The Grand National at Aintree is the most famous horse race in the world — and in Ireland, it is arguably the biggest betting occasion of the entire year. Millions of people who never otherwise bet on racing will have a flutter on the National. This guide covers how to watch it in Ireland in 2027, the betting tradition it carries, and how to place a legal bet with a GRAI-licensed bookmaker.
When is the Grand National 2027?
The Grand National is traditionally run on the first Saturday of April at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. The 2027 edition is expected in early April 2027. The official date will be confirmed by Aintree and the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) in due course — check the Aintree website for the announcement. The race is typically run in the mid-afternoon, making it a Saturday event that fits perfectly around social gatherings in Ireland.
Free-to-Air TV: RTÉ’s Tradition
RTÉ has traditionally been the free-to-air home of the Grand National in Ireland. For many years, RTÉ has broadcast the race live, making it one of the few major international sporting events that Irish viewers can watch without a pay TV subscription. This tradition reflects the enormous interest the race generates across all demographics in Ireland, from committed racing punters to occasional viewers who have no other interest in the sport.
That said, broadcast rights are subject to negotiation and can change. We recommend checking RTÉ’s racing schedule as the 2027 Grand National approaches rather than assuming coverage is guaranteed. The RTÉ Player — RTÉ’s free streaming platform — would typically carry any race RTÉ holds live rights to, allowing you to watch on a device if you are away from a TV.
Pay TV Options
If RTÉ does not hold live rights in a given year, or if you want additional pre-race coverage and expert analysis, the Grand National is also typically available through pay TV services. Virgin Media Sport and Sky Sports Racing both cover the Grand National meeting extensively, often with hours of build-up coverage before the race itself.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch via Sky Go, and Virgin Media subscribers via the Virgin Media TV app, enabling mobile and tablet viewing in addition to on-screen broadcasting.
Watching in Pubs
In Ireland, watching the Grand National in a pub is a tradition in itself. On Grand National day, virtually every pub in the country with a television will have the race on. It is one of the few occasions when racing fills a pub to a comparable level to a major GAA or football event. The combination of a big race, the novelty of many once-a-year bettors, and the mid-afternoon timing makes pub viewing a cornerstone of the Grand National experience in Ireland.
Many pubs run sweepstakes on the day, adding an extra layer of participation for those who prefer not to place a formal bet with a bookmaker. If you are planning to watch in a specific pub, arriving with time to spare before the race build-up is advisable, as pubs can fill quickly on Grand National afternoon.
Streaming Options
Beyond RTÉ Player and the apps from pay TV providers, options for legally streaming the Grand National in Ireland are limited to the existing broadcast rights holders. We do not recommend using unofficial or unlicensed streams — these carry security risks and are not a reliable way to watch a race where the picture matters.
If you are outside Ireland on Grand National day, check whether the rights holder in your location offers the race, as international rights vary considerably.
The Grand National Betting Tradition in Ireland
The Grand National is widely regarded as Ireland’s biggest single betting day of the year. The combination of a large field (typically 40 runners), long distances (over four miles and more than 30 fences), and the genuine unpredictability of the outcome creates a race where even casual bettors feel engaged. The odds range from short-priced favourites to 100/1 outsiders, meaning there is a price point for every type of punter.
Irish involvement in the race is historically deep. Irish-trained horses have won the National on numerous occasions, and Irish stables including those in Tipperary, County Meath and County Galway have produced past winners. This connection reinforces the race’s cultural significance in Ireland beyond the pure betting interest.
Common betting approaches for the Grand National include:
- Each-way bets: The standard approach for a race with 40 runners. Bookmakers typically pay out on the first six or seven places — check the specific each-way terms before betting.
- Ante-post betting: Markets open months before the race, often shortly after the weights are published. Ante-post prices are generally longer but carry non-runner risk.
- Sweepstakes: Informal, paper-based draws among friends or colleagues — common in workplaces and social groups across Ireland on Grand National day.
- Small multiples: Some punters back several runners in small accumulators or doubles, covering different chances across the field.
See our full Grand National 2027 betting guide for form analysis, each-way strategy and market breakdowns. For general racing betting tools, our each-way betting guide and ante-post betting guide cover the mechanics in detail.
Betting Legally in Ireland: GRAI Licensing
Since 1 July 2026, all bookmakers taking bets from Irish customers online must hold a GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland) remote betting licence. This is a legal requirement under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Betting with an unlicensed offshore site carries real risks: no payout guarantee under Irish law, no formal complaints route in Ireland, and no consumer protections the GRAI requires of its licence holders.
Our recommended bookmaker holds licence No. GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001, verifiable on the official GRAI register at grai.ie. It is valid to September 2029. See the full list of GRAI-licensed bookmakers and our betting sites Ireland guide.
Licence No. GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001 • Valid to September 2029 • Verifiable on grai.ie
Responsible Gambling
The Grand National is a race where millions of once-a-year bettors participate. If you are not a regular bettor, set a clear budget before the day and stick to it. The race is exciting regardless of how much you have on it, and the value is in the event itself. For anyone who finds gambling becoming a problem at any point, the Gambling Awareness Trust offers free, confidential support at 1800 753 753 and gamblingcare.ie. 18+ only.
Frequently Asked Questions
RTÉ has traditionally broadcast the Grand National live and free to air in Ireland. Check RTÉ’s schedule as the race approaches to confirm. Many pubs across Ireland also show the race live on the day.
Historically, yes — RTÉ has traditionally shown it live and free. This tradition may continue in 2027, but broadcast rights can change, so check RTÉ’s listings as the event approaches rather than assuming.
The Grand National is traditionally run on the first Saturday of April. The 2027 edition is expected in early April 2027 — check the official Aintree website for the confirmed date.
Use a GRAI-licensed bookmaker. Since 1 July 2026, all bookmakers serving Irish customers online must hold a GRAI remote betting licence. Our recommended partner holds licence GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001. Each-way bets are the most popular format for the National, given the large field. Always bet responsibly — 18+ only.
Terms vary between bookmakers but are typically around 1/4 or 1/5 of the win odds for the first six or seven places. With 40 runners, more places than the standard four or five for a regular race are paid out. Always check the specific terms your bookmaker offers before placing your bet.