Over 12,000 students are expected to attend this year’s Student Race Day which is taking place in Limerick tomorrow.
Race day has been one of Ireland’s biggest student social events for many years, attracting thousands of students from all over the country.
According to organisers, approximately 12,500 people attended last year’s event, with similar demand for this year’s races, taking place this Thursday, April 16.
UL students are looking forward to the event, with many highlighting that, while they may not be particularly interested in horse racing itself, the atmosphere, fashion and shared experience make the day special.
UL Journalism student Maggie Buckley (21) is “probably going to be up at half 6” to get ready for the big day.
She has a pink dress from Oh Polly lined up for what she described as “the prom of college – it’s THE event”
Ms Buckley is most looking forward to “getting dressed up and seeing all the fashion at the racecourse!”
Getting ready is “a huge thing,” she explained: “You have to make sure your hair’s perfect, your make up’s perfect, that everything goes to plan the day of.”
Students Lola, 21, and Heather, 20, consider the races “a good day out”. Outfits are the priority, with dresses already picked out – Lola’s from Shein and Heather’s borrowed from a friend.
Others also mentioned trying to save money by borrowing outfits from friends or wearing something they already owned.
Fashion is, of course, one of the key elements of the day. Almost every attendee dresses up, with elegant outfits, statement accessories and carefully styled looks filling the racecourse.
The Best Dressed competition offers a prize, giving students extra motivation to stand out and show off their style.
But not all students will be attending the races due to cost barriers.
American student Sean White said: “If I could afford to go it, it would be cool.”
He added that he doesn’t think these events are “worth the price,” explaining: “I have to pay my last rent, and I am not going to spend more money.”
He continued: “There aren’t really any free events throughout the year. I think college here is too cheap. People here clearly have too much to spend if they’re able to go to things like the races… you buy the ticket and then the whole point is that you bet. But that also requires even more money.”
Ticket prices have been described as cost prohibitive for students. VIP tickets cost €55, while bus tickets between Limerick city and the racecourse are approximately €25.
Many students noted that although the Limerick Student Race Day is more expensive than other student events, the VIP area, separate bar and private bathrooms made the extra cost worthwhile.
One of the biggest attractions of this year’s event is the VIP Marquee, with all-day live music.
The lineup includes Fionn Hayes, Adam Moloney, Josh Quinn, Eoghain Fitz, Lee James, Marty Guilfoyle, Jen Payne and Ev Wilde.