Racing at Curragh and Punchestown confirmed in RTE's new season schedule
RTÉ's new season also includes a major focus on Irish drama, entertainment, comedy, documentaries, sport and current affairs
RTÉ has confirmed live coverage of some of the biggest racing events at the Curragh as part of its new season of programming.
The national broadcaster has announced its plans for the coming months, including extensive coverage of the Irish Champions Festival, which takes place at Leopardstown and the Curragh.
The two-day festival will bring the curtain down on the flat racing season, with some of the biggest names in Irish and international racing expected to compete.
RTÉ said the Irish Champions Festival will be followed by its Winter Racing Series, beginning at Navan on November 14 before moving to Sunday meetings at Punchestown, Fairyhouse and Cork.
The series will culminate in the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, with the Dublin Racing Festival following in February.
The announcement provides a significant Kildare sporting link within RTÉ's wider programme for 2026 and 2027, with the Curragh remaining one of the country's most important venues for major racing events.
RTÉ's new season also includes a major focus on Irish drama, entertainment, comedy, documentaries, sport and current affairs as the broadcaster marks 100 years of public service broadcasting in Ireland.
Among the highlights will be a new series of The Traitors Ireland, hosted by Siobhán McSweeney, the return of The Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty and a new series of KIN.
RTÉ has also announced more than 160 hours of Irish drama either in production or scheduled to air during 2026.
Sport will feature prominently, with coverage of Katie Taylor's historic Croke Park fight, GAA, the FAI Cup, UEFA Champions League matches and Ireland's Nations League games.
The broadcaster said its new season will continue to showcase Irish talent and stories, with programming across television, radio, podcasts and RTÉ Player.
For racing fans in Kildare, however, the return of live coverage from the Curragh and Punchestown will be among the most significant elements of the new schedule.