Sun set to shine on next week's Punchestown Festival as temperatures on the rise

According to Met Éireann's predictions for next week, Punchestown Festival will be basking in the warm sun as clear skies and temperatures as high as 16 degrees are on the way.

This coming weekend will see heavy and persistent rain across the entire country with temperatures set to hit a balmy 18 degrees.

Experts are now showing that rain to clear from Monday onwards just in time for the festivities to kick off in Kildare for Tuesday April 29, with five days of world-class jump racing, fashion, food.

Organisers expect over 130,000 visitors across the week and for many, it's the social highlight of the year—a place where locals, racing fans, and first-time punters gather for the craic.

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Carlow Weatherman Alan O' Reilly has said there is a big chance of warmer air moving towards the country next week which is great for festival goers looking to shine in their best dressed attire for race days.

Uncertainty may follow past next Wednesday but for now it looks like the sun will be shining with a good deal of heat on the horizon.

More heavy rain for Thursday and Friday but a better day Saturday and improving a little for early next week but uncertainty beyond that. pic.twitter.com/GhDnhsegNF

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) April 23, 2025

Headlining the week are feature races like the Punchestown Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle, drawing massive crowds and fierce betting interest. With prize pots exceeding €3 million across the week, the stakes are high and the drama guaranteed.

Punchestown is also a style spectacle, with Ladies Day on Friday turning the enclosures into a catwalk of elegant hats and dresses.

Saturday is the family fun day as thousands of children and their parents bring the curtain down on another festival.

Local food producers, live music, and artisan stalls add to the lively, festival feel.