Curragh Racecourse

Welcome to our official guide to Curragh Racecourse.

We explore this great Irish flat racecourse in detail, examining its history, a guide to the track, hotel recommendations, fixtures, travel information, betting guides, and even the weather.

If you are looking for the latest betting tips for Curragh, check out our complete guide to Curragh Racecourse tips.

Find out more about The Curragh:

Overview of The Curragh Racecourse

The word ‘Curragh’ literally translates as ‘place of the running horse’ from the Irish Gaelic word ‘cuirreach’, so it’s no coincidence that Curragh Racecourse (often just called ‘The Curragh’ by those in the know) is considered the home of flat horse racing in Ireland.

The Curragh is situated just off the main road between Dublin and Cork, so it is easily accessible by the masses, undoubtedly part of what formed this course’s popularity.

Curragh is a right-handed horseshoe-shaped track, galloping in nature and with a difficult uphill finish. It measures two miles, with a one-mile chute. All five Irish flat classic races happen at the Curragh, so its popularity is no surprise.

The shape and condition of the course mean that no one type of runner is favoured over any other, so it’s thought of in the industry as very ‘fair’.

The world’s best thoroughbred horses aren’t just raced at Curragh: they’re trained here, too. Over 1,500 acres of land on the racecourse are dedicated to the Curragh Training Grounds, so there are plenty of learning facilities and practising space!

12 miles of peat gallops, 70 miles of turf gallops and 8 all-weather tracks are available for trainers to use.

Often referred to as one of the best training grounds and training facilities in the world, the variety and quality of gallops on offer can’t be matched elsewhere, even by considerably newer training facilities.

The Curragh’s main grandstand cuts an unusual figure across the skyline of the course, almost floating with its horizontal roof cutting in three directions outward.

The landscape around it influenced the grandstand’s architecture, and the materials used to construct it are all influenced by local flora, fauna and history.

Plaques and posters inside the grandstand detail the artistic and cultural connections between the building and the surrounding Curragh grasslands.

Curragh Racing Tips

Curragh Racecourse History

The Curragh is steeped in racing history.

The first record of a horse race on the Curragh plains is dated in 1727, with the first notable derby in 1866.

It wasn’t until some two years later, in 1868, that the Curragh was designated an official horse racing venue, and construction and specialist facilities could begin to be developed. This covered a vast 4870 acres of land across the Curragh!

With such a large geographic area being allocated to the equine sport, it was only natural that the Curragh would develop training grounds. Indeed, horses trained at the Curragh have gone on to become some of the finest racers in the world.

Horses trained here, particularly by trainer Dermot Weld, have won races in the USA, England, Australia, France, Germany and Hong Kong.

As one of the most well-attended venues in Ireland, it’s no surprise that the owners and operation managers of the course need to refurbish and modernise the course continually.

Now owned by an independent body, Curragh Racecourse Ltd, its regeneration began in 2017 and saw the construction of a new architecturally unique grandstand, three new restaurants, and vast new enclosures, including a new parade ring, a new weighing room, and a Museum of Irish Racing.

The Curragh training grounds are also due to enjoy investment and development, but plans have been delayed somewhat by the COVID-19 outbreak and restrictions around business.

The Main Races and Events at The Curragh

Whilst the Curragh can boast all five of Ireland’s top flat races – and is the home of the “Irish Classics” including the Irish 1000 Guineas and Irish 2000 Guineas, Irish Oaks and Irish St Leger – the jewel in the crown of its schedule is the Group 1 Irish Derby Festival. It is currently known as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, named after its current sponsor.

The Irish Derby is a three-day race meet with prize money on offer totalling a huge €2.25m. Races are held daily alongside music performances, fashion shows and competitions for attendees, and run over one mile and four furlongs. It is truly ‘the’ race in Ireland, with only the most skilled of jockeys and fastest of horses ever making the final cut. Some 18 horses have, to date, won both the Irish Derby and Epsom Derby!

Curragh Racecourse Map

Below is a map of the Curragh:

The Curragh course is described as horseshoe-shaped and is right-handed with sweeping bends.

The final two furlongs are on a climb, so stamina at any trip is always needed.

There are starts at 5 furlongs, 6 furlongs, 7 furlongs and a mile on the straight course.

There is also a mile start with a sweeping bend.

Races over longer trips – up to 1m6f are run on the longer horseshoe course (this also forms the Derby track).

There is no massive draw basis, as runners opt to go to the far side, centre, or stands side, depending on ground conditions.

Curragh Racecourse Address

The address of the Curragh Racecourse is:

The Curragh Racecourse
Newbridge
Curragh
County Kildare
Ireland
R56 RR67

How To Get To Curragh Racecourse

The ways to get to The Curragh are:

• By road – The Curragh is easily accessible by road, as it’s just off the main M7 road. Parking is free but can be upgraded for a fee.
• Buses – buses are available to the course from Dublin Airport every raceday.
• By train – some resources online will tell you that the Curragh is easily accessible by nearby train stations, but unfortunately, that is no longer the case, as the two nearest stations have closed. However, Kildare Town station does offer free shuttle buses on racedays, and it is less than 15 minutes away.
• By air – those looking to travel by air to the Curragh can do so directly with the helipad available to book every raceday.

Hotels Near The Curragh

If you’re planning to stay close to the Curragh, you’ll need to book your hotel well in advance, as there aren’t a lot of accommodation options nearby.

B&Bs can be found in nearby towns, such as Athgarvan, Kildare, and Ballysax. Hotels and guesthouses can be found in the Kildare town centre.

Betting Shops Local to Curragh Racecourse

As you’d expect in a racecourse of this size, all standard betting options are available.

A branch of Paddy Power can be found in the Champion’s Hall, as well as Tote facilities.

Wi-Fi is free, should you wish to bet online (don’t rely on your mobile phone signal, get online!).

Branches of Paddy Power and BoyleSports Betting can be found in Kildare town.

Other Events Held at Curragh

Don’t fret if you’re unable to book up Irish Derby tickets before they sell out – there’s plenty of other races on too.

The season starts with the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival (known initially as the Ballymoss Stakes). It runs over a weekend and ends on day two of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

That said, racing events take place throughout May to October, and the racecourse’s restaurants are often open aside from racedays for themed evenings and parties.

Summary of Curragh Races

The Curragh is the home of Irish flat racing and boasts a rich, long history of racing on its turf, as well as being a training centre of excellence.

It is the home of the nation’s Classics – including the Irish Oaks, Derby and Irish St Leger.

The racing is always highly competitive and of the highest quality – only the best horses win here.

It has both a straight course and a sweeping right-handed track.

Recent renovations and a new stadium have been added, and although not without teething problems (and a whistling roof!), the world-class course is now firmly back on track.

The Curragh is a national treasure and enjoys visitors from Ireland, the UK and the Rest of The World.

The Curragh has to be a top pick of any racing fan from anywhere in the World. A “must-visit” racecourse and should be on any bucket list!