‘Elegance personified’: NI woman picks up best dressed honours at annual Punchestown Festival

The 2025 meet was the biggest ever held at the Co Kildare venue, with a record 136,651 people turning out and enjoying the racing and fine weather.

Belfast woman Ciara Denvir took the crown in the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Friday, winning a trip for two to Paris, the Champagne Region. Reims and the Bollinger Estate, as well as a year’s supply of Champagne Bollinger.

Denvir stunned onlookers and judges with a carefully curated monochrome ensemble, which she said was entirely taken from her own wardrobe.

The Belfast woman wore a cream and black hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London, which she teamed a cream and black polka dot blouse by Coosy Studio (a Spanish brand), a black skirt by Romanian brand ATU Body Couture and a belt she’s had for over 20 years.

Her Dior earrings were several years old, while her statement green Prada shoes were bought last year in the sales. Finally, her bag was by Irish designer August Night and a ring from Boodles.

The item was a gift from her husband, Peter Boyle, to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. Its purchase led to an invitation from the brand to join them for at the festival.

“I feel absolutely overwhelmed and completely excited, I couldn’t believe it,” Denvir – who previously won RTÉ’s home of the year – told the broadcaster.

“I’ve never been to the races before, and never entered a best dressed. I am looking forward to a wonderful and beautiful prize.”

Head Judge Jess Colivet said Ciara was “elegance personified”.

“We were looking for a curated look from head to toe, and I just felt this woman was elegance personified,” she said.

“Her outfit was a beautiful monochrome classic look with a twist, and then the bravery of wearing that green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, elegance and style, a great winner for Bollinger.”

The festival finale, Ballymore Family Day on Saturday saw 33,158 junior racegoers, families, socialisers and racing fans descend on the track compared with 25,396 on the same day last year.

Conor O’Neill, CEO Punchestown commented “The glorious weather ensured another beano festival here at Punchestown.

“Whether you’re 5 or 95 there has been something for everyone here at Punchestown this week and that’s what it’s all about.”