Limerick Racecourse

Welcome to our official guide to Limerick Racecourse.

Just a few miles out of Ireland’s third-largest city, Limerick Racecourse is the country’s newest turf track. We explore this great Irish racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to the track, hotel picks, fixtures, travel information, betting guides and even the weather.

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

Find out more about Limerick Racecourse:

Overview of Limerick Races

The city of Limerick is the third most populous in the country, and its racing action is as prominent and premium as you’d expect for a location of that size.

A dual course that hosts both flat and National Hunt racing, it boasts a packed calendar of events and is often sold out.

The new track opened in 2001 and remains the newest in Ireland.

The modern facilities at Limerick Racecourse include a whole host of conferencing and event amenities. It’s not uncommon for Limerick Racecourse to be booked up for corporate events a long time in advance, so those enquiring need to give plenty of notice.

Those are visiting the races can benefit from the choice of several hospitality suites with a range of packages – and options for both stag and hen parties, which are often excluded from horseracing venues.

Limerick Racecourse History

There has been horse racing documented in Limerick since 1790; albeit across many different sites in the area.

Perhaps the most famous track was at Green Park, which was home to the racecourse until the 1990s – as it was once visited by President John F Kennedy and so attracted lots of attention.

The current site, Greenmount Park, has only been open since 1999 so its history is somewhat limited.

However, racing continues to grow in popularity at the new course and it continued throughout the coronavirus crisis in 2020 behind closed doors.

Main Races and Limerick Racecourse Events

The Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase is scheduled every March at Limerick Racecourse and is a Grade 2 National Hunt race. Currently known as the Charleville Cheese Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase, for sponsorship purposes, the event is open to mares aged 4 and over at a distance of 2 miles and 6 furlongs.

Another National Hunt race, the Fergus O’Toole Memorial Novice Hurdle is a popular fixture in the Limerick Racecourse calendar and is run over 2 miles and 4 furlongs every October. It’s a listed status event and is named in memory of Limerick businessman Fergus O’Toole.

The highest grade race at Limerick is the grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase. Run every December on St Stephen’s Day over 2 miles and 3 and a half furlongs, it is named after the notable winner of the 2019 race; prior to this, it was known as the Greenmount Park Novice Chase.

One of the main races of the year is the Martin Molony Stakes, find out more in our guide.

Limerick Racecourse Map

There are two courses at Limerick, the flat and the jumps track.

Limerick Flat Track

The flat track at Limerick is a right-handed oval circuit of a mile and 3 furlongs, with a steep climb on the latter of the back straight before a downhill run makes for many exciting race finishes.

Limerick Jumps Track

For National Hunt racing, there are 7 fences to a circuit of the course with 5 in quick succession in the back straight.

On the inside, a hurdles track is situated and the run-in is around a furlong in length.

Limerick Racecourse Address

The official address of Limerick Racecourse is:

Limerick Racecourse
Greenmount Park
Main Street
Patrickswell
County Limerick
V94 K858
Ireland

How To Get To Limerick Racecourse

The ways to get to Limerick Racecousre are:

• By road – Limerick Racecourse is located just 10km southwest of the city of Limerick, driveable in less than 20 mins on the M20 road. It’s a 2-hour drive from Dublin, just under 4 hours from Belfast and just over an hour from Cork. The location of Limerick means that it sits at the converge of a few major road routes and so many choose to drive there.
• By bus – Limerick is very accessible on public transport, with Bus Eirann running services from all over the country to the bus station and trains from all over Ireland to Limerick Colbert station. Shannon Airport, which serves internationally, is just 20km away in nearby County Clare.

Hotels near Limerick Racecourse

The location of Limerick Racecourse means that there aren’t hotels situated directly around the course but there are plenty in the city of Limerick itself.

There are accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes in the city, from B&Bs and pub rooms to spa hotels and more premium choices. Popular hotels include The Absolute Hotel, a riverside hotel in the Medieval Quarter; The Clayton Hotel, Ireland’s tallest with luxury leisure facilities; The Savoy Hotel, a boutique hotel with a spa; and Adare Manor, a luxury country house hotel.

Those looking for something a little cheaper and more informal can find numerous listings in both the city and surrounding countryside on AirBnb and other holiday rental websites.

Although Limerick is a big city, and therefore by extension a bit of a tourist destination, its hotels are rarely entirely booked up in advance unless there is a big event happening in the city – but the best deals are always to be found as far in advance as possible.

Betting Shops Local to Limerick Racecourse

Limerick Racecourse has Tote facilities throughout the Hugh McMahon stand and Touch-Tote facilities throughout.

There are two branches of Ladbrokes horse racing on-site; one in a public area and one in a hospitality suite.

Independent bookmakers can be found just right to the Hugh McMahon stand in the Bookies Ring.

Mobile signal is generally fine at the racecourse and so racegoers can usually sufficiently access their devices for online betting sites if required.

Those hoping to place their bets at their usual preferred bookies will find plenty of betting shops in Limerick’s city centre.

Numerous branches of Ladbrokes betting shops, as well as BoyleSports racing and Paddy Power racing can be found through the city and in nearby suburbs and residential areas.

The closest bookies to the racecourse without being inside it is a branch of BoyleSports across the road in Patrickswell.

Best Limerick Races Betting Sites

At British Racecourses, we often recommend betting online and via apps. This is because you can often get the best odds, great offers when signing up and you can place bets quickly and safely without having to queue. Be sure to check out our best betting app guide.

If you are looking to bet online we recommend the following great deals shown on this page fpr new customers. All made our current list of the best betting sites around.

Limerick Races 2024

Here is the horse racing calendar for Limerick Races in 2024:

Find out more information on the Irish horse racing fixtures calendar 2024.

Other Events at Limerick Racecourse

Limerick Racecourse is home to a great deal of corporate and private events, including parties, conferences, exhibitions and meetings. However, there are, from time to time, public events that don’t involve racing at the course, including gigs and performances.

Limerick Racecourse Weather

Keeping up with the weather when going to the races is always a good idea, if helps you to plan what to wear at the races and also what the horse racing goings will be.

Check out the current Limerick Weather:
LIMERICK WEATHER

Limerick Racecards

The racecards for the Limerick races are released the day before the races take place, find out where to view racecards here – tomorrow’s racecards and today’s racecards. In these, you will get an advance look at all the runners and riders.

You can also of course purchase a racecard from the track which carries much of the same useful information.

Summary of Limerick Races

Limerick, although the newest turf course in Ireland, has quickly established itself as a great course.

Hosting flat and jumps racing, it is a good course to visit at any time of year. It is known for quality racing but more-so as being a great day out with friends and family.

Limerick is a bit of a hidden gem and definitely worth a visit.