DUNDALK RACECOURSE.
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Introduction:
Located on the east coast of Ireland mid way between Belfast and Dublin, Dundalk is now the home of the only all weather horseracing circuit in the whole of Ireland.
Dundalk Stadium is situated on a 159 acre site, and falls between the Dundalk inner relief road to the west, and the Blackwater estuary and Dundalk Bay to the east. Incorporating a modern greyhound track, the stadium also acts as home to a ten furlong state of the art polytrack, ideally suited to staging flat racing throughout the calendar year.
Dundalk racecourse first opened in 1889, and for over a century the track staged both flat and national hunt racing on a turf surface. In 1930, an accompanying greyhound track was also opened.
However, by the end of the nineteen nineties, the stadium facilities were in need of an urgent upgrade. So to achieve their objectives, the horse racing and greyhound companies joined forces to form Dundalk Racing 1999 ltd. The new company then raised the necessary finances and employed the services of top class architects and project consultants required to ensure a successful re-development plan.
As a first step towards facilitating the building programme, all racing ceased in September 2001. But with some hectic work , the new greyhound track was completed and opened in 2003.
This initial stage of the re-development plan was followed by the refurbishment and extension of the facilities in the grandstand, construction of a new parade ring and betting ring, and the building of a new access road to the stadium. Finally, the construction and testing of the new floodlit all weather polytrack circuit was completed, and the first all weather horse race meeting was able to take place on the twenty ninth of August 2007.
Since 2007, Dundalk's programme of race meetings has grown year on year, and an improving list of premier races is now attracting horses from the top stables in Ireland and Britain.
Super deals from one of Ireland leading bookmakers:
Track facts:
Dundalk Stadium stages polytrack all weather flat racing.
Runners race left handed over an oval circuit measuring one mile two furlongs in circumference.
Easy bends, and the low kick back of the polytrack surface ensures good competitive racing with little evidence of drawbias.
A shute joins on to the home straight to allow the staging of five furlong sprint races on a straight course.
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, or Owners and Trainers.
Grandstand and Paddock Ticket.
The main grandstand underwent complete renovation and expansion before reopening in August 2007. It offers superb vistas of the new polytrack, including close up views of the home straight and winning post. There is also easy access to the paddock and betting areas.
The Champions Restaurant is located on the upper level of the grandstand. It offers a high quality dining experience, superb views of the racecourse, and on selected occasions, after racing entertainment. This is a very popular facility, and advance reservation of a table is essential.
Dundalk Stadium also has four Hospitality Suites which are available for Corporate Parties.
Sprinters Bar serves drinks and snacks, and has a terrace which provides access to the betting area. Musical entertainment is also provided in this bar after most race meetings.
Gallops Bar is located on the very top level of the grandstand, and offers excellent panoramic views of the racing action.
Providing it has not been booked by a private party, Silks Bar and Carvery serves a full selection of drinks and carvery meals at the racecourse's major meetings.
For race goers who like to keep on the go, the racecourse also has a selection of fast food outlets.
For the perfect start or finish to a perfect day say it with flowers:
Disabled facilities:
The lifts in the Grandstand are wheelchair capable, and operate to all levels.
There are wheelchair viewing platforms in the Grandstand, and by the running rail near the finishing line.
If you require any specialist attention, in the first instance contact Emma Meehan at Dundalk Stadium (contact details below).
Fixtures:
All the following meetings are evening fixtures.
In 2009 -
Friday 25 September.
Friday 02 October.
Sunday 04 October.
Friday 09 October.
Friday 16 October.
Friday 23 October.
Friday 30 October.
Saturday 07 November.
Wednesday 11 November.
Friday 13 November.
Wednesday 18 November.
Friday 20 November.
Wednesday 25 November.
Friday 27 November.
In 2010 -
Friday 26 February.
Friday 12 March.
Friday 26 March.
Saturday 03 April.
Friday 09 April.
Friday 16 April.
Saturday 08 May.
Friday 14 May.
Monday 12 July.
Sunday 15 August.
Sunday 05 September.
Friday 24 September.
Friday 01 October.
Sunday 03 October.
Friday 08 October.
Friday 15 October.
Friday 22 October.
Friday 29 October.
Saturday 06 November.
Friday 12 November.
Friday 19 November.
Friday 26 November.
Friday 03 December.
Wednesday 08 December.
Friday 10 December.
TRANSPORT LINKS.
By Road:
The stadium is located just over 2 kilometres from the town centre of Dundalk.
Traffic on the N1 route between Dublin and Belfast can exit at the turn off for Dundalk. The Stadium access road is signposted.
On the N1\A1 route, Dublin is around 55 minutes travelling time, and Belfast is slightly longer, at around one hour travelling time.
By Rail:
Dundalk railway station is one of the major stops on the express line between Dublin and Belfast. Travelling time to each city centre railway station is around one hour.
By Bus:
Bus Eireann, and Ulster bus, both operate services between Dublin and Belfast which call at Dundalk.
For full details on Bus Eireann services, please telephone the Longwalk Bus Station at Dundalk: 042 933 40 75.
Matthews coaches also operate a service between Dublin and Dundalk.
By Air:
Dublin is the nearest international airport, and by car or taxi, it is around forty minutes travelling time to Dundalk.
From either of the Belfast airports, travelling time by car or taxi is around one hour.
Aircoach operates an express service between Dublin airport and Belfast city centre, which includes a stop in Dundalk. Connections are available after the last race of evening meetings.
CONTACT DETAILS.
Address:
Dundalk Racecourse,
Racecourse Road,
Dundalk,
County Louth.
Eire tel no: 042933 44 38.
From UK, tel no: 00353 42 933 44 38.
Eire fax no: 042 933 26 11.
From UK, fax no: 00353 42 933 26 11.
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ACCOMMODATION.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk.
Eire tel no: 042 939 4900.
From UK tel no: 00353 42 939 4900.
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The fourteen storey Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk offers supremely comfortable four star accommodation, great service, and forms the perfect oasis for race-goers attending the growing number of horse racing fixtures at the nearby Dundalk Stadium. With 250 free parking spaces, the Crowne Plaza is situated just off the M1 on the outskirts of the bustling town of Dundalk. The hotel is 45 minutes travel from both Dublin and Belfast International Airports, but it is just a short hop from Dundalk’s excellent shopping, restaurants and exciting nightlife.
The Crowne Plaza Dundalk offers 129 en suite guest rooms, including adjoining rooms, and 2 magnificently appointed suites. All of the hotel’s guest rooms incorporate; remote controlled television with cable and satellite channels, complimentary wi-fi internet access, air conditioning, complimentary dressing gowns, and the other room amenities discerning guests would expect to find in a superior four star hotel. The hotel also offers a comprehensive 24 hour room service menu, and same day dry cleaning is available on request.
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Located on the fourteenth floor of the hotel, and offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, the Cooley mountains and peninsula, the Fahrenheit Grill Restaurant is comfortable and stylish, and specializes in mouthwatering freshly sourced steak and sea food dishes, all lovingly prepared under the stewardship of executive head chef Sarah Fizelle. The restaurant also has a fine selection of hand picked wines, and our friendly staff are always on hand to provide professional but unobtrusive service. Alternatively, The 14 Below Bar is the ideal place to relax in luxurious surroundings while enjoying your selection from our extensive lounge menu.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk has many other facilities, including a fully equipped gymnasium, but to obtain full details on all of the hotel’s amenities, or to book directly, use the link below.
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