Punchestown to boost local economy by tens of millions of euro next week

The Punchestown Festival is expected to deliver a multi-million euro boost to the local economy next week.

More than 110,000 people will be flocking to the Naas racecourse over five days as well as spending cash in local hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.

Racegoers, including 17,000 corporate hospitality guests, will be availing of 42 bars and restaurants at the venue as they enjoy a total of 32 races from Tuesday to Saturday.

Racecourse general manager Dick O'Sullivan told Kildare Post: "Ticket sales are running at 14.5% higher than last year and we will have an additional 2,000 capacity."

Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber said: “Naas Town is practically coloured red with bunting, flags and colourful shop fronts displays very evident."

"Punchestown are expecting over 110,000 visitors next week and we are really looking forward to the festival and the boost to the economy in Kildare.”

Mr Shine added: "We will have the largest racing festival in the country here in Co Kildare next week. "Then three weeks later, we have the Irish Open in the K Club which will be broadcast across the globe. "Then we will have the Derby at the Curragh - what other county has anything like that happening."