The top 5 places for horse racing in Ireland

There are different fun activities that one can indulge in, and one of them is horse racing. Here are the top five places for horse racing in Ireland.

In Ireland, horse racing has gained popularity in the last couple of years, with approximately 80,000 people attending racecourses annually.

Horse races also attract huge numbers of punters on Betway who put their money on the races in the hope of a win.

If you enjoy horse racing, there are a few spots you need to visit in Ireland. Here are the top five places for horse racing in Ireland.

5. Ballybrit Racecourse (Co. Galway) – for a racing festival

First on our list of places for horse racing in Ireland is Ballybrit Racecourse.
Credit: Tourism Ireland

Galway is the best place for you if you like to watch horses jumping over fences or hurdles.

Every August in Galway there is a seven day-long festival, which attracts a large crowd every year. Not to mention, the Galway festival is a favourite for many horse racing fans and punters on Betway.

The Ballybrit racecourse is popularly known for hosting 280,000 people when Pope John Paul II celebrated mass during his visit to Ireland in 1979.

Address: Ballybrit, Galway, H91 V654, Ireland

4. Punchestown Racecourse (Co. Kildare) – the home of National Hunt racing

Punchestown is the home of National Hunt racing,
Credit: Instagram / @punchestownraces

Every April, the Punchestown racecourse hosts the National Hunt racing, which is known as one of the largest annual horse racing festivals in Europe.

During the festival, each division has rivals who compete against one another before the season ends.

There is also the Punchestown Gold Cup, where the best chasers compete for more than three miles and one furlong.

Address: Punchestown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

3. Laytown Racecourse (Co. Meath) – for the coastal route

Next up on our list of places for horse racing in Ireland is Laytown Racecourse.
Credit: Tourism Ireland

Laytown Racecourse is amongst the most exceptional places to watch horse racing globally and is located at a beach in County Meath on the Eastern side of Ireland.

As well as enjoying the support of the best trainers and jockeys in Ireland, Laytown is the only racecourse in the world that is authorized to put on races under the Rules of Racing.

It has hosted racing matches since 1868, and nowadays it hosts meetings every September. The straight-course is made up of a seven-furlong distance along the beach.

Address: Strand Rd, Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, Ireland

2. Leopardstown Racecourse (Co. Dublin) – for the best of the best

Leopardstown Racecourse is a must.
Credit: Dublin Regional Tourism Authority

Leopardstown is situated 8 km (5 mi) south of Dublin, and it is known to be amongst the few significant tracks in Ireland that hold the National Hunt and Flat racing.

It also boasts having the best horses from the UK travelling to it. Lots of group races are held at Leopardstown annually, and all these credits make it one of the best racecourses in Ireland.

The biggest race of the year, The Irish Champion Stakes, takes place at Leopardstown. As well as attracting the attention of many punters on Betway, most people find it easy to access the racecourse using public transport.

A lot of money has been invested in making the facilities top-notch, and this is the reason why race-goers have the best experience when they visit Leopardstown.

Address: Leopardstown Racecourse, Foxrock, Dublin 18, D18 C9V6, Ireland

1. Curragh Racecourse (Co. Kildare) – home of classics

Curragh Racecourse is one of the best places for horse racing in Ireland.
Credit: Ireland’s Content Pool

The Curragh is the most high-status Flat racecourse in Ireland.

It hosts all the four classics: The Irish Derby, Irish 2000 Guineas, Irish 1000 Guineas, and the Irish oaks. No wonder it is referred to as the home of classics.

If you are a horseracing lover and visiting Ireland, make sure you visit the above racecourses and enjoy your favourite sport.

Address: Newbridge, Co. Kildare, R56 RR67, Ireland

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