Limerick Racecourse, also known as Greenmount Park, is a purpose-built horse racing venue located in County Limerick, Ireland. The course opened its doors in October 2001 and is the first of its kind to be built in Ireland in over 50 years. The venue is situated just 8km south of Limerick City and replaced the old track at Greenpark in the city.
The course is home to both National Hunt and flat racing, making it a popular destination for racing enthusiasts from all over the world. The oval-shaped track is right-handed and is known for its challenging jumps and thrilling finishes. Limerick Racecourse is the newest track in Ireland to have a Grade 1 event over jumps, the Faugheen Novice.
Location and Access
Getting There
Limerick Racecourse is located in County Limerick, Ireland, just 10km southwest of Limerick city. The course is easily accessible by road, with the M20 motorway connecting directly to the racecourse, making it a quick 20-minute drive from the city centre. If you are travelling from Dublin, it’s a 2-hour drive, just under 4 hours from Belfast, and just over an hour from Cork.
For those travelling by public transport, there are regular bus services that run from Limerick city centre to the racecourse, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. The nearest train station is Limerick Junction, which is approximately 20km from the racecourse.
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Parking
Limerick Racecourse provides ample parking facilities for visitors, with free car parking available on site. There are also designated parking areas for disabled visitors, as well as VIP parking for those attending private suites or reserved restaurants.
If you are travelling in a group, it’s worth noting that group rates are available for those travelling by coach or minibus. Additionally, there is a free shuttle bus service available on selected dates, which runs from the racecourse to Limerick city centre.
Facilities
Grandstand and Seating
The Hugh McMahon stand at Limerick Racecourse offers excellent views of the track and has a capacity of 3,000 people. The stand has Tote facilities throughout, and Touch-Tote facilities are also available. There are also plenty of seating options available, including outdoor seating with a view of the track.
Food and Drink
Limerick Racecourse has a variety of food and drink options available to visitors. The Greenmount Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with views overlooking the track. There are also several bars and food outlets throughout the racecourse, including a fast food outlet and a coffee shop.
Betting Facilities
Visitors to Limerick Racecourse have a range of betting options available to them. There are two branches of Ladbrokes horse racing on-site; one in a public area and one in a hospitality suite. Independent bookmakers can also be found in the Bookies Ring, located just right to the Hugh McMahon stand.
Events and Races
Annual Events
Limerick Racecourse hosts 18 race fixtures per year, with both flat and National Hunt racing taking place. Some of the annual events that take place at the course include:
- The Christmas Racing Festival, which takes place over two days in late December and is a popular event for families.
- The Limerick Twilight Racing Series, which takes place on selected Friday evenings during the summer months and features live music and entertainment.
- The Limerick Lady Riders Handicap, which takes place in August and is a popular event for female jockeys.
Race Types
Limerick’s major races are mainly National Hunt affairs, with several graded events featuring during the main jumping season. Some of the main races include:
| Race | Date |
|---|---|
| Greenmount Park Novice Chase | January |
| Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle | February |
| Limerick GAA Race Day Handicap Hurdle | March |
| Tote Irish Cesarewitch | October |
| Tim Duggan Memorial Chase | December |
Although there is a lack of high-class Flat events, the flat dominates the summer action, with live music and evening fixtures regularly drawing in the crowds. April’s Misted Class Martin Moloney Stakes is one of the biggest flat races of the year.
History
Limerick Racecourse has a rich history, with horse racing documented in the area since 1790. Over the years, various locations were used to host the races, including Bruff, Rathkeale, Newcastle, Lemonfield, Ballinacurra, and Greenpark. The current location of the racecourse at Greenmount Park is the seventh different horse racing location in Limerick since 1790.
The course opened in October 2001 and is the first purpose-built racecourse in Ireland in 50 years. It is a horse racing venue that stages both National Hunt and flat racing. The track at Limerick Racecourse is a right-handed oval of about 1 mile and 2 furlongs in length. It is a fairly flat track, with a slight rise towards the finish line. The course has a capacity for 18,000 spectators, and it is one of the largest sports venues in the region.
Throughout its history, Limerick Racecourse has hosted many notable events, including the Munster National, the Greenmount Park Novice Chase, and the Dawn Run Mares Novice Hurdle. The racecourse has also welcomed some famous visitors, including President John F. Kennedy, who visited the Green Park track in the 1960s.
Tips for Visitors
What to Wear
When attending a raceday at Limerick Racecourse, it’s important to dress appropriately. The dress code is smart casual, and some race days may have specific dress codes. For example, Ladies Day often has a theme, so it’s worth checking ahead of time.
Some tips for dressing for the races include:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for most of the day
- Bring a jacket or coat, as the weather can be unpredictable
- Wear a hat or fascinator to add a touch of glamour
Etiquette
Attending the races is a social occasion, and there are some rules of etiquette to follow:
- Be respectful of other racegoers and the staff
- Avoid using your mobile phone during the races
- Do not bring your own food or drink onto the course
- Do not smoke in non-designated areas
Rules
There are also some rules to follow when attending the races:
- Do not enter the parade ring or track without permission
- Do not obstruct the view of other racegoers
- Do not bet with illegal bookmakers
- Do not bring any prohibited items onto the course, such as weapons or drugs
Frequently Asked Questions
What events can I look forward to at Limerick Racecourse?
Limerick Racecourse hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Munster National Weekend and the four-day Christmas festival. Each event offers thrilling races and a vibrant atmosphere, making each visit a memorable experience.
Are there any tips for betting at Limerick Racecourse?
While specific tips for each race might vary, visitors can enhance their betting experience by familiarising themselves with the track’s top trainers and jockeys. This knowledge, combined with studying the race cards and past performances, can provide valuable insights.
What is the capacity of Limerick Racecourse?
The racecourse is designed to accommodate large crowds with modern facilities clearly visible from the N20 motorway. Although specific capacity numbers are not readily available, the venue is well-equipped to handle significant events and race days.
Where can I find the fixtures for Limerick Racecourse?
Limerick Racecourse fixtures are available on their official website and include a range of racing events across the calendar year. The racecourse calendar is filled with both flat and National Hunt racing, ensuring a steady lineup of action for enthusiasts.
