October Festival 2026

FAQ’S

Tickets & Entry

1. How do I buy tickets for Student Raceday?

Tickets can be purchased by clicking the buy tickets link above. Tickets do sell out for this event so early booking is advised.

2. What do I need to enter?

A valid Student Raceday ticket is required for entry. Please have it ready at the turnstile. You don’t need a student ID to enter.

3. Can I buy alcohol?

You must be over 18 to buy alcohol.
Once inside the racecourse, you’ll need to queue for age verification at the Millennium Stand. Valid forms of ID include:

• Passport
• Driver’s Licence
• Garda Age Card

Please drink responsibly.

4. What’s included with my ticket?

Bus from ATU or UoG to the Racecourse

Entrance to the Racecourse

Return bus to ATU or UoG after the event

Event Details

5. What time do gates open and close?

Gates open: 11:00am

First race: 12:35pm

Last Race: 4.25pm

6. Getting here

Buses begin departing from ATU and UoG at 10.30am and will continue until all attendees are accommodated.

Drinking is not permitted on the buses.

• UoG buses: Depart from the car park behind the IT building. Here
• ATU buses: Depart from the main car park. Here

Taxis must use the Tuam Road entrance.

Limited parking is available at the Racecourse via the Parkmore Entrance.

7. Going home

Return buses will begin departing after the 5^th Race and will continue until all attendees are accommodated.

Buses will drop off at ATU and UoG.

A Taxi Rank is located at Entrance B where a queuing system will be in operation that will work off a first come first served bases.

• Online taxi orders are not permitted.
• Pre-booked taxis will not be facilitated.
• All taxis must use the Tuam Road entrance, and you must queue at Entrance B to get a taxi.

Dress Code & Style

8. What should I wear?

Student Raceday is famous for fashion!

Dress smartly suits, pants, shirts and jackets for lads, dresses, skirts, trousers or jumpsuits for girls. Please ensure your outfit is respectable. Avoid sportswear or overly casual clothing.

9. Best Dressed Competitions:

• Best Dressed Lady: Sponsored by Canella Lane – win a €500 Canella Lane voucher!
• Best Dressed Gent: Sponsored by Suits Select – win a €500 Suits Select voucher!

Judging begins at 11:00 AM, with winners announced at 2:30 PM upstairs in the Champagne Bar.

10. Lost and Found

If you lose anything please fill out the following form and we will do our best to get your items returned to you.

Click here 

Food, Drink & Facilities

11. Can I bring my own alcohol or food?

No outside alcohol or food is permitted.

Food and drink options are available inside the racecourse, including:

• The Claddagh Restaurant (serving carvery lunches, goujons & chips, curry chips, etc.)
• Burger and Chip Vans will also be located throughout the enclosure.

Racing & Entertainment

12. How many races take place?

There are 8 races on the day. The first at 12.30pm and the last at 4.25pm

13. Can I place bets at the racecourse?

Yes, bookmakers and Tote betting are available on-site.

14. What other entertainment is there?

Expect live DJs, photo booths, giveaways, and guest appearances.