In two weeks’ time over 120,000 people will descend upon the towns and villages surrounding Punchestown racecourse, County Kildare for the 2016 Punchestown Festival. This sporting and social highlight on the Irish calendar impacts the local economy to the tune of €60 million.
Yesterday entries for the major races were published and the prospect of the finest Gold Cup renewal in years will have racing fans rubbing their hands with anticipation.
Cheltenham and Aintree winners Don Cossack and Cue Card look set to renew rivalry while Vautour, who many felt could have won this year’s big race at Cheltenham before being diverted to the Ryanair Chase is also a likely runner.
Overseas visitors account for 20% of the overall attendance giving a significant boost to the tourism trade in the locality. Some years ago the meeting shifted the start of racing back to the early evening giving corporate visitors more time to do a full morning’s work before heading to the track.
There are 43 event sponsors in total at the meeting with 14 of them local to Kildare and 29 from further afield. Taking corporate hospitality into account as well over 800 companies commercially engage with the racecourse with 25% of those based in the United Kingdom.
“Punchestown is a celebration of all things Irish with great sport, entertainment, style and the famous festival atmosphere,” said Shona Dreaper, Punchestown Communications Manager
“We welcome such a diverse demographic every year which is a testament to the fact that there is something for everyone at the Punchestown Festival.”
Flagfall, Ireland’s ultimate corporate challenge will also be launched at this year’s Festival before taking place at Punchestown for the first time in August, bringing together 100 of Ireland’s leading companies in a test of physical and metal prowess.
