The historic four-star Barberstown Castle has confirmed a high-profile sponsorship at one of the standout weekends in the Irish racing calendar, announcing its backing of a feature race at the 2026 Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse.

The Kildare-based luxury hotel will sponsor the Barberstown Castle Handicap Steeplechase (Listed), which will be run on Saturday, 31 January 2026 — Day One of the Festival. The race occupies a prime slot on the card, taking place immediately after the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup.

Since its launch, the Dublin Racing Festival has quickly established itself as one of Britain and Ireland’s premier National Hunt meetings, regularly attracting the very best horses, trainers and jockeys from Ireland and Britain. Attendance across the two-day event is expected to approach 36,000, with significant international interest from owners, fans and media.

Barberstown Castle’s involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to Irish racing. The hotel has previously sponsored meetings at The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown, while also playing an active role in racing hospitality and partnerships.

It further underlines its connection to the sport through direct support of jockeys Dylan Browne McMonagle, Scott McCullagh, Patrick McGettigan and Simon Torrens.

Amanda Torrens, CEO and owner of Barberstown Castle, said the partnership was a natural fit for the property and its brand.

“The Dublin Racing Festival attracts a hugely engaged audience and represents the very best of Irish National Hunt racing,” she said.

“With approximately 36,000 people expected to attend over the weekend, it provides a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase Barberstown Castle to both Irish and international racegoers. We love horse racing — it’s a special industry — and we relish the opportunity to support and work with dynamic racecourses, jockeys and sporting events at the highest level.”

To coincide with the Festival, Barberstown Castle has launched a dedicated Dublin Racing Festival accommodation package. The offer includes overnight accommodation with breakfast and a complimentary return shuttle transfer to and from Leopardstown Racecourse, priced from €275 single and €295 double, available on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January 2026.

Set within a medieval keep dating back to 1288 and enhanced through Victorian and Elizabethan additions, Barberstown Castle combines heritage with contemporary luxury. The hotel features 61 spacious bedrooms, including a recently refurbished Presidential Suite, alongside a range of elegant public rooms, dining spaces and banqueting facilities. Its Barton Rooms restaurant was recently named Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025.

 

Sport for Business Perspective

This sponsorship illustrates how premium hospitality brands continue to see major racing festivals as powerful platforms for brand positioning, storytelling and direct consumer engagement. By aligning with a marquee race at the Dublin Racing Festival — and complementing that with tailored accommodation and transport offerings — Barberstown Castle is turning sponsorship into a fully integrated commercial activation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: Barberstown Castle

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