Fairyhouse Racecourse

Overview

Fairyhouse Racecourse sits just 23 km north of Dublin, off the M3 and N2, in the quiet parish of Ratoath, County Meath. The venue is a right‑handed, square circuit of one mile and six‑and‑a‑half furlongs with a three‑furlong home straight that finishes on a gentle uphill. Its wide, galloping track is praised for being fair to all types of horse, making it a favourite for both flat and National Hunt racing. With around 21 fixtures a year, Fairyhouse is a hub for locals and visitors alike, offering everything from world‑class jump racing to family‑focused market days.

History

The first meeting on the grounds took place in 1848 when the Ward Union Hunt staged a point‑to‑point race. By 1870 the Irish Grand National – then called the Irish Grand Steeplechase – had found a permanent home at Fairyhouse, the inaugural winner being Sir Robert Peel. Over the decades the course has seen legends such as Desert Orchid, Prince Regent, Istabraq and the legendary L’Escargot.

Ownership passed from the privately‑run Fairyhouse Club Ltd to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) in 2007, securing the venue’s long‑term future. The course was managed by Dick Sheil from 1999 until 2006 and, from October 2007, by chartered accountant Caroline Gray, who introduced a series of modernisation projects. The Powers Gold Label Stand and Jameson Stand were refurbished in 1999, and the venue continues to benefit from the long‑standing Powers Whiskey sponsorship – the longest‑running partnership in Irish racing.

Fairyhouse also hosted the first three Witnness music festivals (2000‑2002) and remains a venue for concerts, markets and community events.

What to See & Do

Racing Highlights

• Irish Grand National – the centerpiece of the three‑day Easter Festival, held each Easter Monday and currently sponsored by BoyleSports. The race draws crowds from across the island and offers a palpable sense of tradition.
• Irish Gold Cup – a Grade 1 chase that showcases the best staying chasers in the country.
• Hatton’s Grace Hurdle – a Grade 1 hurdle that has produced champions such as Honeysuckle and Hurricane Fly.
• Bobbyjo Chase – a key trial for the Grand National, run over three miles and one furlong in January.
• Brownstown Stakes – a Group 3 flat race for fillies and mares, moved to Fairyhouse from Leopardstown in 2009.

Festivals & Events

• Easter Festival – a three‑day extravaganza of jump racing, live music, fashion showcases and a dedicated children’s entertainment zone. Easter Sunday features double Grade 1 action and a host of free activities for kids.
• Winter Festival – held in early December, this meeting blends festive atmosphere with a strong card of graded races. Luxury hospitality suites, private boxes and the Bobbyjo Bistro provide upscale dining options.
• Sunday Market – when the track is not in use, a bustling market opens, offering local produce, crafts, saddlery, tools and even car‑boot sales. It’s a great spot to sample Meath’s regional flavours.

Family Facilities

Fairyhouse prides itself on being family‑friendly. A large outdoor playground and the Fairyhouse Kids Club (an indoor activity area open on every weekend fixture) keep younger visitors entertained while the adults enjoy the racing action. Group discounts are available – purchase six or more general‑admission tickets and receive a 15 % reduction per ticket.

Hospitality & Dining

The venue boasts several hospitality options:

• Bobbyjo Bistro – a contemporary restaurant serving Irish classics and race‑day snacks.
• Jameson Stand – offers a relaxed bar atmosphere with a selection of Irish whiskeys.
• Powers Gold Label Stand – modern seating with panoramic views of the home straight.
• Private Suites – ideal for corporate events, birthday celebrations or client entertainment.

Track & Racing Details

Fairyhouse’s circuit is a right‑handed, one‑mile‑and‑six‑furlong (approximately 2 km) oval with a 2.5‑furlong straight and a slight uphill finish. The course features 11 fences for chasing and eight hurdles on the hurdle circuit. The gentle uphill run‑in levels the playing field, making the track suitable for a wide range of horses and providing exciting finishes.

Accessibility

• Parking – free on‑site parking is available on race days, including 10 designated wheelchair spaces.
• Disabled facilities – accessible toilets, lifts to the grandstands and dedicated entry points are provided throughout the venue.
• Gate opening times – gates typically open 1½ hours before the first race; on larger meetings they open earlier.

Practical Information

Fairyhouse is easily reachable by road, rail and air.

• By car – follow the R155 from the N3; ample on‑site parking is free on race days.
• Public transport – the 105 Eireann bus stops directly outside the racecourse. During the Easter and Winter festivals a complimentary shuttle runs between the venue and M3 Parkway station (the nearest train station, about 7 km away). Regular bus services connect the venue to Dublin; up‑to‑date timetables can be checked via the Transport for Ireland journey planner.
• Air – Dublin Airport lies 19 km away, and a helicopter landing pad can be arranged in advance for private arrivals.

Admission & Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online via the official Buy Now page or at the on‑site box office. The Easter Festival 2026 package, for example, bundles admission, racecard, food & drink vouchers and betting credit for €40 per person.

Nearby Attractions

Fairyhouse is set in the heart of Meath’s historic landscape. A short drive brings you to:

• Bective Abbey – a 12th‑century Cistercian ruin set beside the River Boyne.
• The Boyne Valley World Heritage Site – including Newgrange, Knowth and the historic town of Trim, all part of the Ireland’s Ancient East tourism route.

Contact & Further Details

• Address: Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co. Meath, A85 XK30
• Phone: +353 1 825 6167
• Email: info@fairyhouse.ie
• Website: https://www.fairyhouse.ie
• Social Media: Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.