Are the races part of your Stephen's Day tradition?

The annual racing fixtures tend to welcome a varied audience - the dads and lads who've dusted off the Good Jacket and are ready to give it its annual day out, girlos who go along every year, with predrinks and party buses scheduled for about 10am in order to make it on time - you never know who you'll bump into, really. And this year the festivities are in full swing, as races across the country have welcomed pre-pandemic levels of crowds for the first time since restrictions have eased. According to the Irish Times, unrestricted crowds have been allowed back to the trio of fixtures at Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal for the first time since 2019. https://www.instagram.com/p/CmhO3mMDk2o/ Races at Leopardstown and Limerick will take place over four days each and officials are hopeful that attendance will be at pre-pandemic levels. Speaking to the Times, Leopardstown’s chief executive Tim Husbands said:

I live in an optimistic world and I’m hoping we will reach the 2019 figures.

Some of it depends on whether they are still of a mind to book in advance or if they come on the day to the gate. Tickets are still available both ways.

If hospitality is anything to go by there’s huge anticipation. All hospitality is gone on the 27th and 28th and it’s very strong on the other days too. It’s a good indicator, I think.

Find more about fixtures and live results for Leopardstown HERE. Header image via Instagram/leopardstownrc READ NEXT: Ireland's healthcare system facing 'highest pressure ever seen' over Christmas