The Curragh: Ireland's Premier Horse Racing Plain

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Discover the Curragh: Ireland's legendary plain, a historic landscape of horse racing, natural beauty, and ancient heritage in County Kildare.

The Curragh, a vast open plain in County Kildare, is synonymous with Irish horse racing and breeding. This 5,000-acre grassland has a rich history dating back millennia, serving as a meeting place, military training ground, and the home of Ireland's most prestigious flat races.

A brief summary to Curragh

Curragh, Co. Kildare, IE

Local tips

Check the Curragh Racecourse schedule for upcoming race days and experience the excitement of Irish horse racing.
Explore the vast open plains on foot, taking in the scenic views and enjoying the tranquility of the Irish countryside.
Visit the Curragh Military Museum to learn about the area's military history and its role in Irish defense.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the Curragh is home to a variety of bird species, including the protected Golden Plover.

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Getting There

Driving

From Dublin, take Exit 9 off the M50 onto the N7 southbound. Then, take Exit 12 off the M7. Follow signs for the Curragh. There is free parking available at the Curragh.
Public Transport

Take a mainline train from Dublin Heuston Station to Kildare or Newbridge. From Kildare or Newbridge, a complimentary shuttle bus service is available to the Curragh on race days. Check Irish Rail timetables for train times. A single fare from Dublin to Kildare/Newbridge is typically €8-€15.
Taxi

Taxis are available from Kildare and Newbridge. A taxi from either town to the Curragh will cost approximately €10-€15.

Discover more about Curragh

The Curragh, derived from the Irish word 'currach' meaning 'plain,' is a sprawling expanse of grassland in County Kildare, Ireland. This 5,000-acre plain is more than just a scenic landscape; it's a living testament to Ireland's rich history and its deep connection to the world of horses. Steeped in mythology and history, the Curragh has been a significant site since pre-Christian times. Legend has it that St. Brigid, the patron saint of Ireland, was granted as much land as her cloak could cover, and when spread, it encompassed the entire Curragh plain. For centuries, it has served as a meeting place, a training ground for warriors, and a common pasture. The Curragh's fame is inextricably linked to horse racing. As early as the third century, chariot racing took place here, and organized racing has been a feature for over two centuries, with the first recorded race meeting in 1727. Today, the Curragh Racecourse is Ireland's premier flat racing venue, hosting all five Irish Classic races, including the oldest, the Irish Derby, which originated in 1866. The word 'Curragh' itself means 'place of the running horse'. Beyond the thrill of the races, the Curragh offers a unique landscape for exploration. Its vast open plains are ideal for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Irish countryside. The area is a designated National Monument and a proposed Natural Heritage Area, reflecting its cultural and ecological significance. The Curragh also houses a military museum and two golf courses.