Located in the parish of Eadstown, Punchestown Racecourse is in County Kildare, Ireland. Dating back to 1875, this right-handed National Hunt racecourse, covers a distance of 1m 6f for the hurdles and 2m steeplechases. It is unique in Ireland for having a cross country banks course. Also, highlighted on the Racing Calendar for the 5-day Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival which is held annually in April. Major races include: Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle and the Punchestown God Cup. The course features 17 high-quality fixtures every year.

The Gold Cup dates back to 1999 racing over a distance of 3m 120y. Total prize money of 250,000 (Euros) has seen some very talented winners including Neptune Collognes (2007, 2008). Trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh have impressive wins in this race.

The Punchestown Festival is similar to the prestige of the Cheltenham Festival in England. Attendance has reached over 40,000.

The course features 12 Grade 1 races throughout the season including: The Ryanair Novice Chase over 2 miles and open to horses aged 5 and over.

Ladies Dy is very popular and takes place from late April to early May. Winning prize includes flights to Paris, five-star hotel, Michelin star dining, private chauffeur and champagne Bollinger experience and private tour of vineyard and gardens.

Alongside horse racing, Punchestown hosts many music festivals including: The annual Oxygen Festival 2004 – 2013. Other music festivals have seen stars such as U2, Westlife, AC/DC, Bon Jovi & Radiohead.

The maximum capacity for concerts is 80,000.

In addition, it is the home of the International Three Day Event & Horse Show dedicated to show jumping.

Puchestown has a couple of landmarks worth seeing including Craddockstown West Standing Stone. A huge megalithic stone situated opposite Punchestown racecourse and Punchestown Standing Stone which is a National Monument near Naas. Known as the Longstone is made of granite and stands seven metres high and weighs over nine tonnes.

If you are looking for a touch of luxury why not enjoy a stay at Killashee Hotel.

For more information contact Punchestown Racecourse via email: info@punchestown.com or on their social media.

A truly unique racecourse – Laytown. Situated in County Meath, Ireland, this village overlooking the Irish Sea is a beautiful location which sees horses race on the beach. Historically, the place was called Ninch.

Racing dates back to 1868.

Laytown racecourse is unique being raced on the beach to the sound of crashing wave and smell of salty air. This Flat racing event, over a straight course, which covers a distance of either 6 or 7-furlongs has a long and prestigious history. The old course – pre-1994 – which followed a horseshoe shape allowed racegoers to get close to the action with races taking place over distances from 5f – 2m.

In fact, there is just one race meeting which takes place every September with seven-race card and total prize money about £40,000. Racing takes place under the rules and regulations of Horse Racing Ireland. Such is its popularity the BBC made a documentary: Racing The Tide.

Also, there is a great publication about Laytown Races by historians John Kirwan and Fiona Ahern: Laytown Strand Races: Celebrating 150 Years.

In 1994, there was an incident where a horse ran into the crowd which saw both horses and spectators injured this led to future race meetings abandoned for a few years. However, they returned with heightened safety measure including spectators watching racing from adjacent fields. Each year a crowd of over 5,000 enjoy Laytown races.

Laytown is a scenic location with many landmarks and attractions including Mornington Manor, Millifont Abbey & Slane Castle.

It has delightful racing fans since the mid 19^th Century and attended by famous jockeys and even royalty. In fact, history has seen very little stop this meeting from taking place apart from world wars and Coronavirus.

There is something very natural about horses running on beaches. Although this meeting isn’t quite the same as its heyday, it is still one of the most famous racing venues anywhere in the world. If you want to enjoy a truly memorable race day then Laytown has to feature on your bucket list. The combination of a racing spectacle and Irish hospitality is sure to fill your heart with joy.

Killarney.

Ireland conjures up visions of relaxation, a touch of magic and hearty laughter from sleepy- backstreet pubs. It’s good reason to visit the Emerald Isle. Even more reason to visit Killarney Racecourse, County Kerry. If you’ve never visited Ireland it’s easy to spend a couple of days enjoying not only the horse racing but the hospitality of the area. locations such as Ross Castle and Lough Leane. No wonder it’s called a ‘Green and pleasant land’ if not paradise found. At least, that what the Google Reviews detail.

Killarney is a town situated in southwestern Ireland. In fact, it sits on the shore of Lough Leane and a very scenic landscape. A population of 14,500. This province of Munster details splendid buildings from the 19^th century including the majestic St. Mary’s Cathedral and across the bridge the Killarney National Park. The park features the Victorian mansion Muckross House, gardens and traditional farms.

The beauty of this location is literally its location.

A short flight from London Stansted to Kerry Airport. It’s just an 18-minute drive to a landscape nothing short of outstanding.

Killarney Racecourse is a stone’s throw from Lough Leane and Ross Castle which looks inviting. In fact, there are a number of easy walks including The Old Boathouse Trail (1km), Library Point (5km) & Arthur Young’s Walk (5.6km) that was established in 1776.

The Killarney National Park is ideal for walking and hiking, trails, cycling, horse riding, canoe and kayaking, fishing, swimming, birdwatching guided tours and even jaunting cars, the old-style horse and carriage ride. What better way to head from the mountain views of The Lake Hotel to Killarney Racecourse on a beautiful summer’s day.

The What, Why, When & Where About Killarney Racecourse

Killarney Racecourse: Ireland’s Most Scenic Racecourse

It’s a fitting statement to an idyllic destination. With just 13 fixture each season from May – October (8 evening fixtures) and 7 National Hunt and 6 Flat turf meetings.

Check out the dates but 2024 meeting are as follows:

• May – 12^th, 13^th & 14^th

• July – 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th & 19^th (Ladies & Gents Day)

• August – 22^nd, 23^rd & 24^th (Ladies Day)

• October – 6^th & 7^th

For additional information, please contact: Ross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

Tel: +353 64 6631 125

E-mail: sales@killarneyrace.ie

V93 KR0H

Why not subscribe to their Newsletter and receive their latest news to your inbox.

How To Get There:

Road: 96km NW of Cork and 32km SE of Tralee. From Killarney, take the N71 through the town and towards Muckross. Just outside the town, turn right onto Ross Road, and the racecourse is 1km down on your left hand side. Rail: Killarney served regularly by trains from Dublin Heuston Air: Kerry (16km). Helicopter landing available if arranged in advance Bus: Regular service from Dublin, Cork and Limerick to Killarney tel: 00353 (0) 18 366 111

Course Map:

Flat racing – Left-handed, sharp, flat track with a circuit of 1m 2f.

Hurdle – Left-handed, sharp flat track, Fences not too stiff with a circuit of 1m 2f.

Chase – Left-handed, sharp track, Fences not too stiff with a circuit of 1m 2f.

Interesting Flat racing distances range from 1m – 2m 1f.

Jump racing distance range from 2m – 2m 7f.

Why Not Enjoy Kelliher’s Toyota Ladies Day at Killarney 24^th August

Don’t forget there are lots of prizes to be won for finalists. Day 3 of the August Festival with an Approximate start time of 1:55pm – Saturday 24^th National Hunt Card.

Tickets cost 25 (Euros)

Hospitality Packages: Maurice O’Donoghue Suite Package – Ladies Day 89 (Euros)

What you get: Race card, your own table with panoramic view and birds eye view of winning post. BBQ Package and Gourmet Burger/Cronin’s Cumberland sausage or chicken skewer & 2 sides of choice. Tote service and Full bar service. Two complementary Bottles of prosecco per table.

Punter’s Package:

Admission & race card.

Food Voucher to spend in any outdoor or take away options.

Free Tote Bet

Voucher for 1 pint or Glass of Wine.

Dining & Membership Options:

Panoramic Restaurant

The Maurice O’Donoghue Suite

Casual Dining

Carvery

BBQ

Burger Bar

Bespoke Dining Packages

The Punter’s Pack

To add to the fun, Killarney Racecourse has Ross Golf Course and Killarney Racegoers Club.

Killarney Racecourse is a scenic racecourse to be enjoyed and savoured. What better than an idyllic getaway visiting Ireland’s Most Scenic Racecourse.