Cheltenham preview nights schedule and details for Ireland

A concise directory of confirmed Irish Cheltenham preview nights, including venues, speakers, ticketing and beneficiary details to help you choose the best events to attend.

The palate never lies: the warm, crowded room of a preview night has its own flavour. Conversation ripples like the top note of strong coffee. Voices rise over laughter. Jockeys, trainers and broadcasters trade sharp, knowing lines. Behind every event there is a story of fundraising, rivalry and race-day strategy.

This package compiles confirmed Irish Cheltenham Festival preview nights for the build-up to the 2026 Festival. It lists venue, time, panel participants, ticket prices and beneficiary charities. Use this single reference to plan attendance, weigh panels and spot special attractions such as auctions, raffles and unique prize draws.

Entries follow a consistent format so you can compare options quickly. Events range from intimate pub evenings to larger hotel functions and corporate-hosted shows. Most feature a mix of trainers, jockeys, journalists and broadcasters. For clarity, the term preview night denotes organised evenings of discussion, Q&A and fundraising ahead of the Festival.

How to read the listings

The listings are organised by county and then by date where provided. Each entry begins with venue and location. Panel details follow, then practical information: start time, ticket price and booking link where available. A final line notes the charity or cause supported and any special attractions such as live auctions or prize draws.

Short bullets and standardised headers will help you scan quickly. If you care about star names, look at the panel line first. If fundraising matters most, check the charity line and the presence of auctions or raffles. If convenience is key, compare start times and ticket tiers.

As a former chef I learned that atmosphere shapes expectation. Expect each room to feel different: some run to sharp, journalistic debate; others favour relaxed storytelling and audience banter. The palate of each event will reveal what kind of night it will be.

The listings that follow present confirmed events only. They will be updated as organisers confirm more nights. Where ticket links are supplied, they are included verbatim. Where times or panels are pending, entries note that details are awaited.

Where times or panels are pending, entries note that details are awaited. Organisers update listings as venues confirm timings or panelists. Readers should check online booking links and contact numbers before travel.

The palate never lies: the atmosphere of a preview night blends focused debate with social energy. Arrival and registration often feel like the opening course of a meal—brief, anticipatory, and structured. As a chef I learned that timing matters; the same applies to event logistics and the flow of a programme.

What a typical programme looks like

A standard preview night begins with arrival and registration. An MC or moderator introduces the evening and outlines the schedule. Panels of trainers, jockeys and pundits discuss likely runners and tactics. Sessions frequently include audience questions and may feature a short Q&A.

Many hosts name a charity or local fund to receive proceeds. Some events add extras such as finger food, door prizes, auctions or prize draws. These features are highlighted in each entry and often affect ticketing and timing.

Behind every dish there’s a story, and behind every event there is a format shaped by venue capacity and fundraising aims. Exact formats vary by host; attendees should note any noted dress codes, accessibility arrangements or age restrictions in the listing.

Confirmed events

Every confirmed entry includes venue, start time, panel composition and ticketing information. Pay attention to online booking links and phone numbers for advance purchase. Where hosts list charity partners, the beneficiary is specified in the entry.

Expect variation between venues. Some nights end with prize presentations or a charity auction. Others conclude after a final panel and informal mingling. The programme summary in each listing indicates whether refreshments or additional activities are included.

Local preview: Cork-side Cheltenham panel evening at Celtic Ross Hotel

The panel event will take place on Monday, 16 February at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, Co Cork. The session starts at 8pm.

Speakers include Jane Mangan, Richie Forristal, Aubrey McMahon and Johnny Dineen. Organisers say the evening will serve as a local preview ahead of larger festival coverage.

Tickets cost €20 on the night. Attendees may reserve in advance by calling 086-8550859 or 087-2174462.

The event will raise funds for the Reenascreena NS Development Fund. A number of prizes have been arranged, notably a morning for four at Willie Mullins’ Closutton Gallops followed by lunch at the Lord Bagenal Hotel.

The palate never lies… Even a preview evening benefits from a sense of place, organisers add, noting refreshments and additional activities where applicable.

Local supporters and visitors planning a Cork-side preview are encouraged to attend. The programme summary in each listing indicates whether refreshments or additional activities are included.

Skryne hosts cheltenham preview night to raise funds for local causes

Who: a panel of leading national hunt figures, chaired by Gavin Lynch, with several contributors joining by Zoom.

What: a Cheltenham preview evening featuring analysis from major Irish yards and insight from prominent riders and trainers.

When: Friday, 20 February at 7.45pm.

Where: Swans Pub, Skryne, Co Meath (C15 WRW5).

Why: the event supports Down Syndrome Louth Meath and Skryne GFC, and aims to connect racegoers with preparatory perspectives ahead of the festival.

Panel and format

The panel includes Gavin Lynch (MC), Gavin Cromwell, Barry Geraghty, Keith Donoghue and Ryan McCue in person. Gordon Elliott, Johnny Dineen, David Casey and Robbie Power will contribute via Zoom.

The programme emphasises commentary from the major Irish national hunt yards and integrates remote participation to widen expert input.

Tickets and capacity

Admission is €20 plus a €2 Eventbrite booking fee. Attendance is capped at 150 people. Search Eventbrite for ‘Skryne Cheltenham Preview Night’ to reserve a place.

Logistics and note on refreshments

The listing indicates whether refreshments or additional activities are provided. Attendees should check the Eventbrite page for the latest logistical updates and any entry requirements.

The palate never lies: as a former chef, I note that gatherings around shared interests create the same anticipation as a well-prepared course. Behind every preview night there’s a story of community and preparation for the weeks ahead.

Cheltenham preview night to raise funds for local equine centre

Behind every preview night there’s a story of community and preparation for the weeks ahead. This instalment continues that thread with a focused fundraising event in Waterford.

Who: a panel featuring Henry de Bromhead, Paul Nolan, Seán O’Keeffe, Darragh O’Keeffe and Donn McClean.

What: a Cheltenham preview night combining expert analysis and audience Q&A. The event will donate all proceeds to the Jack De Bromhead Equine Centre.

When: Thursday, 26 February. Doors open at 7pm, and the programme starts at 7.30pm.

Where: Lexus showrooms, Cork Road, Waterford.

Why: to channel ticket revenue to a local equine facility and to offer fans direct access to leading national hunt voices ahead of Cheltenham.

Tickets cost €20. Book via Lexus Waterford on 051 301222 or email [email protected].

As a former chef I learned that detail matters. The palate never lies, and the same applies to careful event planning: clear timings, a central venue and a named beneficiary ease attendance decisions and boost donor confidence.

Hosting the night in a corporate showroom allows organisers to maximise donations. One hundred percent of proceeds will be transferred to the equine centre, making the evening a practical choice for supporters who prioritise industry-focused charities.

Practical note: seating is limited. Early booking is advised for those travelling from outside Waterford.

Cheltenham preview nights: two fundraising panels in youghal and wexford

Early booking is advised for those travelling from outside Waterford. The palate never lies, and the appetite for Cheltenham insight is already evident. Two fundraising preview nights will take place on Friday, 27 February, featuring high-profile panels and ticketed entry.

Walter raleigh hotel, youghal — 8.30pm

Who: a star-studded panel including A.P. McCoy, Davy Russell, David Casey, Johnny Dineen, Ian ‘Busty’ Amond and Shark Hanlon. Gary O’Brien will chair the discussion.

What and why: a high-profile Cheltenham preview night to raise funds for the KGK Development Group. The evening promises insider commentary from leading jockeys and pundits.

When and where: the event begins at 8.30pm sharp at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal.

Practical details: tickets cost €25, including booking fee. Book online at www.gr8events.ie or by phone via Dan on 086 040 1050 or Sinead on 087 419 4808. Organisers report formal booking channels and strong demand.

Ferrycarrig hotel, wexford — 8pm

Who: the panel features Liam Spratt (MC), J.J. Slevin, Sean O’Keeffe, Philip Rothwell, Conor Stone Walsh, Niall Tierney (IrishRacing.com) and Ryan McCue (Paddy Power).

What and why: a more affordable preview night that supports the Taghmon Horse & Pony Committee. Organisers describe the session as ideal for local supporters and followers seeking multiple media voices.

When and where: the event opens at 8pm at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford.

Practical details: tickets are priced at €10. The evening will include finger food and door prizes. The event is sponsored by Chieftain Bookmakers.

Behind every event there is a community story. As a chef I learned that careful preparation matters; organisers say both nights aim to blend expert analysis with local fundraising.

Friday, 27 February — Mernaghs Bar, Oilgate, Wexford
Panel: Noel Meade, Sam Ewing, Sean Doyle, Gavin Cromwell, Eddie O’Leary
MC: Tadhg Dooley
In aid of: Spinal Bifida Wexford, Child Vision & Jack De Bromhead Equine Centre
Notes: Organisers describe the event as a community evening combining expert racing analysis with local fundraising. The programme includes a panel discussion, a charity auction and a raffle. Capacity is limited and booking instructions vary by night.

Final tips for attendees

Book early when online reservation is recommended. Smaller venues have fixed capacity limits. Prioritise nights featuring trainers or jockeys with Festival runners of interest. Carry cash for auctions and raffles; some stalls accept card but organisers emphasise cash speeds transactions.

Check each organiser’s booking instructions before travel. Several nights sell out quickly and have separate guest lists for panelists and sponsors. If attending multiple events, allow extra time between venues for travel and social queues.

As a chef I learned that careful preparation matters. At these nights, preparation means printed or digital notes, clear directions to the venue and photocopies of any tickets. Behind every dish there’s a story, and behind each panel there are fundraising goals: attendees should expect a mix of racing insight and charity appeals.

Organisers recommend arriving early to secure seating and to view auction lots. For visitors travelling from outside Wexford, confirm parking and public-transport options in advance. Ticket and donation details are set by each host organisation and posted on event listings.

How to expand the listings

Ticket and donation details are set by each host organisation and posted on event listings. To broaden this directory, editors may add a submit your event line for organisers. Another option is to sort entries by county to improve local discovery. It may also help to highlight which preview nights offer live streaming for remote audiences.

For updates or to report additional confirmed nights, contact the organiser listed in each listing. Provide a single point of contact to streamline verification and reduce duplication. Keep submissions brief and include venue capacity, charity beneficiaries and streaming links where relevant.

As a chef I learned that clear information is as essential as a recipe. Accurate listings support attendance, fundraising and accessibility across communities. Behind every event there is a story; precise details help that story reach its audience.