Why Down Royal Racecourse Is a Fantastic Group Day Out by Coach

A day at the races has always been about more than just the horses, and Down Royal Racecourse captures that feeling perfectly.

Located just outside Lisburn and easily accessible from Derry/Londonderry and the Causeway Coast, Down Royal combines thrilling racing with style, fashion and a vibrant social atmosphere. It makes an ideal destination for groups who want to dress up, enjoy a great day out and turn a race meeting into a proper occasion, for friends, corporate groups or special celebration, and travelling with Executive Travel NI can make it memorable experience from start to finish.

Down Royal’s 2026 calendar includes a variety of fixtures that are perfect for group outings, with something for every season and every style of race-day experience.

The year kicks off with Molson Coors Race Day on 20th January, a spirited winter fixture that sets the tone for the season. On 17th March, the Bluegrass St Patrick’s Day Races bring a touch of Irish festivity to the track, followed by the Fibrus Family Race Day on 12th April, which is ideal for daytime group travel.

Spring continues with the Club Mixers May Day Races on 4th May, and as the weather warms, so does the atmosphere with the BoyleSports Summer Race Evening on 29th May,  a great choice for groups booking luxury coach travel from Derry/Londonderry, Coleraine or Limavady.

One of the season’s highlights is the Summer Festival in June, with Summer Festival Day 1 on 19th June and the BoyleSports Ulster Derby & Ladies Day on 20th June.

These back-to-back fixtures offer a full day of high-class racing, fashion and socialising, making them ideal for groups who want to dress up and make the most of the occasion. Summer evenings continue with popular meetings on 17th July, 28th August, and 4th September all excellent options for friends travelling together by group coach hire from Coleraine or executive coach hire from Limavady and Derry. 

As the season moves into autumn, Down Royal hosts the BetVictor Festival of Racing on 30th & 31st October, including a signature Ladies Day on 31st October, one of the most stylish events of the year and a brilliant date for groups to plan around.

The racing calendar rounds out again with a festive favourite, the Boxing Day meeting on 26th December 2026.

What really sets Down Royal apart is not just the massive schedule, but the complete race-day experience. The venue caters exceptionally well to group bookings, offering a range of hospitality options from private suites overlooking the finishing straight to shared lounges with seated dining, table service and private bars. Many parties taking coach hire from Derry/Londonderry, Coleraine and Limavady areas to Down Royal, choose hospitality packages to elevate the day and make it feel truly special.

Beyond the racing itself, the social experience is a huge part of the appeal. Smart dressing is encouraged, especially on Ladies Days, and there is a real sense of occasion throughout the venue. With numerous food and drink options and spaces designed to keep groups together, it’s easy to enjoy the racing while still having time to socialise. This makes Down Royal a natural choice for groups who want a well-organised, stylish day out.

Travel plays a key role in making the experience seamless, and that’s where Executive Travel NI comes in. Offering luxury and executive coach hire from Derry / Londonderry, Coleraine and Limavady, we take the stress out of the travel. Travelling together by coach allows groups to relax from the moment they set off, enjoy the full day at the races and return home safely and comfortably.

For anyone looking to combine dressing up, top-class racing and a lively social atmosphere, Down Royal Racecourse ticks every box. With a packed fixture list, excellent hospitality options and an unbeatable race-day buzz, it’s a standout choice. Paired with executive transport, a day at Down Royal becomes more than just a trip to the races, it becomes a complete, hassle-free group experience from the North West to the finish line.