Curragh Racecourse

Overview

Nestled on the iconic Curragh Plains, the Curragh Racecourse is Ireland’s premier flat‑racing venue and a cultural landmark of County Kildare. The modern grandstand, completed in 2019, offers hotel‑level comfort, panoramic views of the two‑mile right‑handed track, and a bustling social scene that blends sport, gastronomy and heritage. Racing runs for 24 days each year from mid‑March to early November, with the five Irish Classics – the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, Irish Derby, Irish Oaks and Irish St Leger – forming the crown jewels of the calendar.

History

The name Curragh derives from the Irish Cuirreach, meaning “place of the running horse”. Recorded racing on the plain dates back to 1727, and the first official Derby was held in 1866. In 1868 Parliament formally declared the area a horse‑racing and training facility, cementing its status for the next three centuries. The track’s distinctive horseshoe shape and testing uphill finish have attracted generations of legendary horses and jockeys, from Nijinsky and Shergar to modern stars such as Enable and Kingman. A major redevelopment of the grandstand began in 2017 and was completed in time for the 2019 flat season, delivering state‑of‑the‑art spectator amenities while preserving the historic atmosphere of the plains.

What to See & Do

• Grandstand & Views – The three‑storey grandstand provides unrivalled sightlines across the sweeping turf, the parade ring and the surrounding 2,000‑acre Curragh Plains. From the top‑floor balcony you can watch the finish line sprint with the same perspective as the elite jockeys.
• Parade Ring & Paddock – On race days the paddock buzzes with trainers, jockeys and the glittering silks of the contenders. Visitors can watch horses being saddled and hear the thundering hooves before the gates open.
• Dining & Hospitality – A suite of food and drink venues caters to every palate:
  • St. Leger Restaurant – Luxury dining on the third‑floor, bookable in advance.
  • Goffs Champagne Bar – Light tapas and Moët & Chandon overlooking the parade ring.
  • Lilywhites Lounge – Stylish bar with sweeping track views.
  • Orby’s by Lucy – Artisan café at the entrance, open daily.
  • Derby Bar, Atrium Café and Shoda Café – Casual spots for coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats.
• Behind‑the‑Scenes Tours – Guided tours are available on non‑race days, granting access to the jockeys’ changing rooms, weigh‑in area and the exclusive VIP balcony. These tours provide a rare glimpse of the inner workings of a world‑class racing operation.
• Kids Zone – The Moyglare Kidszone offers interactive activities for younger visitors, making the venue truly family‑friendly.
• Training Grounds – The Curragh’s 1,500‑acre training complex includes 70 miles of turf gallops, 12 miles of peat gallops and eight all‑weather tracks. The Old Vic wood‑chip gallop (9 furlongs) is Ireland’s most popular all‑weather gallop and can be observed during morning training sessions.

Practical Information

Race Calendar – Racing runs from mid‑March to early November, with 24 scheduled race days. Highlights include:

Hospitality – Packages start from €60 per person and include premium seating, exclusive dining and dedicated service.

Getting There – By road, the racecourse is about 50 minutes from Dublin via the M7 (Exit 12). Free on‑site car parking is available, with a nominal fee for annual preferred spaces. Complimentary shuttle buses run from Kildare town centre, Kildare railway station and Newbridge town railway station on all fixtures. Expressway operates direct services from Dublin city centre on major race days. By rail, mainline services from Heuston (Dublin), Cork, Limerick and Galway stop at Kildare Town, where the free shuttle picks up passengers.

Tickets & Booking – Tickets can be purchased online via the official site’s Ticket page. Prices vary by event, with most race days starting at €15. Hospitality and membership options are also available through the same portal.

Accessibility – The venue boasts full wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and unrestricted movement throughout the grandstand and enclosure. Staff are on hand to assist visitors with specific needs.

Contact & Further Details – For enquiries, call +353 45 441 205 or use the Contact page. Detailed FAQs, directions and additional visitor information are available under the “Plan Your Visit” section of the website.

Whether you are a seasoned punter, a family looking for a day out, or a history enthusiast eager to walk the same plains that have hosted racing for nearly three centuries, the Curragh Racecourse offers a uniquely Irish experience that combines sport, scenery and hospitality in one unforgettable setting.