The Curragh
The country's best-known racetrack, The Curragh has hosted races for hundreds of years. The first recorded race took place here in 1727, but historians believe races were held here long before then. Today it’s a modern flat track—there’s nothing left of whatever may have stood here centuries ago. But its place in history is assured, and it is home to the Irish Derby, the premier horse race of Ireland, held every June and July. Races take place at least one Saturday a month from March to October. The Curragh website has full details on all races and tickets, including premium packages. Derby day tickets are inevitably more expensive than for other races; expect to pay upwards of €30 or €50 with transport to and from Dublin (pre-booking essential). The nearest train station is Kildare Town (a free shuttle runs from there to the track on race days); trains run direct from Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Dublin’s Heuston station, with fares starting at around €15. Dublin Coach (www.dublincoach.ie; 01/465-9972) runs a “Race Bus” from Westmoreland Street in central Dublin; fares start at around €10.
The country's best-known racetrack, The Curragh has hosted races for hundreds of years. The first recorded race took place here in 1727, but historians believe races were held here long before then. Today it’s a modern flat track—there’s nothing left of whatever may have stood here centuries ago. But its place in history is assured, and it is home to the Irish Derby, the premier horse race of Ireland, held every June and July. Races take place at least one Saturday a month from March to October. The Curragh website has full details on all races and tickets, including premium packages. Derby day tickets are inevitably more expensive than for other races; expect to pay upwards of €30 or €50 with transport to and from Dublin (pre-booking essential). The nearest train station is Kildare Town (a free shuttle runs from there to the track on race days); trains run direct from Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Dublin’s Heuston station, with fares starting at around €15. Dublin Coach (www.dublincoach.ie; 01/465-9972) runs a “Race Bus” from Westmoreland Street in central Dublin; fares start at around €10.
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