The Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse

Few sporting events match the excitement, glamour and enjoyment of a day at the races. Less than one hour by car from Dublin City Centre, from March until October, the Curragh stages some of the most prestigious races in the world including all five Irish Classic races. These are the Tattersalls Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Darley Irish Oaks, Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, the jewel in the crown of the Irish horse racing calendar which takes place in late June.

The racecourse features a variety of bars, restaurants and hospitality suites, while it is also very family friendly with a variety of family race days.

Adult Admission varies from 15 to 30 euro, while concessions are available for seniors and Under 25s. Under 16s are free at all race days accompanied by an adult

The Curragh is also home to some of the world's most famous and successful trainers who use the Curragh Training Grounds to prepare their horses for success all over the world

Located off exit 12 of the M7

Free car parking

Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle bus on race days

Dublin Coach provide a race day service - see www.dublincoach.ie

Review

I have visited two or three racecourses in the time that I have been writing these great books, and all offer a great experience, however a visit to the Curragh is just that little bit more special. Steeped in both mythological and natural Irish history, the Curragh is the jewel in the crown of all Irish racecourses. The site in 1234 played home to a huge battle between Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, whom lost the battle at the Curragh against a group of men loyal to King Henry III of England. On the subject of soldiers, the site also plays home to the training of all Irish soldiers. But you don't need to know any of that to enjoy a great day at the races, and with easy accessibility from Dublin Airport or centre of Dublin via a free shuttle bus, you don't have to worry about driving to get here.