The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for food and drink at Punchestown?

In the Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) we report from Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Punchestown

Punchestown

Date visited: Monday, January 16, 2023

Punchestown: a run-of-the-mill meeting on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Was it a big day? It was not a big day, given this is one of Ireland’s premier racecourses. It was a Monday in January that played host to some competitive low-grade handicaps and decent maiden hurdles.

How much was entry on the gate? Those who book in advance midweek can avail of a €5 discount, reducing the damage to €10. Otherwise, entry will set you back €15, while for senior citizens and students it is €10.

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options? In the main stand there are several options for those who fancy a drink. There are two bars at each end of the main stand with the Open Gate Bar situated to the far left and the Double Bank Bar located on the opposite side. Upstairs there is the Loft Bar where you can sit and enjoy your drink of choice in cosy surroundings.

For a Monday meeting, the only restaurant option was Lily & Wild which can be found to the left of the weighing room, and they have a large open space which is capable of catering for large crowds.

The sandwich options were plentiful including a cajun chicken ciabatta, tuna melt, chicken wrap or a ham & cheese sandwich. They are priced at €8.50 and are made in-house, however there are refrigerated pre-made sandwiches available for those looking to grab-and-go which cost €6.

There were three main course options, which will set you back €15 and you have the choice of a half roast chicken, beef bourguignon or a breaded cod fillet, all of which were served with two sides that were chosen from a list of carrots & turnips, roast/mashed potatoes, rice or house fries. Sausages or goujons with chips was available for €8.

The desserts looked particularly appetising, with delicious-looking chocolate cakes, apple crumble, red velvet cakes, cookies, brownies and mini-doughnuts priced for under a fiver.

Lily & Wild operate a reasonably priced coffee dock with all the hot beverages one would need, with a cup of tea and a cappuccino setting you back €2.80 and €3.50.

What was the food like? Excellent, I had the chicken caesar salad. It was a large portion, the chicken was tender and juicy and the dressing was particularly tasty. I had a small side of fries which were of a similar standard. They were big and thick-cut and went down a treat.

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: €2

Cheapest pint: Guinness or Smithwick's €6

Guinness: €6

Champagne: Bottle is €110, while a glass of Prosecco is €15

Burger: There was no food trucks on site selling burgers, but there were plenty of other food options at Lily & Wild

And the queues? Crowds were small and the bars/restaurant were spacious enough to deal with more racegoers.

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