Christmas Racing Festival. Let yourself go this December and make a trip to the races. You won’t be disappointed!!! Call Limerick Racecourse on 061-320000 or email [email protected] for great offers this Christmas.