An introduction to the Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse is Ireland's premier international horse racing venue and the headquarters for Irish flat racing, staging 20 race meetings from March to October including all 5 Irish classic races.

The Co. Kildare venue is one of the most historic horse racing locations in the world. Early Irish manuscripts mention the Curragh as a place of sport for Gaelic kings and their people.

From the late 17th century, it became a sporting resort of the chief governors and administrators of Ireland and the social centre and administrative headquarters of racing at the time.

The first race to be run at the Curragh Racecourse dates back to 1741. By the 1760s a Jockeys Club was set up in a coffee house in Kildare Town and by 1790 this had developed into the setting up of the Irish Turf Club which in turn became the central regulatory body to control the sport in Ireland.

By the middle of the 19th century, the Turf Club became the effective managers of the racecourse.
The Curragh is currently run by a management team supported by the Curragh Committee which is appointed by the Irish Turf Club. Current Chairman is Michael Osborne.

The first running of the Irish Derby took place in 1866, The Oaks in 1895, the St Leger in 1915 and 1000 and 2000 Guineas in 1921.


Training facilities
Overseas trainers with runners are permitted to use the Curragh gallops during their stay, including all grass and all weather gallops, but we would appreciate that trainers contact Pat Kelly (head Groundsman) for permission to use grass gallops - mobile + 353 87 6736958.

Grooms Canteen
Our grooms canteen has recently enjoyed a major refurbishment and is now widely considered the best facility of it's kind in the country. Grooms are entitled to breakfast and lunch on race days only. Showers and changing facilities are also available for their use.

Checkout our racing packages for great all in one packages that include Private room for lunch, a Champagne reception, Jazz lunch and tickets to the Races.

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