The mystical white mare emerging from the mists of Tír na nÓg, the mounted warriors of Fionn mac Cumhaill thundering over the land – these quintessential romantic Irish images show how the horse has been a staple of Irish life and mythology since earliest times. Ireland’s central grassland, the Curragh, echoes with legendary tales of chariot races and high kings and chieftains, while racing - the sport of kings – has long emerged as an area in which the Irish have excelled, with an incredible record of thoroughbred cup-winners reaching around the globe.
An exciting programme of racing festivals and events draws visitors from home and abroad throughout the year with Ireland’s Ancient East making it easy for everyone from folklore fans and history buffs to riding enthusiasts to make the most of our unrivalled equine experiences including top-class equestrian centres, superior riding trails and outstanding racing fixtures.
Here is just a taste of what you can expect:
Unique Beach Racing at Laytown-Bettystown
The pounding of hooves across sand, a bracing breeze and the tang of salt in the air...it’s a one-of-a-kind experience and Laytown is the only event in the Irish and English race calendar run on a beach under Turf Club rules. This year will be the 149th running of the event which was first recorded in 1868 - the great Home Rule Leader, Charles Stewart Parnell, was among the first race stewards. The Strand Races take place on Tuesday, September 13th. See http://www.laytownstrandraces.ie/
Riding schools for summer
Just one of many expert schools in Ireland’s Ancient East, Brennanstown Riding School adjoins the imposing and historic Killruddery Estate in the Garden of Ireland, Co Wicklow. With over one thousand acres, visitors have their choice of several cross-country treks, never needing to take the same trail twice. The riding school hosts summer camps for horse-mad youngsters, while Kilruddery House has a walled garden, tea room and weekend farmer’s market.
From horses to horticulture at the Irish National Stud
Home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds, the Irish National Stud in Co Kildare has idyllic gardens that can be enjoyed at your leisure or as part of a guided tour. The Horse Museum takes you back through our rich racing and breeding history - Minoru, Epsom Derby winner of 1909, was one of the first star horses born and raised there, while today you can get up close to living legends Moscow Flyer, Sea The Stars and Vintage Crop among others. It also has the skeleton of Arkle, the greatest steeplechaser of all time. Amenities include a play area, restaurant and a variety of exciting education programmes. See www.irishnationalstud.ie
Race day experience at the Curragh
These 5,000 acres in Kildare are one of Europe’s oldest grasslands, raising champion runners through the ages, with written accounts of chariot racers in the 3rd Century. Enjoy a spectacle of fashion, entertainment, and the thrill of playing the odds on the turf at one of the social events of the season. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival is the big one annually, while happening soon is a family day on August 7th, where under-16s go free. Then there’s the Longines Irish Championship Weekend (September 10-11th), one of the most glamorous meetings in the international racing calendar, featuring ten group races across two legendary courses with prize money in excess of 4.5 million. And drop into the Curragh Military Museum for displays of vintage vehicles, weaponry and uniforms. See www.curragh.ie
More riveting race-day options in Ireland’s Ancient East include:
Cork Racecourse Mallow The highlight of the season’s racing calendar here is the Summer Festival, a two-day spectacular (August 1-2nd)- on Day 1, there’s a full National Hunt Card and Day 2 a full flat card, so get ready to experience the thrill of seeing glossy thoroughbreds in action on this fine galloping track on the banks of the River Lee.
See www.corkracecourse.ie
Tramore Racecourse plays host to the four-day Deise Festival from August 11th with exciting jumps the order of the day for three National Hunt races (and one of flat racing). As well as unbeatable on-track thrills, it has something for everyone, with live music, a style evening and a Family Fun afternoon on Sunday, August 14th.
See www.tramore-racecourse.com
Clonmel Racecourse in Co Tipp boasts beautiful surrounding countryside, a friendly atmosphere and an impressive racing pedigree. A popular venue for more than 150 years, the course is renowned for its steep uphill climbs, making for an intense race every time. The next round of fixtures comes in September. Check out www.clonmelraces.ie
Kilbeggan Racetrack in Co Westmeath is noted for its charming atmosphere and long, storied past, including the tale of a Grand National winner of 1916 who had to walk home because of the Easter Rising! It has regular exciting events over the summer and a tight right-handed track - the runners are nearly always on a turn, always a challenge for the jockeys! See www.kilbegganraces.com
So pick up the pace and find your perfect equine adventure in Ireland’s Ancient East this year – discover more at www.irelandsancienteast.com
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Read also about 8 Amazing Ways to Explore Ireland's Ancient East this Summer
