Racecourses in the Dublin area

As a tiny nation, Ireland really has provided its fair share of champion racehorses. Names like Arkle, Red Rum, Dawn Run and recently Sea The Stars roll off the tongue of even the most novice racing enthusiast and adorn the walls of countless country homes across the land.

The area around Kildare and Meath is traditionally seen as a hotbed of Irish racing, with families in these areas raised on diets of riding and grooming. There are countless opportunities to take in a race meeting should you find yourself in Ireland, and here are four options in the greater Dublin area.

Punchestown
Ireland’s answer to Cheltenham, Punchestown Racecourse is located between Blessington in Co. Wicklow and nearby Naas in Co. Kildare. It is an internationally renowned green bowl, with supreme facilities and huge acreage. Naas and the nearby town of Newbridge come to a standstill during the big race week, usually around mid April, and there’s nothing quite like being perched in the impressive stand cheering on the winners. Punchestown is also home to the annual Oxegen music festival, which is about as far away from equestrian decorum as you can get!

Easily accessible from Dublin, there’s also a great bus service running from the city centre during the big festival, and there’s a train and bus service to Kildare as well. There are also plenty of accommodation options in the vicinity. If you’re doing things in style, try the Osprey Hotel in Naas, Kilashee House or Carton House.

Fairyhouse
Home of the Irish Grand National, Fairyhouse Racecourse in Co. Meath is a right-handed course almost two miles long. Just off the main M1 motorway, Fairyhouse is a name synonymous with Irish racing and first held a meeting in 1848. The facilities are some of the most modern in the country, and, boosted by Meath Tourism, Fairyhouse has been upgraded with recent refurbishments. Grand National day is Easter Monday, and the place is always buzzing.

Leopardstown
Home of the south Dublin horse-loving set, Leopardstown Racecourse is a 10-minute trip from the city centre, into the southern suburbs. Hosting both flat and jumps meetings, the Christmas meeting is one of the highlights of the Dublin social calendar, particularly on St Stephen’s Day when locals meet friends and family and attempt to burn off some of that turkey, while winning a few bob for the January sales. Leopardstown golf course is situated in the middle of the track, and a pavilion including Fillies Bar & Restaurant, Madigans pub and the famous Club 92 nightclub is also on site. The Irish Champion Stakes meeting is held at this course every September and sees the finest Irish flat horses go head to head. During the summer, Thursday nights see bands, BBQs and office crowds out for a flutter. Sandyford Luas station is nearby and numerous Dublin Bus services stop nearby, including the number 11.

Dundalk
Opened in recent years, the impressive Dundalk Stadium in County Louth is the first course in the world to combine horseracing and greyhound racing (not at the same time!). It is also the first floodlit all-weather horse track in Ireland. Using polytech material and state of the art floodlights means the stadium can hold meetings at night and throughout the winter, and Floodlit Fridays are a big draw with locals. There are numerous dining options, including Champion’s Restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the track. You can sit inside watching the action unfold just like a greyhound stadium.