Dundalk Racecourse Guide

Dundalk is Ireland’s only all-weather racing track and opened – for horse racing purposes – in 2007.

Like Lingfield and Chelmsford in Britain, the surface is polytrack, and the fully floodlit course allows Flat racing to take place all year round.

The venue also features a greyhound track, making it the only dual racecourse in Europe.

Dundalk Racecourse Location

Where is Dundalk Racecourse?

Dundalk is the county town of County Louth, Ireland. The town is situated on the Castletown River, which flows into Dundalk Bay on the north-east coast of Ireland, and is halfway between Dublin and Belfast, close to and south of the border with Northern Ireland.

How to get to Dundalk Racecourse

By Train

Dundalk is located midway on the Dublin-Belfast Intercity line, which is a high-speed rail network run by Enterprise. This service provides access to Dublin and Belfast city centres in one hour.

Dundalk Stadium is a 10-minute drive from Clarke Train Station and a 47-minute walk.

By Bus

Dundalk is serviced by both Bus Eireann and Matthew Coaches.

Matthews drop-off and pick-up point is located at the Marshes Shopping Centre.

Dundalk Stadium is an eight-minute drive from Marshes shopping centre and a 38-minute walk.

By Air

Dundalk is conveniently located between Belfast and Dublin airports.

Dundalk Stadium is a 51-minute drive from Dublin Airport and a 59-minute drive from Belfast City Airport.

By Car

• Dundalk is easily reached from the M1 motorway.

• Exit the motorway at junction 18 and take the second exit at the roundabout.

• At the next roundabout take the second exit on to the N52.

• Take the first exit on the next roundabout and continue on the N52.

• Dundalk Stadium will then be on your left

Dundalk Stadium has ample free car parking for cars and buses. Cars can be left overnight at the owner’s discretion.

Dundalk Racecourse Layout

Track Layout

The Dundalk polytrack course is a left-handed, oval course, about 10 furlongs in extent, with a run-in of about two-and-a-half furlongs.

A five-furlong chute joins the main course on the home bend just over three-and-a-half furlongs from the finish, while the mile start is in a short chute at the start of the back straight.

Viewing Areas and Facilities

• A modern grandstand offers unparalleled and elevated views of the horse racing and greyhound tracks, while The View Restaurant has breath-taking views of the Cooley Mountains.

• The Silks Carvery restaurant opens for every horse fixture and there is no need to pre-book.

• For those looking for a lighter option, the Bit and Bite takeaway is open on every race night to cater for those preferring a fast-food option.

Key Races at Dundalk

The Diamond Stakes

The track’s feature race of the season is the Diamond Stakes, which is now a Group 3 and is run over an extended mile and a quarter by 3-year-olds in October.

The Mercury Stakes

Also run in October, the Mercury Stakes is a Group 3 race for 2-year-olds and takes place over a five-furlong distance.

The Patten Stakes

A race run in March, the Patten Stakes features 3-year-olds in a listed race over one mile.

Dundalk Racecourse History

Completely remodelled and reopened in 2007, Dundalk Stadium is Ireland’s first and only all-weather racecourse accompanied with floodlights.

It is a combined horse and greyhound racing facility and is in regular use throughout the year. Dundalk has a long history of racing with the first recorded race taking place in 1889. 

Dundalk Racecourse Opening Date

The racecourse officially reopened on November 29, 2003.

Other events at Dundalk Racecourse

Friday Night Lights features a unique evening in which greyhound racing follows on from the horse racing, with the first dog race taking place just moments after the final horse race.

Music concerts also take place at the venue, while weddings and birthday parties are a regular theme at the stadium.