Hotels near racecourses in Ireland

Ireland has a long and rich history of horse racing and the sport enjoys a loyal and enthusiastic following. As a nation it flourished in producing the most successful horses in National Hunt racing (Jump racing), an event which sees horses jump over different obstacles, such as barriers and hurdles, during the course of a race. The races are organized between October and April when the ground is softer and better for jumping. It is said that National Hunt originated to keep hunting horses fit between hunts.

Perhaps the biggest National Hunt event in Ireland is the Irish Grand National, which is held annually at the Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath. Another big National Hunt event is the Punchestown Festival, held each April at Punchestown Racecourse. Fans of flat racing should head to the famous Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare. Curragh holds some of Ireland's most prestigious racing events, such as the Irish Derby, Irish Oaks and Irish 1,000 Guineas.

A popular event for Irish racing fans is the Cheltenham Festival, which although held in Cheltenham, England, coincides with Ireland's national holiday, Saint Patrick's Day. It is common for fans to take flights or ferries to England, book hotels close to the racecourse and turn the event into a small holiday.

Fans taking flights to Ireland will likely arrive at Dublin Airport, the country's biggest international air hub. A good system of national trains and buses makes onward travel to all parts of Ireland a hassle-free undertaking.