The Best Racecourses to Visit in Ireland 2023

Ireland is renowned for its rich heritage in horse racing and is home to some of the most iconic and historic racecourses in the world. From the rolling hills of County Kildare to the rugged coastline of County Cork, Ireland boasts a range of stunning locations for horse racing enthusiasts to visit. In this essay, we will highlight some of the best racecourses to visit in Ireland.

The first racecourse that should be on every horse racing fan's list is the Curragh Racecourse, located in County Kildare. This historic racecourse has been hosting horse races since 1741 and is considered one of the most important and influential racecourses in the world. The Curragh is known for its wide, open track and its beautiful natural surroundings, making it a truly breathtaking venue for horse racing. 

Another must-visit racecourse in Ireland is Fairyhouse Racecourse, located in County Meath. This modern and well-equipped racecourse is known for its top-class facilities, including a spacious grandstand and excellent viewing areas. Fairyhouse is home to the Irish Grand National, one of the most prestigious horse races in Ireland, and is a must-visit for any horse racing fan.

For those looking for a racecourse with a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Punchestown Racecourse is an excellent option. This charming course is located in County Kildare and is surrounded by rolling hills and stunning scenery. Punchestown is known for its friendly atmosphere and is a popular destination for families and casual racing fans.

For those who prefer a more coastal setting, Cork Racecourse is the perfect destination. This stunning racecourse is located on the coast of County Cork and offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Cork is a popular destination for tourists and racing fans alike, and is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

If you are looking for a racecourse with a rich history and cultural heritage, then the Galway Races is the place to visit. This historic racecourse is located in County Galway and is one of the oldest and most iconic racecourses in Ireland. The Galway Races is a week-long festival of horse racing, music, and entertainment, and is a must-visit for anyone who loves horse racing and Irish culture.

Finally, for those who want to experience the thrill of horse racing in the heart of Dublin, the Leopardstown Racecourse is the place to be. This modern and well-equipped racecourse is located just outside the city and is known for its top-class facilities and exciting atmosphere. Leopardstown is the perfect place to spend a day out and is an essential destination for any horse racing fan.

In conclusion, Ireland is home to some of the most iconic and historic racecourses in the world. From the historic Curragh Racecourse to the modern Leopardstown Racecourse, there is something for every horse racing fan to enjoy in Ireland. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day out or an exciting race day, these racecourses are a must-visit for anyone who loves horse racing and Irish culture.

Irish Racecourses: Punchestown

"I've always wanted to go to Punchestown."

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Punchestown Racecourse is situated on the outskirts of Naas, the county town of Co. Kildare, in the eastern part of the Irish Midlands. Punchestown Racecourse is, in fact, less than three-and-a-half miles from Naas Racecourse but, unlike its near neighbour, exclusively stages National Hunt racing. Punchestown hosts 17 National Hunt fixtures between April and December, with notable races including the Grade One Morgiana Hurdle, the highlight of the two-day Winter Festival, in November, and the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase, in December. 

 However, Punchestown is synonymous with the Irish National Hunt Festival, commonly known as the Punchestown Festival, which is staged over five days in late April and early May and brings the Irish National Hunt season to a close. That's the brilliance of Online Casinos AU open 24-hours a day. The Punchestown Festival is one of the highlights of the Irish sporting calendar and features no fewer than 12 Grade One contests, including the Champion Chase, Champion Stayers’ Hurdle, Punchestown Gold Cup and Punchestown Champion Hurdle, not to mention the fascinating La Touche Cup, run over 4 miles 1½ furlongs on the only cross-country ‘banks’ course in Ireland. 

The main steeplechase course at Punchestown is a right-handed, undulating oval, approximately two miles in circumference, with eleven, moderately stiff, but fair, fences to a circuit and a run-in of approximately one furlong. It's so much faster to pop over to this website and enjoy casino online usa. The course is galloping in character, with a steady climb throughout the final five furlongs, which affords staying types an opportunity to find their stride. 

The hurdle course, laid out inside the main steeplechase course, is only a mile-and-three-quarters in circumference and, consequently, much sharper in character. The bend at the end of the back straight is particularly sharp and, on the whole, the course favours horses that race handily. 

The cross-country course consists of a twisting, turning circuit, three miles around, with left-handed and right-handed bends. Horses must negotiate a series of idiosyncratic obstacles, including banks, fences and walls, before returning to the racecourse proper and a single, regulation birch fence between them and the winning post.

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Irish Racecourses: Limerick

Limerick Racecourse, a.k.a. Greenmount Park, is situated in Co. Limerick, in the Mid-West Region of Ireland, approximately five miles southwest of the county town, Limerick. The course was opened in 2001, as a replacement for the historic Greenpark Racecourse, nearer the city centre, which closed in 1999 after 130 years. 

Indeed, Limerick has the distinction of being the newest turf racecourse in the country and, nowadays, stages 18 Flat and National Hunt fixtures throughout the year. Twilight meetings staged, under both codes, at Limerick Racecourse in May, June, July and August are extremely popular, but the annual highlight is the four-day Christmas Festival, which starts on St. Stephen’s Day, or Boxing Day, and includes the Grade Two Greenmount Park Novice Chase. Other notable National Hunt races run at Limerick include the Munster National Handicap Chase, in October, Limerick E.B.F Mares’ Novice Hurdle and Dawn Run Mares Novices’ Chase, in March and the Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle, in April. On the Flat, the Listed Martin Molony Stakes, worth €26,550 to the winner, is the most valuable race of the season. Interestingly, the 2018 winner, Sir Erec, is currently favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. 

The steeplechase course at Limerick is a right-handed oval, approximately one mile and three furlongs in circumference, with seven fairly stiff fences to a circuit and a run-in of approximately one furlong. The course is essentially galloping in character, but heading away from the stands runners must negotiate a fairly sharp turn into the back straight, which climbs steeply and features five fences, including two open ditches, in quick succession, before running downhill into the home turn. The home straight is three-furlongs long and slightly uphill for the last two furlongs, so jockeys must be wary of asking horses for an effort too soon on the downhill stretch. That caveat aside, the finish is, essentially, fairly easy, so horses granted an uncontested lead can be difficult to catch. 

On the Flat, front-runners are similarly favoured when the going is on the fast side, making it difficult to make up ground from off the pace. However, softer going places more emphasis on stamina and the early leaders regularly come back to the rest of the field.

Irish Racecourses: Navan

Navan Racecourse, a.k.a. Proudstown Park is situated in the townland of Proudstown, approximately three miles north of Navan town centre, in County Meath, in eastern Ireland. Navan stages 17 Flat and National Hunt fixtures throughout the year but is probably better known for the latter. 

Notable races ‘over the sticks’ at Navan include the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle, run in February, the Grade Two Fortria Chase and the Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle, both run in November, and the Grade Two Navan Novice Hurdle – which, between 2004 and 2014, was a Grade One contest – run in December. On the Flat, Group Three Vintage Crop Stakes staged in late April or early May, is the most valuable race of the season, worth €60,000 in added prize money. Named in honour of the first European-trained horse to win the Melbourne Cup, the Vintage Crop Stakes is a recognised trial for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot; in recent years, Yeats, Fame And Glory, Leading Light and Order Of St. George, all trained by Aidan O’Brien, have won both races. 

The steeplechase course at Navan is a left-handed, undulating, rectangle, approximately a mile and a half in extent, with nine, fairly stiff fences to a circuit and a run-in of approximately one furlong. The fourth-last fence, an open ditch, is directly followed by the turn into the home straight, which features three more plain fences. The hurdle course is laid out inside the steeplechase track and features seven hurdles to a circuit. The course is essentially galloping in character, but the uphill climb from the final bend, which is three-and-a-half furlongs from the winning post, provides one of the stiffest finishes in the country. In the depths of winter, soft or heavy going can make conditions very testing indeed, so Navan is no place for horses with doubtful stamina. 

The flat course, like the steeplechase course, offers no hiding place in terms of stamina, but similarly offers plenty of room for manoeuvre and is renowned as one of the fairest in Ireland. Sprint races are run on a straight course, which joins the round course at the top of the home straight, but horses can win from any position on either track and little, or no, draw bias exists. 

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Sligo Racecourse: The Best Hotels & Restaurants

Sligo Racecourse is a renowned horseracing venue situated in the west of Ireland. The racecourse has a unique charm, surrounded by rolling hills and a backdrop of the Benbulben mountain range. The racecourse has been in operation for over 100 years and has hosted some of the most prestigious horseracing events in the country. The course is known for its tight turns, undulating track, and its unique location, which provides a challenging and exciting race for both horses and jockeys.

The Sligo Racecourse is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of visitors every year. The racecourse is located just outside the town of Sligo, a bustling town with a rich history and culture. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area that cater to visitors, but there are a few that stand out above the rest.

One of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Sligo Racecourse is the Clayton Hotel. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the town, just a short drive away from the racecourse. The hotel boasts luxurious rooms and suites, each decorated in a contemporary style and equipped with all the modern amenities that guests would expect from a high-end hotel. The hotel also has a range of facilities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a spa, which is perfect for guests who want to relax after a long day at the races.

In terms of dining options, the Clayton Hotel has an excellent restaurant, the Sinergie Restaurant, which serves delicious contemporary Irish cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers an extensive menu that caters to all tastes. The restaurant also ha.

Another excellent hotel to consider when visiting Sligo Racecourse is the Sligo Park Hotel. The hotel is located in a peaceful and tranquil setting, just a short drive away from the racecourse. The hotel has a range of rooms and suites, each designed to offer guests maximum comfort and relaxation. The hotel also has a range of facilities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a spa, which is perfect for guests who want to unwind after a busy day at the races.

The Sligo Park Hotel also has an excellent restaurant, the Hazelwood Restaurant, which serves delicious Irish cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a range of dishes that showcase the best of Irish cooking. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, which features a range of wines from around the world.

When it comes to dining outside of the hotels, there are several excellent restaurants in Sligo town that visitors should try. One of the best is the Eala Bhan Restaurant, which serves modern Irish cuisine in a stylish and elegant setting. The restaurant uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and innovative.

Another great restaurant to try is the Coach Lane Restaurant, which is located in a converted 19th-century stable block. The restaurant serves traditional Irish dishes, such as slow-cooked lamb and Irish stew, and has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

In conclusion, Sligo Racecourse is a unique and exciting horseracing venue that attracts visitors from around the world. When visiting the racecourse, there are several excellent hotels and restaurants to choose from, each offering guests a range of facilities and dining options.

Killarney Racing - Staying At The Killarney Park Hotel

Wow just Wow! Killarney Racecourse is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/XSxLVt0WhY

— Gleneagles (@Glen_Colt) May 16, 2016

Killarney is a picturesque town located in County Kerry, Ireland, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. One of the town's most popular attractions is the Killarney racecourse, situated in the heart of the Killarney mountains. The racecourse is not only a haven for horse racing enthusiasts but also for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Killarney racecourse is a historic venue that has been in existence for over 80 years. It hosts some of the most prestigious horse racing events in Ireland, including the August Festival, which attracts racing enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival comprises several days of thrilling races, fashion competitions, and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is both fun and exhilarating.

However, Killarney racecourse is not only about horse racing. The venue is also a popular location for conferences, trade shows, and other events. It offers excellent facilities, including a grandstand that can accommodate up to 12,000 people, VIP boxes, restaurants, bars, and private suites.

But what makes Killarney racecourse truly unique is its location. The racecourse is nestled in the heart of the Killarney mountains, providing visitors with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. The Killarney mountains are part of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range and are home to Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil. The mountains are also home to several lakes, including the famous Lakes of Killarney, which are some of Ireland's most photographed natural wonders.

Visitors to Killarney racecourse can explore the mountains through several activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The Killarney National Park is also nearby, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and learn about Ireland's rich flora and fauna.

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When it comes to accommodation, Killarney offers an array of options that cater to different budgets and preferences. However, the best hotel to stay in when visiting the racecourse and the Killarney mountains is the Killarney Park Hotel.

The Killarney Park Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Killarney town, just a short distance from the racecourse. The hotel boasts 67 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, all equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious bedding.

The hotel also features excellent dining options, including the award-winning The Peregrine Restaurant, which serves a range of local and international dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Garden Bar and Terrace is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the races, offering guests an extensive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, as well as a light bar menu.

In addition to its luxurious amenities, the Killarney Park Hotel is renowned for its exceptional customer service. The hotel's staff is highly trained and dedicated to providing guests with a personalized and memorable experience.

In conclusion, Killarney racecourse is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The racecourse's location in the heart of the Killarney mountains makes it a perfect base for exploring the area's natural wonders. And when it comes to accommodation, the Killarney Park Hotel is the ideal choice, offering luxurious amenities, excellent dining options, and exceptional customer service.

Irish Racecourse: Naas

Naas Racecourse is situated on the outskirts of Naas, the county town of Co. Kildare, in the Mid-East Region of Ireland, less than half a mile east of the town centre and approximately 23 miles southwest of Dublin. Still known, rather unfairly, as the “Punters’ Graveyard” – a myth no doubt perpetuated by the proximity of a cemetery to the home straight – Naas stages 15 Flat and National Hunt fixtures throughout the year. 

The highlight of the National Hunt calendar at Naas is the Slaney Novice Hurdle, run over 2 miles 4 furlongs in January. The race was upgraded to Grade One status in 2015, since when it has been sponsored by Lawlor’s Hotel, but had previously been won by subsequent Cheltenham Festival winners, Gold Cygent and Mikael d’Haguenet, not to mention 2016 Grand National winner Rule The World. The 2019 winner, Batteloverdoyen, is currently a top-priced 5/1 second favourite for the Ballymore Properties’ Novice Hurdle, the same race won by Mikael d’Haguenet in 2009. 

On the Flat, the Group Three Blue Wind Stakes, run over 1 mile 2 furlongs and open to fillies and mares aged three years and upwards, is the seasonal highlight. Occasionally, the Blue Wind Stakes serves as a trial for the Oaks at Epsom the following month and in the past has been won by the likes of Banimpire and Pleascach, both trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, who won the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and Irish 1,000 Guineas and Yorkshire Oaks, respectively. 

The steeplechase course at Naas is a left-handed oval, approximately a mile and a half in circumference, with eight, fairly stiff fences to a circuit and a run-in of just over a furlong. Despite its dubious nickname, Naas is a wide, galloping track, with a stiff, uphill finish, which suits long-striding, staying types, but is nonetheless renowned for its fairness to all types of horse. The home straight, which features two plain fences, is over half a mile long but, despite the stiff finish, horses held up off the pace may still find it difficult to make up the required ground on the leaders. 

On the Flat, a chute at the top of the home straight allows sprint races, over five or six furlongs, to be run on a straight course which, in recent years, has been levelled in the first three furlongs or so to create a more even surface. Races over seven furlongs and a mile also start on a chute, this time at the top of the home straight, and a run around a left-hand bend. Even so, the draw plays little part in such races, except on soft ground, when jockeys tend to make a beeline for the stands’ side rail in the home straight, so a high draw is advantageous.