Photos: Suzanne Collins Photography
There are few places in the North East quite like Bellewstown on race day, and in 2026 the famous Hill turns 300.
Drogheda Life is delighted to announce that we are the official media partner for Bellewstown Racecourse for 2026, a year that marks three centuries of racing on the Hill. The first recorded meeting at Bellewstown appeared in the Dublin Gazette back in 1726, and ever since, the course on the Hill of Crockafotha has been one of the most loved fixtures on the Irish racing calendar, with its panoramic views out towards the Mournes and the Irish Sea.
To mark the milestone, Bellewstown has lined up a packed schedule of events right through 2026. The much loved July Festival returns as the centrepiece of the summer, and the celebrations kick off in style with the Country Music Xtravaganza on Sunday 5 July, a 300th birthday party on the Hill featuring Mike Denver and Band, Gavin Gribben and Band, and Shane O’Neill and ‘The Mad Ass Mules’, alongside a super sized dance floor, kids’ activities, a picnic area, full bar and free parking.
For those who want to make a real day of it, hospitality for Thursday is available now and can be booked online https://bellewstownraces.ie/hospitality-packages/
Chairman Jack Gogarty said:
“300 years is a special milestone year for racing on the hill in Bellewstown. We are really looking forward to welcoming our Supporters and Sponsors for this special year. We’re also looking forward to our Country Music Xtravaganza on Sunday July 5th. See you on the hill!”
“Bellewstown is part of the fabric of this area, and 300 years on the Hill is a milestone worth celebrating properly,” said Katie Kierans, Publisher of Drogheda Life. “As the home of what’s on, what’s new, and what matters across Drogheda and the North East, we are proud to be the official media partner for 2026 and to bring our readers right into the heart of the action all year long.”
We will be telling the story of Bellewstown’s anniversary year all the way through, from the build up and the big race days to the people and history behind one of the region’s most iconic venues.
So whatever the season, come and feel the thrill of racing on the Hill.
Keep an eye on Drogheda Life across the year for previews, coverage and everything you need to plan your day out at Bellewstown.
General admission tickets and value packs can be purchased online: https://bellewstownraces.ie/tickets/
