Your next proper day out...

Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of Ireland’s premier horse racing venues, home to the Boylesports Irish Grand National held every Easter Monday.  Situated in the parish of Ratoath in County Meath, the track is a wide, galloping, square right-handed course, a mile and three quarters in extent. The three-furlong home straight is slightly uphill but the track is not a testing one, and favours no particular type of horse.

The first race meeting took place in 1848 and ever since then Fairyhouse has witnessed elite horses, trainers and jockeys team up to battle it out on the home straight. With around 21 fixtures annually a day at Fairyhouse racecourse is ideal for a fun-filled family day out,  birthday celebrations, company social events, entertaining clients or even just to catch up with old friends and maybe make some new ones. 

The Fairyhouse Easter Festival takes place every year during the Easter Bank holiday weekend and offers three days of jump racing, glamour,  live music, entertainment and a dedicated day for both family and fashion. Day 2 of the festival, Easter Sunday,  promises a thrilling combination of top-class jump racing featuring double Grade 1 action and a host of free entertainment and activities for children of all ages. Easter Monday attracts the largest crowds to the venue enticing racing fanatics from all over. The richest and most anticipated chase in the Irish racing calendar, the Irish Grand National,  is a truly iconic event. A moment which must not be missed is the lead up to this race standing in the crowded grandstands with song filling the racecourse.   

The Fairyhouse Winter Festival held at the start of December each year is another highlight on the jump racing calendar.  With an electrifying atmosphere and the feeling of Christmas looming, the race card across the weekend features plenty of Graded races which makes it  a festival extremely popular amongst locals and racing fans alike. With a wide range of hospitality packages available in the luxurious suites, private boxes and the Bobbyjo Bistro, these top of the range facilities and restaurants offer a truly amazing day out which must be experienced for oneself. 

Check out Fairyhouse’s upcoming race meetings and experience a proper day out.

By Road:
Only 23 km from Dublin city centre, just off the M3 or the N2 via Ratoath.

By Bus:

Bus Eireann Service: The 105 Bus Eireann Bus also stops right outside the racecourse. Please check www.buseireann.ie for up to date timetables. 

By Rail:
M3 Parkway is the nearest station - this train can be gotten from Dublin Connolly. A complimentary shuttle bus operates from the M3 Parkway for the Winter and Easter Festivals. Trains can be booked on www.irishrail.ie 

By Air:
Dublin airport is 19 km away and the M3 is reached via Blanchardstown bypass. Helicopter landing at the course can be arranged in advance.