Epsom vs Curragh: Your Guide to Irish Derby Costs in 2025

The Irish Derby takes place on the last Sunday in June, following the Epsom Derby on the first Saturday of the month.

There was a lot of conversation around the attendance of the Epsom Derby with the crowd of 22,312, down by 4,500 year-on-year.

So, to what extent does cost play a part? We have broken down the cost of attending the Epsom Derby and the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

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Epsom

There are many ways to watch the Derby unfold at Epsom as a racegoer, but as a general rule, getting into the racecourse is more expensive than its Irish counterpart.

On Derby Day in 2026, punters have the following options for attending at Epsom, with all tickets offering significant discounts for early booking online.

Racegoers can pick their price point for Derby access. The Grandstand enclosure offers parade ring views, rails bookmaker access and extensive stepping — ideal to take in all the action.

In the Queen Elizabeth II enclosure, an unrivalled racing and entertainment experience is promised from one of the most impressive stands in British racing, though a strict dress code applies. There is also the Duchess reserved seating on a similar price bracket.

The Derby family festival is a ticketed enclosure on The Hill with lots of fun including main stage and a new food festival and fun fair attractions, while Upper Tattenham allows racegoers to see the horses rounding Tattenham Corner into the straight and heading for home.

The Lonsdale is on the opposite side of the track from the main stands, where punters can pick a spot along the finishing straight up to the winning post. Bookmakers, food and drinks concessions are in this area and picnics are permitted, but no parade ring access is permitted.

For those aiming to push the boat out, the Tattenham Straight Marquee offers a Pimm's Reception, a three-course 'Best of British' seated lunch, full admission to the Grandstand and Tattenham Enclosures and a light Afternoon Tea of sandwiches, sausage rolls and home-made cakes. There's an inclusive bar of; house wines, house spirits, beers and soft drinks, as well as a Tipster Talk ahead of racing.

Various other hospitality options include: Chez Roux @ Blue Riband, Downs View Suite, Derby Suite, with prices ranging from £700.00-£950.00 per person.

The Curragh

General admission to the Curragh on Irish Derby Day is priced at just €35.00 for adults and includes access to the racecourse, including parade rings and bookmakers.

Children under 14 go free, while 15-18 year-olds can get in the gates for €15.00.

The Curragh Day Membership offers an €80.00 ticket including reserved parking, admission, a complimentary race card and access to the Curragh Members Lounge, while the Curragh Bundle ticket comes in at €45.00 offering a race card, €10 food voucher and €5.00 Tote betting voucher.

For those seeking something a bit more upmarket, the Queen's Room Marquee tickets are priced at €345 per person, boasting a complimentary glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival, a resident tipster marking your card, a secured seat for the day with a four-course buffet menu followed by afternoon tea, served after the Irish Derby itself.