The Curragh Racecourse, County Kildare


THE CURRAGH RACECOURSE, Co. Kildare
(Gaelic: An Currach. Meaning: The Racecourse)

The Curragh is mentioned in the earliest Irish manuscripts as a meeting place of the Celtic Kings where much sporting activity, including horseracing, took place. The first official racing to take place at the Curragh was in 1741.
Quick Facts About The Curragh The Curragh is a right-handed horseshoe shaped course with a circuit of 2 miles with no sharp bends and a straight run in of 3 furlongs uphill. The Curragh includes a straight mile course and two round courses and is widely recognised as a very fair galloping track. The Curragh is also the largest horse training centre in Ireland and boasts extensive facilities on its grounds. The surrounding area is home to thousands of racehorses in training yards and stud farms.

The Curragh Revealed
For those who enjoy seeing the best racehorses and horsemen in the world doing what they do best on a glorious stage then a visit to the Curragh is a must. This racecourse, steeped in tradition, is where the Five Classic races are held: The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby; The Darley Irish Oaks; The Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas; The Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas and The St Leger along with many other great races.

All season long, from the first meeting in March to the conclusion of the flat racing season in October, the Curragh holds centre stage in Irish racing. All the best flat horses run there each year following the pantheon of former great horses that have tread the same famous turf. The jewel in this racing crown is the Irish Derby which is usually run on the last Sunday in June. For more details, see www.curragh.ie