Overview
Leopardstown sits just south‑west of Dublin city, tucked against the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The suburb is split by the M50 motorway and borders Sandyford, Stepaside, Ballyogan, Carrickmines, Foxrock and Stillorgan. Its most famous landmark is Leopardstown Racecourse, one of Ireland’s premier racing venues, but the area also offers a golf centre, historic houses, and a lively hospitality scene. With free on‑site parking, frequent Luas and bus services, and a short drive to the capital, Leopardstown makes a convenient base for both sport‑focused visitors and those seeking a relaxed day out of the city.
History
The name Leopardstown derives from the medieval leper hospital that once stood on the Dublin foothills. In the 14th century the settlement was known as Baile na Lobhar – “town of the lepers” – which was anglicised to Ballinlore and eventually corrupted to Leopardstown. The area’s historic fabric includes Glencairn House, the official residence of the British Ambassador, and Burton Hall, the childhood home of Hollywood actress Kathleen Ryan. While these sites are not generally open to the public, they underline the suburb’s long‑standing connection to Irish and British history.
What to See & Do
Leopardstown Racecourse
Leopardstown Racecourse hosts a packed calendar of national‑hunt (December–March) and flat‑racing (April–October) fixtures. Highlights include the Dublin Racing Festival in February, the Longines Irish Champions Weekend in September, and the four‑day Leopardstown Christmas Festival. The venue offers panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains on one side and Killiney Hill and the Irish Sea on the other, creating a dramatic backdrop for both racing and dining.
Racing fans can enjoy premium restaurant and bar facilities, while families benefit from indoor and outdoor children’s areas. On race days the course provides free shuttle buses from Sandyford Luas and Blackrock DART stations, and ample free parking is available on‑site. For more details, visit the official page at Leopardstown Racecourse.
Leopardstown Golf Centre
Located in the centre of the racecourse grounds, the Leopardstown Golf Centre offers an 18‑hole pay‑as‑you‑play course, a 72‑bay flood‑lit driving range, and a dedicated short‑game area that is also flood‑lit. The all‑weather putting and chipping zone ensures playability year‑round. Visitors can hire clubs from Clubs 4 Hire, and the on‑site McGuirks Golf, Golfino, and The Wooden Spoon Café provide refreshments and equipment. The centre does not take advance bookings for the course but advises a quick phone call to confirm opening times, especially during major racing events.
Family‑friendly Activities
- Children’s play zones – both the racecourse and the golf centre have supervised indoor and outdoor areas where younger visitors can burn off energy.
- Evening practice – flood‑lit driving range and short‑game area let families practice after the day’s races.
- Scenic walks – the perimeter of the racecourse forms a gentle, well‑maintained circuit offering views of the Dublin Mountains and the Irish Sea – ideal for a relaxed stroll with a stroller.
Hospitality & Nightlife
- Leopardstown Inn – Known locally as “The Lep”, this gastro‑pub in Stillorgan offers a Blue Bar, Central Lounge, and a standout Carousel Bar. It serves a carvery lunch (12 pm‑2.30 pm weekdays, 12 pm‑3 pm weekends) and bar food (2.30 pm‑10 pm weekdays, 3 pm‑9 pm Sundays). Major sporting events are shown on flat‑screen TVs.
- Clayton Hotel Leopardstown – A 4‑star, family‑friendly hotel just off exit 14 of the M50. Rooms feature 42‑inch flat‑screen TVs, complimentary Wi‑Fi, and a 24‑hour dry gym. Guests enjoy a Vitality breakfast in the Brasserie Restaurant and a €10 overnight parking rate in the underground car park. The hotel also provides:
- A south‑facing sun deck with mountain views
- Red Bean Roastery café and Atrium Bar for casual dining
- Fully equipped mini‑gym and 24/7 front desk
- EV charging points and a dedicated Aircoach stop to Dublin Airport
- Accessible rooms and wheelchair‑friendly facilities (see Accessibility section) More information is available on the hotel’s page on Visit Dublin.
Other Points of Interest
- Glencairn House – The official residence of the British Ambassador, notable for its architecture and diplomatic role.
- Burton Hall – The childhood home of actress Kathleen Ryan, adding a touch of cinematic history to the suburb.
Family‑friendly Events & Festivals
Leopardstown’s calendar is packed with events that appeal to all ages:
- Dublin Racing Festival (February) – A two‑day showcase of flat racing with family‑friendly entertainment and food stalls.
- Longines Irish Champions Weekend (September) – Features Ireland’s top flat‑racing talent; the venue runs a kids’ zone with face‑painting and pony rides.
- Leopardstown Christmas Festival (late November‑December) – A four‑day winter celebration with a festive market, live music, and a special “Santa’s Stable” experience for children.
- National Hunt Season (December‑March) – The hunt races are accompanied by traditional Irish music sessions and a family picnic area.
Accommodation – Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
The hotel is a short‑walk from the Central Park Luas stop, giving instant access to Dundrum Shopping Centre and Dublin city centre. Key features for visitors include:
- Room types – Superior, Executive, Triple, Interconnecting & Family, and Junior Suite, all with free high‑speed Wi‑Fi and Nespresso machines.
- Family facilities – Cots on request, baby‑sitting services, and spacious family rooms.
- Wellness – 24/7 dry gym, complimentary fitness suite access, and a sun‑deck with mountain views.
- Dining – Brasserie Restaurant (breakfast and dinner), Bookmakers Bar, and Red Bean Roastery café.
- Transport – Direct Aircoach 700 stop at the hotel front door, EV charging, and a secure underground car park (€10 per night for guests).
- Accessibility – Wheelchair‑accessible rooms, lifts, and an “Access Welcome Guide” available on the hotel website.
Accessibility
Both Leopardstown Racecourse and the Golf Centre provide wheelchair‑friendly pathways, accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces. The Clayton Hotel offers fully accessible rooms, lifts, and an on‑site guide to assist guests with mobility needs.
Practical Information
Leopardstown is exceptionally well‑connected. The Luas Green Line runs through the area with four stops – Central Park, Glencairn, The Gallops and Leopardstown Valley – all within walking distance of the racecourse and golf centre. Several bus routes serve the suburb, including Dublin Bus 44, 47, 118 and Go‑Ahead routes S8 and 114. Aircoach 700 links Leopardstown directly to Dublin Airport, making it a convenient entry point for international visitors.
| Mode | Service | Stops / Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Luas Green Line | Central Park, Glencairn, The Gallops, Leopardstown Valley | Stops within Leopardstown |
| Bus | Dublin Bus 44, 47, 118; Go‑Ahead S8, 114; Aircoach 700 | Connect to city centre & airport |
On race days, free shuttle buses operate from Sandyford Luas and Blackrock DART stations to the racecourse. Parking is free for race‑day visitors, while hotel guests can use the dedicated underground car park at a modest €10 nightly rate. The golf centre’s driving range and short‑game area are flood‑lit, allowing evening play after most racing events have concluded.
For the most up‑to‑date schedules, ticketing information and special event details, consult the respective websites:
- Racecourse: https://www.visitdublin.com/leopardstown-racecourse
- Golf Centre: https://www.visitdublin.com/leopardstown-golf-centre
- Clayton Hotel: https://www.visitdublin.com/accommodation/clayton-hotel-leopardstown
- Leopardstown Inn: https://www.visitdublin.com/leopardstown-inn
Leopardstown blends sporting excitement, scenic beauty and easy access, making it a standout destination for visitors seeking a taste of Irish racing culture alongside modern leisure facilities.
Nearby Attractions
While based in Leopardstown you can easily reach other points of interest:
- Killiney Hill – A short Luas ride away, offering cliff‑top walks and sea views.
- Marlay Park – Just a few kilometres north, this large public park features lakes, woodlands and a children’s playground.
- Dublin Mountains – Accessible via the Luas and a series of well‑marked walking trails for more vigorous hikes.
- Stillorgan Shopping Centre – A convenient spot for retail therapy and casual dining.