Fairyhouse Racecourse

Fairyhouse is the home of Ireland’s premier National Hunt race, the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, which is run every year on Easter Monday.

The first meeting held in Fairyhouse was in 1848 when the Ward Union Hunt held their point-to-point at this venue. From these small beginnings Fairyhouse quickly established itself as one of Ireland’s premier racecourses. In 1870 the Irish Grand National was run and the winner was ‘Sir Robert Peel’. The Grand National quickly became Ireland’s most valuable and prestigious steeplechase and each success has its own rich tale, none more amazing that the win in 1929 of a six year old mare ‘Alike’, owned and ridden by 5’4” Frank Wise who was missing three fingers and who rode with a wooden leg.

Fairyhouse has always been one of the finest and fairest racecourses and continues to attract the leading horses both on the flat and over jumps. Arkle, Desert Orchid, Flying Bolt, Captain Christy, Prince Regent, Persian War, L’Escargot, and more recently Istabraq, See More Business and Bobbyjo are just some of the legendary greats that have graced the almost 2 mile circuit.

Fairyhouse hosts approximately 18 days racing each year with the feature being the three day Easter Festival featuring the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, the Powers Handicap Hurdle and the Powers Gold Cup. The November Festival features three Grade 1 races and is now firmly established as Irelands's first major National Hunt fixture of each new season. Fairyhouse also races on New Year’s Day.

The racecourse opened The Powers Gold Label stand and the refurbished Jameson Stand in 1999. These new facilities will offer increased comfort to the racegoer. The development includes a new grandstand, weighroom building, Tote hall, betting shop, bars, restaurants, private suites and corporate hospitality rooms. Throughout the year these Corporate facilities are available for numbers from 10 to 1,000. All suites and function rooms have Tote, CCTV and either silver service or buffet style dining.