Killarney Racecourse is widely considered to be Ireland's most picturesque racetrack as it enjoys stunning views of the Kerry countryside and mountains.
County Kerry is one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations and Killarney plays host to three summer festivals, featuring both Flat and jump racing action, and another in October.
Here's our guide to Killarney racecourse.
Killarney Racecourse Location
Where is Killarney?
Killarney is a town in County Kerry, south-western Ireland, which is accessible by air, rail or road. The racecourse is within walking distance of Killarney town centre.
How to get to Killarney Racecourse
By Air
Kerry Airport, which has direct routes to Luton and Stanstead in the UK, is a 15-minute drive from the track, with Cork and Shannon Airports less than 90 minutes away.
By Train
Killarney Train Station is just half a mile from the racecourse and offers direct trains to Dublin, Cork and Tralee, among other major destinations.
By Bus
Killarney Bus Station is at the same location as the train station. Shuttle buses typically start 90 minutes before each meeting and run until 30 minutes after the meeting.
By Car
The racecourse is 96km north-west of Cork and 32 kilometres south-east of Tralee. From Killarney, take the N71 through the town in the direction of Muckross.
Just outside the town, turn right onto Ross Road and the racecourse is one kilometre on the left.
Parking is available inside the track and in car parks adjacent to the racecourse.
Killarney Racecourse Layout
Track Layout
On the Flat, Killarney is a left-handed oval of just over nine furlongs. It is a sharp track with the first bend after the winning post being particularly tight.
All Flat races at Killarney are at least one mile.
Over jumps, the nine-furlong undulating track is quite sharp. There are six fences to a circuit of the chase course, with three in the dog-legged home straight of less than three furlongs.
All the bends are cambered and there are five hurdles per circuit, with a relatively short run-in of a furlong.
Conditions at Killarney are changeable and water tends to get into the track quite quickly, ensuring it's often either slow or fast, with little in between.
Enclosures and Viewing Areas
The general admission ticket provides excellent facilities and viewing areas. The parade ring and track are both a short walking distance, while there are a variety of places to eat and drink throughout the enclosure.
The Maurice O'Donoghue stand boasts a commanding view positioned directly on the finishing line and gives the best vantage point on the track.
Key Races at Killarney
An Riocht Chase
The Grade 3 An Riocht Chase is a highlight of Killarney's May festival. Run over two miles and four-and-a-half furlongs, it was first held as a Grade 3 race in 2016 and has produced some high-quality winners including Ballycasey (2017), Samcro (2020) and Saint Sam (2023).
Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes
The Ruby Stakes is a Listed Flat race over one mile and 20 yards for three-year-olds and upwards that is run at Killarney's August meeting.
Previously held at Tralee and Dundalk, the race was moved to Killarney with the name of legendary trainer Vincent O'Brien added to the title.
Tourist Attraction Mares Hurdle
The Tourist Attraction Mares hurdle is a Listed Race over two miles and one furlong for mares at the May meeting.
Previous winners include useful performers Stormy Ireland, Elimay and Anna Bunina, while the 2025 race was won by Stormalong.
Killarney Racecourse History
Killarney Racecourse Opening Date
Racing at Killarney has been taking place since 1822. Killarney can also boast a golf course which is situated both within the rails and around the racetrack, while the Jim Culloty bar can host concerts and the Panoramic Suite is a popular conference venue.
Other facilities at Killarney
Killarney also boasts a golf course, which is situated both within the rails and around the racetrack, while the Jim Culloty bar can host concerts and the Panoramic Suite is a popular conference venue.
