Listowel Harvest festival

Day 1 - Sunday 21st September

The week opens with something for all ages with Garvey’s SuperValu Family Day. 

Expect meet-and-greets with Coco-Melon and Mickey Mouse, a petting farm, face painting, balloon giveaways, and a mini disco to keep little ones entertained — all while you enjoy the excitement on the track with the feature race of the Kerry Dairy Ireland Handicap Steeplechase of  €45,000. 

New on Sunday is the Most Fun & Fashionable Family Competition, sponsored by the Dingle Skellig Hotel. The prize? A two-night stay with breakfast overlooking the stunning Dingle Bay. The dress code? As bold as your imagination — from retro glamour to racing chic to themed gamer costumes. Judging this brand-new fashion event is top model, businesswoman, and busy mum of four, Elvira Fernandez Zebo. She will be out and about on the course from 1.30pm looking for finalists.

Day 2 - Monday 22nd September

The feature race on Monday is the John McGuire Handicap of €45,000.

Day 3 - Tuesday 23rd September

Listowel Races are delighted to announce that Presenter, Creator and Franc James founder, former Love Island contestant Frankie Foster, along with the Raceday TV team, will be broadcasting from the Races on both Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Make sure to come along and say hello.

Day 4 - Wednesday 24th September

Ask any racing fan - Wednesday is the day. The Guinness Kerry Grand National Handicap Steeplechase of €200,000 is the jewel of the festival — an electric, edge-of-your-seat race that has punters holding their breath right up to the final furlong. 

Last year saw the Gavin Cromwell trained Flooring Porter, grace the winners' enclosure, courtesy of a fine front running performance under Keith Donoghue. A former Stayers Hurdle victor at the Cheltenham Festival, his victory again highlighted the fact that the race is attracting a higher class of horse, year on year.

Day 5 - Thursday 25th September

Style takes the spotlight with the Ryle Menswear Best Dressed Man Competition, hosted by Michael Moran and judged by the ever-dapper Botty O’Callaghan. 

The winner will receive a custom-made suit worth €1,200, while the runner-up takes home a full Benetti suit, shirt, and tie. Ryles also sponsor gift bags for all the finalists. The feature race is the Listowel Races Supporters Club Lartigue Hurdle in memory of John Molyneaux of €60,000

Day 6 - Friday 26th September

The McElligotts Kia Best Dressed Lady competition, judged by broadcaster Louise Duffy with designer Shauna Courtney, is always a showstopper. 

This year’s top prize is the trip of a lifetime for two to New York with accommodation at the iconic Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan. There’s also €1,000 for the most creative headpiece and €500 for the most contemporary outfit. Each of the 10 finalists will also receive gift bags kindly sponsored by McGuires Pharmacy Listowel. 

The judges will be out and about on the course to select their 10 finalists at 1pm, and the winners will be announced after 4pm. The feature race is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle of €100,000.

Day 7 - Saturday 27th September

Closing the week, Listowel celebrates its long-standing commitment to conscious fashion with its Sustainable Style Competition sponsored by Listowel Tidy Towns in association An Taisce and Listowel Races. Now celebrating it’s 14th year, this is a Listowel Tidy Towns initiative to highlight waste minimisation and promote the circular economy. Judged by top model Sydney Sargent and Katie Sloane owner of Peach Vintage Clothing and a judge from An Taisce. 

There are a range of generous cash prizes and gifts sponsored by Listowel Race Company and the businesses of Listowel for both male and female entrants in Overall, Vintage Only, Pre-loved, and Juniors/Conscious Couture categories. It’s all about re-wearing, re-styling, and celebrating fashion with a conscience so as to have a positive impact on climate change. This year, those wishing to enter can register in the fashion marquee from 1pm.