FAIRYHOUSE RACECOURSE.
Skip to Enclosures and Hospitality.
Introduction:
Located within easy reach of Dublin, the racecourse at Fairyhouse stages quality flat racing in the summer months, and then gears up to become Irelands premier jumping track during the national hunt season.
The racecourse began its life in 1848, when it became the home of the transferred point to point fixture originally run at Ashbourne. This alteration had been arranged by the gentlemen of the Ward Union Hunt, as they had realised the future potential of the Fairyhouse site. Indeed, within a few years, the races at Fairyhouse were attracting large numbers of runners, and also very large crowds of spectators.
In 1870, the racecourse staged the first running of the Irish Grand National.
The initial winners prize of one hundred and sixty seven sovereigns went to the grey gelding Sir Robert Peel, but more importantly, the race immediately caught the publics attention, and this created the right conditions for the Irish Grand National to enjoy a long and colourful history.
The race has lived up to its early potential, and has produced some of the greatest moments in horse racing history.
In 1929, Frank Wise beat off sixty five rivals, and went on to win the race on his own horse named Alike. This was a great achievement in its own right, but it was actually an historic achievement, as the jockey was minus three fingers, and had the disadvantage of riding with an artificial wooden leg.
Between 1960 and 1966, the legendary trainer Tom Draper, won the race seven years in a row, one of the victories being by his wonder horse, Arkle.
In 1990, the iconic Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Desert Orchid, defied top weight of twelve stones, and went on to win the race. On his return to the winners enclosure, the roar could be heard in Dublin, and grown men were observed shedding the odd tear of joy.
Currently, with a prize fund of two hundred and fifty thousand euros, the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National is the richest race during Irelands national hunt season. The race is now run on Easter Monday, and is the premier event of the second day of a three day Easter Festival. Although the other two days offer superb races, such as the Grade One Powers Gold Cup, which is run on the Tuesday, it is still the three miles and five furlongs of the Irish Grand National which captures the imagination of the Irish public. Apart from the twenty thousand who attend the meeting at Fairyhouse, the race has become an Irish sporting institution, and is the centre piece of most peoples television viewing on the afternoon of Easter Monday.
But Fairyhouse is not just about one great meeting. In late November, or early December, the course stages one of the more significant meetings of the Irish national hunt season. It is another weekend fixture, with the Sunday race programme including three Grade One races. The Ballymore Properties Hattons Grace Hurdle, the Pierse Group Drinmore Novice Chase, and the Betfair Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, have, over the years, featured some of the greatest names in national hunt racing.
Fairyhouse stages around twenty days of racing during each calendar year
For fantastic offers on Horse Racing - it has to be:
Track facts:
Fairyhouse stages flat and national hunt racing.
Flat races are run right handed on a course measuring approximately one mile six and a half furlongs in circumference. The circuit is generally flat, but does have a slight uphill climb over the three furlong home straight.
In races up to a mile in duration, high drawn horses have a statistical advantage.
Steeplechase races are run on two courses, and runners have to jump
twelve stiff but fair fences on each circuit. The course is wide and suits gallopers.
The hurdles course has eight flights per circuit.
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Grandstand and Paddock Ticket.
The Powers Gold Label Grandstand, and the Jameson Grandstand, were opened in 1999. They both offer views over the various racing circuits, plus close up observation of the home straight and winning post areas. All ticket holders also have access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The Panoramic Restaurant is located in the upper level of the Powers Gold Label Grandstand. It provides fine dining, silver service, a dedicated bar and tote facility, and a superb vista over the racecourse and paddock area. Due to the popularity of this restaurant, advance booking is essential.
The Solerina self service restaurant is situated at the rear of the Jameson Grandstand. While race goers who prefer to keep on the go, have access to a host of fast food outlets.
There are several bars located throughout the grandstands and the enclosure area.
For a better view of the field see the range of Binoculars at our Amazon shop:
Disabled facilities:
There are designated car parking spaces available to disabled race goers.
With lifts and ramps, there is access to all areas in the two grandstands.
Specialist viewing areas have been constructed for the benefit of disabled race goers.
Disabled toilet facilities are located throughout the enclosure area.
Fixtures:
Saturday 22 August.
Saturday 12 September.
Saturday 10 October.
Sunday 11 October.
Wednesday 04 November.
Saturday 28 November.
Sunday 29 November.
Wednesday 02 December.
Saturday 12 December.
TRANSPORT LINKS.
By Road:
Fairyhouse is situated to the north west of Dublin, and is around 23 kilometres from Dublin city centre.
Race goers from the north should follow the N1 to Drogheda. Take the R125 towards Duleek. Following this road, cross straight over the R150, and this brings traffic to the junction with the N2. Turn left towards Dublin. At the junction with the R155, turn right towards Ratoath. Go straight ahead at the cross roads in Ratoath, and the racecourse is situated on the left hand side of the road.
From Dublin city centre, take the N3 towards Navan. After passing Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on the left, proceed for six miles, and pick up the signposts to Ratoath and Fairyhouse. Turn right on to the R155, and the racecourse is a further two miles.
From the west, take the N4, then the M50, pass over the toll bridge and join the N3. From Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, follow the directions above.
From the south, use the N7 to join the M50, pass over the toll bridge, join the N3, and then follow as above.
By Rail:
Fairyhouse has no suitable railway connections, and other modes of transport are preferred.
By Bus:
On race days, Bus Eireann operates a connecting service from Dublin busarus. The buses leave ninety minutes before racing begins, and their are return trips after the last race.
For full details on Bus Eireann services to Fairyhouse, please contact:
Bus Eireann at Busarus: 01 836 6111.
By Air:
Dublin international airport is around 19 kilometres from Fairyhouse.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse management, helicopters may land at the course.
CONTACT DETAILS.
Address: Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, County Meath.
Eire tel no: 01 825 61 67.
From UK, tel no: 00353 18 25 61 67.
Eire fax no: 01 825 6051.
From UK, fax no: 00353 18 25 60 51.
For the Best in Mobiles take a look at Nokia:
ACCOMMODATION.
Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa.
Eire tel no: 01 801 3500.
From UK, tel no: 00353 18 01 3500.
Opened in April 2006, the 4 Star Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is ideally located for Fairyhouse race-goers who want quick access to Dublin city centre or Dublin airport.
Having approached the hotel through its lush 21 acres of landscaped gardens, or landed on the hotel’s own helicopter pad, our guests do not even notice as our discreet professional staff deal with the preliminaries, and then whisk fresh arrivals to one of our 145 oversized and elegant rooms, all with excellent views of the hotel’s beautiful gardens. Complimentary wi-fi internet access, remote controlled digital television with satellite channels, and comfortable signature beds, represent a small fraction of the amenities available in our superior hotel rooms. However, for total luxury, the hotel also offers two junior suites, and two Presidential Suites, with facilities which have to be seen to be believed!
In the hotel’s Terrace Lounge, with its conservatory overlooking the grounds, guests can enjoy a snack, afternoon tea, or a cocktail before dinner. Once you progress to the ‘Ivy’, your taste buds will receive a real treat as you savour the fine cuisine on offer, and wine lovers will not fail but to be impressed by an enormous selection of fine wines suited to evry palate. After dinner, guests have the choice of the good company and good spirits in the hotel’s main Sadlier Bar, or a real Irish sing along in the popular Cellar Bar.
For guests seeking a special pamper during their stay, the Seoid Spa has eighteen treatment rooms, a hydro therapy pool, and helpful fully qualified staff who will make you feel relaxed and cosseted at all times.
For further details on Dunboyne Castle Hotel, or to book directly, use the link below.
Knightsbrook Hotel and Golf Resort.
Eire tel no: 046 948 2100.
From UK tel no: 00353 46 948 2100.
Located just off the Dublin Road in the historic town of Trim, the four star Knightsbrook Hotel and Golf Resort is the ideal oasis for discerning guests wishing to attend Navan Races, and\or take in the major tourist attractions of Co Meath. The luxurious contemporary hotel also has its own Christy O’Connor Jnr designed championship 18 hole golf course, plus its own fully equipped Health Club and the luxurious facilities of The River Spa.
The Knightsbrook Hotel offers 131 en suite Deluxe Executive Rooms, including 12 PresidentialSuites. All of the hotel’s rooms are spacious, well appointed, and include the room amenities discerning guests expect in a superior hotel. In addition to 24 hour room service, the hotel’s staff pride themselves on providing professional friendly but unobtrusive service.
Fine cuisine created from the best irish produce, along with hand picked wines from around the world, are available in the Hotel’s Rococo Restaurant. While informal dining in a totally relaxed atmosphere can be obtained in the golf club restaurant. The hotel and golf club also offer several watering holes, serving everything from cocktails to fine teas and coffee.
For full details on the hotel facilities, including the Golf Course and Health Club and The River Spa, or if you want to make direct bookings for any of the hotel’s facilities, use the link below.
Marriott Ashbourne.
Eire tel no: 01 835 0800.
From UK tel no: 000353 1 835 0800.
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Set amongst the rural splendour of County Meath, the four star Ashbourne Marriott Hotel provides the perfect base for discerning race-goers who are attending Fairyhouse. Just 5 miles (8km) from the home of the Irish Grand National, this new five storey hotel is also within easy reach of the excitement and entertainment of Dublin, or the historic centres of County Meath.
As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted by friendly and professional staff. Then its off to your choice of one of our 148 chic and spacious en suite guest rooms or suites. Each room is superbly appointed and offers the best in comfort and tranquillity, including; Marriott Revive bedding and fluffy pillows to lull you to sleep each night, air conditioning with individual temperature control, flat screen HD television, wi-fi internet access, safe, mini bar, and the other standard room amenities discerning guests expect from a superior four star hotel. For extra luxury during your stay, why not try one of our magnificently appointed executive rooms or suites. Naturally, their is also a comprehensive 24 hour room service menu throughout the hotel, and same day dry cleaning service on request.
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In Grill 21, you can enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast, or sit back and savour premium wines, meats, and seafood, perfectly grilled or roasted in the spectacular show kitchen, all served in the warm atmosphere of an contemporary Irish steak house inspired by far away shores. Alternatively, the Red Bar Pub is a lively and contemporary lounge bar. From late morning, the Red Bar serves an eclectic range of hearty dishes and drinks, and is a popular venue for hotel guests who want to totally enjoy their stay.
The Hotel’s Clann Fitness and Leisure Complex offers a gymnasium, fitness instructors, an indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool bath. While guests seeking a total pamper during their stay can book time at the Day Dream Spa, with its full range of specialist beauty treatments administered by a fully qualified and friendly staff.
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For further details on the Ashbourne Marriott Hotel, or to book directly, use the link below.
