what city is the curraugh race course located in in ireland

Full Answer

What is the Curragh Racecourse?

The Curragh Racecourse -- usually referred to as simply the Curragh -- is one of Ireland 's most important Thoroughbred racecourses. It is situated on the Curragh plain in County Kildare, between the towns of Newbridge and Kildare. The name "Curragh" comes from the Irish language word Cuirreach, meaning "place of the running horse".

What makes the Curragh training grounds so special?

The Curragh training grounds provide trainers with the opportunity to prepare their horses on approximately 1,500 acres of training facilities. In addition to 70 miles of turf gallops, there are approximately 12 miles of peat gallops and eight all-weather tracks available to work on.

How many miles of Gallops are there at the Curragh?

In addition to the Racecourse, the Curragh is also home to the Training Grounds which contains 80 miles of gallops over 1,500 acres. Your browser does not support the video tag.

Where are Ireland’s biggest horse races held?

There is no doubt that when it comes to Thoroughbred racing in Ireland, the Curragh is home to the country’s biggest races. Of the 12 Irish Group 1 races, 10 of them are hosted at the Curragh.

Where in Ireland is the Curragh?

County KildareThe Curragh, Irish An Currach, plain, or down, County Kildare, Ireland, noted for its excellent soils. Some 8 square miles (22 square km) in area, the down of Kildare apparently was an ancient meeting place, and The Curragh has been just such a common since at least the 12th century.

What county is Curragh racecourse?

County KildareThe Curragh racecourse is located in County Kildare, on the edge of The Curragh plains, approximately an hour outside of Dublin (50km). The Curragh Racecourse is situated on approximately 860 acres of land on The Curragh. The total site extends to 4,870 acres.

How do you get to Curragh from Dublin?

You can take a train from Dublin Heuston station to Newbridge or Kildare Stations, from there a taxi ride to the Curragh Racecourse. Newbridge is closer, maybe 5mins away and Kildare is 10mins away. Heston station is on the Luas red line from the city centre. The train tickets are cheaper if booked online in advance.

Can you visit the Curragh?

Now, after several years of research and planning, the Curragh has its own museum, that you can visit and take in the marvels of this magnificent geographical and historical site. we took in all aspects of the Curragh - military, civilian, equitation, conservation and archaeology.

How do you get to Curragh racecourse?

From Dublin take Exit 9 off the M50 onto the N7 southbound. Take Exit 12 off the M7. When you arrive, you'll find plenty of free car parking which will be signposted on approach roads. We encourage those requiring accessible parking to contact the racecourse in advance on 045-441205.

What is the oldest racecourse in Ireland?

Dating back to 1685, Downpatrick Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Ireland. It has long been a hub of local life and attracts visitors from far and wide for great sport, entertainment, and fun. We host 10 fixtures each year, with our feature being the Ulster National in March.

Who owns the Curragh racecourse?

The Aga Khan, JP McManus and John Magnier are among the backers of a new company established to redevelop, own and operate the Curragh Racecourse. The €65m project includes plans for a new grandstand and parade ring.

How do you get to Punchestown races?

GETTING HEREMarathon Travel – City Centre to Punchestown(Festival Only) Marathon Coaches have been operating festival buses from Aston Quay in Dublin City Centre for over 10 years. ... Naas Shuttle Bus Service(Festival Only) ... JJ Kavanagh & Sons – City Centre to Naas(Festival Only) ... Dublin Coach – ... By Car. ... By Taxi. ... By Rail.

What Luas stop for Leopardstown racecourse?

Get to Leopardstown by LUAS (tram) The racecourse is only a short walk from the Sandyford station and Leopardstown also provide a complimentary shuttle bus service on race days.

Who owns the Curragh Camp?

Irish Defence Forces/Department of DefenceCurragh CampControlled byIrish Defence Forces/Department of DefenceSite historyBuilt1855In use17th century – present7 more rows

Why is it called the Curragh?

The Curragh History It is an historical military assembly and training area. Its ancient name of 'CUIRREACH LIFE' would suggest that at one time it extended to the banks of the River Liffey. In pre-Christian times it was the site of Aonach Life, a gathering of all the people of the Kingdom of Leinster.

What do you wear to the Curragh?

Dress Codes There is not a strict dress code at the Curragh but they do encourage clients to dress smartly. You do not have to wear ties, and jackets are not compulsory but smart casual is good and is the norm on most days.

Do you need to book in advance to visit The Curragh Racecourse?

We recommend booking The Curragh Racecourse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours be...

What hotels are near The Curragh Racecourse?

Hotels near The Curragh Racecourse: (1.20 mi) The Keadeen Hotel (2.86 mi) Silken Thomas Accommodation (7.77 mi) Osprey Hotel (8.35 mi) Lawlor's of...

What restaurants are near The Curragh Racecourse?

Restaurants near The Curragh Racecourse: (2.22 mi) Jaipore (1.90 mi) Judge Roy Beans (2.21 mi) Edward Harrigan & Sons (1.85 mi) Chat N Chew (0.63 m...

What attractions are near The Curragh Racecourse?

Attractions near The Curragh Racecourse: (3.01 mi) Irish National Stud & Gardens (1.97 mi) Newbridge Silverware Visitor Center (1.98 mi) Klinique P...

How many acres are there in Curragh Racecourse?

The Curragh Racecourse is situated on approximately 860 acres of land on The Curragh. The total site extends to 4,870 acres. It is bounded to the North by the R413, and to the South by the actual racing flat. 1.5km from Newbridge Town.

Where is the Racecourse in Dublin?

The Racecourse is situated close to the M7 Motorway (Dublin/Limerick), which connects to the M8 (Dublin/Cork) and M9 (Dublin/Waterford) motorways. It can be readily accessed by car from Dublin City and from the greater metropolitan area.

What is the curragh?

The Curragh is an extensive flat plain with grassland as the dominant vegetation cover, with extensive clumps of gorse, and copses of trees both coniferous and deciduous vegetation is made up of typical indigenous trees and shrubs.

What is the name of the Irish racecourse?

The vast open grassy plain of The Curragh is at the very centre of Ireland's thoroughbred horse industry and the racecourse, in addition to regular race days, hosts all five Irish flat-racing Classics, including the oldest, The Irish Derby, originating in 1866.

How many monuments are there in the Curragh?

Later cavalry trained here before going to battle to the Crimea, the Boer War and the First World War. Within the grassy plain of The Curragh, there are almost 200 archaeological monuments and numerous features of cultural heritage have been identified.

When was the first race meeting held at the Curragh?

The racecourse has existed at The Curragh for over two hundred years, with the first recorded race meeting dating back to 1727. In 1865 a commission was set up by the house of parliament to examine The Curragh, and the resultant 1868 Curragh of Kildare act settled the right of common pasture, and preserved the use of The Curragh for the purpose ...

What is the Irish passion for horse racing?

The Irish passion for horse racing is legendary and experiencing it at The Curragh is unforgettable. Hooves drumming, your heart is galloping faster than the thundering hooves, louder than the roar of the crowd as the horses race up the home straight...it's exhilarating being swept away by the energy of the galloping horses before you, ...

Saturday 26th March

The Flat season returns to The Curragh with the opening fixture on the 26th of March 2022.

Hospitality

For a magnificent day at the races, we offer the whole package, unique hospitality combined with some of the most prestigious events in the horseracing calendar. Our stunning and scenic racetrack and facilities can cater for any occasion.

Where is the Curragh Racecourse?

The Curragh Racecourse is situated in the largest area of the Curragh Plains, known as Greenlands, in Co. Kildare, Ireland. The first official race meeting at the Curragh took place in 1741 and the racecourse has since become the premier horse racing venue in Ireland. In total, the Curragh stages 10 Group 1 races each year, including the Irish 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, the Irish Oaks, the Irish Derby and the Irish St. Leger.

How long is a curragh?

The Curragh consists of a right-handed, undulating, testing horseshoe, two miles in length, with a 3-furlong home straight that is almost all uphill. Races over a mile start on one adjoining chute and races over five, six and seven furlongs start on another. On the straight course horses drawn high hold a slight advantage in large fields.

How many acres are there at Curragh Racecourse?

The world’s best thoroughbred horses aren’t just raced at Curragh Racecourse: they’re trained here, too. Over 1,500 acres of land on the racecourse are dedicated to the Curragh Training Grounds, so there’s plenty of learning facilities and practising space!

What is the Curragh race?

Summary of Curragh Races. The Curragh is the home of Irish flat racing and has a rich long history of racing on its turf and is a training centre of excellence. It is the home of the nations Classics – including the Irish Oaks, Derby and Irish St Leger.

How long is the Curragh track?

Curragh is a right handed horse-shoe shaped track, galloping in nature and with a difficult uphill finish. It measures two miles, with a one-mile chute. All five Irish flat classic races happen at the Curragh, so its popularity is no surprise.

What races are held at the Curragh?

Whilst the Curragh can boast all five of Ireland’s top flat races – and is the home of the “Irish Classics” including the Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Irish Oaks and Irish St Leger – the jewel in the crown of its schedule is really the group 1 Irish Derby Festival.

How many furlongs are there in the sand dunes?

The final two furlongs are on a climb so stamina at any trip is always needed. There are starts at 5 furlong s, 6 fur longs, 7 furlongs and a mile on the straight course. There is also a mile start with a sweeping bend.

How long is the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby?

It is currently named the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival after its current sponsor. The Irish Derby is a three-day race meet with prize money on offer totalling a huge €2.25m. Races are held daily alongside music performances, fashion shows and competitions for attendees, and runs over one mile and four furlongs.

When was the first horse race held in the Curragh Plains?

The first record of a horse race on the Curragh plains is dated in 1727 , with the first notable derby in 1866. It wasn’t until some two years later, in 1868, that the Curragh was designated an official horseracing venue, and construction and specialist facilities could begin to be developed.

Plate Course

With nothing in the way of overly sharp bends, the Plate Course is the easiest of the three to navigate for runners. It has a length of over two miles with a straight run-in which has a length of three furlongs.

Derby Course

On the whole, the round courses at the Curragh are fair, however the Derby track differs from the Plate track, the former having a lot of turning and a low draw being an advantage.

Inner Course (No Longer Used for Racing)

There was an inner, circular course at the Curragh, though this has since been replaced by two training courses. These are the nine furlong tracks Old Vic, which has a woodchip surface, and Free Eagle, which is a sand and fibre mix.

Where is the biggest Thoroughbred race in Ireland?

There is no doubt that when it comes to Thoroughbred racing in Ireland, the Curragh is home to the country’s biggest races. Of the 12 Irish Group 1 races, 10 of them are hosted at the Curragh.

Is Curragh Racecourse a fuzzy place?

The background of Curragh Racecourse is a bit fuzzy. Allow us to clarify a few things about the earliest days before we start telling you about what goes on today.