Curragh Race Course and lands, Horse racing venue in County Kildare, Ireland
Curragh Race Course and Lands is a grass-track racecourse set on a wide, open plain in County Kildare, surrounded by rolling fields and gentle hills. The track stretches about 2 miles (3 kilometers) and is lined with grandstands and hospitality areas where spectators can watch races comfortably.
Horse racing began on the Curragh in the early 18th century and grew into Ireland's main flat racing venue over the decades. The Irish Derby was first held here in 1866 and remains one of five major Classic races that continue to define the venue's importance today.
The name comes from an Irish word meaning 'place of the running horse', reflecting centuries of racing tradition in this location. Today, visitors experience a strong community spirit on race days, with families and racing enthusiasts gathering to share in the excitement and celebration of the sport.
Getting there is straightforward: visitors can park free of charge by car or take free shuttle buses from Kildare and Newbridge train stations, timed with train arrivals and departures. On race days, cafes, restaurants, and champagne bars are spread across the grounds to provide food, drinks, and various seating options for all visitors.
The grounds contain about 1500 acres of training facilities with different racing surfaces made of turf, peat, and all-weather materials, making it a complete training center for racehorses. This extensive infrastructure has helped many famous racing horses like Sea The Stars and Galileo train here before becoming internationally successful winners.
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