Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of Ireland's premier horse racing venues and it is the home of the Irish Grand National, with the Co Meath track hosting the famous steeplechase for more than 150 years.
The Irish National is the centrepiece of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse and is traditionally staged on Easter Monday in an early evening slot.
We have put together the ultimate guide for everything you need to know about the famous racecourse.
Fairyhouse Racecourse Location
Where is Fairyhouse?
Fairyhouse Racecourse is located in Ireland in the parish of Ratoath in County Meath, some 27km north-west of Dublin.
How to get to Fairyhouse Racecourse
By Train
The closest train station to Fairyhouse is the M3 Parkway.
By Bus
A complimentary shuttle bus operates from the M3 Parkway for the Winter and Easter Festivals.
By Car
From the North - Follow Motorway (M1) and exit at Junction 10 and then take the signs for Slane on the N51. Enter Slane and take the N2 for Dublin, and proceed for approx 20 miles and turn right at junction with R155 (signposted Ratoath).
From Dublin - From the City Centre take N3 towards Navan, passing Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on your left. Proceed for approx. six miles on the new M3 and take EXIT 5 for Ratoath/Fairyhouse. Follow signs for Fairyhouse, turn right onto R155 and proceed for two miles.
From the West - After Enfield take Motorway (M4) Dublin. At roundabout (signposted M50 Northbound) take first exit to join Motorway (M50). Proceed through toll exiting onto N3 (Cavan/Navan). Proceed forward for approx. six miles on the new M3 and take EXIT 5 for Ratoath / Fairyhouse. Follow signs for Fairyhouse, turn right onto R155 and proceed for two miles.
From the South - Take N7 towards Dublin, at Red Cow roundabout take M50 Northbound. Proceed through toll exiting onto N3 (Cavan/Navan). Proceed forward for approx. six miles on the new M3 and take EXIT 5 for Ratoath / Fairyhouse. Follow signs for Fairyhouse, turn right onto R155 and proceed for two miles.
Fairyhouse Racecourse Layout
Track Layout
Fairyhouse is predominantly a jumps course, though they do host some Flat action across the summer months, mostly midweek evening meetings, with their highlight being the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes over seven-furlongs in July.
It's over the obstacles that the Co Meath venue really comes into its own, however.
Enclosures and Viewing Areas
The list of enclosures and viewing areas at Fairyhouse Racecourse are as follows:
Ballyhack Stand
Grand National Stand
The BobbyJo Bistro
Private Suites
Suite Level Restaurant
Key Races at Fairyhouse
Irish Grand National
Fairyhouse is famous for hosting the Irish Grand National. The race has been held at the iconic track for more than 150 years and it is run over 3m5f. Horses need to navigate 24 fences during the race, which takes place every year on Easter Monday.
The race is the equivalent of the British Grand National and it is always held during Fairyhouse's Easter Festival meeting.
Hatton's Grace Hurdle
The Hatton's Grade Hurdle is a Grade 1 hurdle race which is run over 2m4f for horses aged four or older. Twelve hurdles need to be jumped and the race takes place in late November or early December every year.
The event is named after Hatton's Grace, a three-time winner of the Champion Hurdle who was trained by Vincent O'Brien.
Drinmore Novice Chase
The Drinmove Novice Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase over 2m4f. Sixteen fences have to be handled throughout the race in late November or early December and it replaced the Drinmore Chase in 1994.
It usually takes place on the same afternoon as the Hatton's Grace Hurdle.
Fairyhouse Racecourse History
Fairyhouse Racecourse Opening Date
Fairyhouse hosted its first race in 1848 and has been holding elite racing events ever since.
When was the first Irish Grand National?
The Irish Grand National was established in 1870, with Sir Robert Peel winning the inaugural event.
