Dress for success – Five of the top Ladies Day events this summer
Everyone likes a chance to dress up every now and then. And even better than putting on your finery is the chance to check out the style on everyone else. So this summer you are spoilt for choice with some of Ireland’s top racing events also including a Ladies’ Day. We have picked our top 5 Ladies days around the country. There are many more listed on www.inspireme.ie – so be sure to check them out.
Keeping standards high in Killarney
Every summer Killarney racecourse plays host to the July Racing Festival starting on Sunday 15th July with a Family Fun Day including lots of children’s entertainment and a Mad Hatters Competition. The next few days will feature some top class racing. And Thursday 19th July is Ladies Day in the Kingdom. Come early and keep an eye out for the judges Una Healy and Ben Foden who will be wandering through the crowds to select the most stylish race going men and women. With some serious prizes up for grabs including trips to Paris and Milan, this is definitely not to be missed. For more information see here.
Chic in the Curragh
One of the highlights of the Irish Racing Calendar is the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday 21st July. And as well as the chance to see some of Europe’s top horses competing for the top prize, there will also be serious competition off the track with the Boodle’s Ladies Day. Judges this year are top jockey Katy Harrington and editor Sybil Mulcahy. The main prize is valued at over €10,000 so pull out all the stops as you head to Kildare. See here for more details.
Glamour in Galway
The Galway Racing Festival needs no introduction. Seven days of racing, combined with fantastic entertainment and an electric atmosphere make a trip to the West an essential part of the Summer holidays. The festival runs from Monday 30th July to Sunday 5th August and there is a jam packed program each day. Thursday 2nd August is Ladies Day. So as well as the feature race of the Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap, there will be a fashion extravaganza around the grounds. There are amazing prizes for the best dressed and the best hat sponsored by the g Hotel & Spa. And with live music all day, this promises to be a day to remember. Find out more here.
Style in Sligo
Staying in the West, the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo will be sponsoring Ladies Day. Marietta Doran from TV3 will be judging the glamourous entrants in this year’s event. On Thursday 9th August, this is a day full of fashion and fun. And afterwards the entertainment moves to the Glasshouse Hotel where there will be more competitions including The Most Stylish Hat and the Most Stylish Gentleman. So start planning those outfits now. For full details check out here.
Hats off to the Dublin Horse Show
Last but by no means least the Dublin Horse Show will be taking place from 8th – 12th August in the RDS. In the heart of the city this is one of the top equestrian events featuring international show jumping competitions. As well as a chance to see some of the best showjumpers in the world, the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day on Thursday 9th August will be showcasing some serious style. All around the grounds of the RDS there will be hats and heels, glitz and glamour. With a top prize of a €10,000 voucher for Dundrum Town Centre, this is one hotly contested event. And the competition amongst the men is often just as strong. For more information see here.
So there is no excuse this summer – horses and fashion combine to make for a fantastic day out, no matter where in the country you are. And for more ideas of what to do this summer, check out www.inspireme.ie. All details were correct at time of publication. Please check with organisers before you travel.
