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 feature a range 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.

Visitors to the races can benefit from the selection of several hospitality suites offering a range of packages and options for both stag and hen parties, which are often excluded from horse racing venues.

Limerick Racing Tips

Limerick Racecourse History

Horse racing has been documented in Limerick since 1790, albeit across various 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 four 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 part of the back straight before a downhill run makes for many exciting race finishes.

Limerick Jumps Track

For National Hunt racing, there are seven 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 Racecourse are:

• By road, Limerick Racecourse is located just 10 km southwest of the city of Limerick and is accessible in under 20 minutes via 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 convergence of several major road routes, and many choose to drive there.
• By bus, Limerick is very accessible on public transport, with Bus Éireann 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 international flights, is just 20 km 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, ranging from Bed and Breakfasts 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 the surrounding countryside on Airbnb and other holiday rental websites.

Although Limerick is a large city and, by extension, a popular tourist destination, its hotels are rarely fully booked in advance unless a significant event is taking place in the city. However, the best deals are always available if booked 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 to the right of the Hugh McMahon stand in the Bookies Ring.

Mobile signal is generally fine at the racecourse, and so racegoers can usually 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 throughout 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.

Other Events at Limerick Racecourse

Limerick Racecourse is home to a wide range 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.

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.