Downpatrick Racecourse

About the course

Downpatrick Racecourse is one mile from the centre of Downpatrick in County Down, a town closely linked with St Patrick. It is one of two racecourses in Northern Ireland, and like Down Royal it comes under Horse Racing Ireland because racing on the island is organised on an all-Ireland basis.

The racecourse traces its first race meeting to 1685, at old grounds a few miles from the present site, and racing has been held on the current course for more than 150 years. It is often described as Ireland's oldest racecourse.

The track is a tight, undulating, right-handed course of about a mile and a quarter, with a well-known uphill climb to the finishing line. It stages National Hunt racing only, and is one of just three all-jumps courses in Ireland. There are 10 fixtures a year, running from March to October.

Some famous names have raced here, including the Aintree Grand National winners Caughoo (1947) and Rhyme N' Reason (1988). In 1962 the Queen Mother watched her horse Laffy win the Ulster National, after the first horse past the post was disqualified for missing a fence.

Big meetings and races

The flagship meeting is the Randox Ulster National, a long-distance handicap chase usually run in late March or early April. It is a recognised trial for the Irish Grand National and draws large crowds.

The racecourse also runs a two-day festival in June and a series of themed days through the summer, such as a Family Fun Raceday and a Ladies Day, which are among its busiest fixtures. Evening meetings feature in May. Check the official fixture list for current dates, and see our first day at the races guide if you are new to racing.

Getting there

• By road from Belfast: about 37km (48 minutes). Take the M1 southbound to Exit 6 towards Ballynahinch, go through Ballynahinch's one-way system, turn left onto the A24 towards Newcastle, then left onto the A25 towards Downpatrick. The course is on the right.
• From Dublin: about 157km, just under two hours via the M1 north, turning off onto the A25 for Downpatrick.
• By bus: Downpatrick Bus Centre is about 0.6 miles from the course, a short walk. Horse Racing Ireland also notes that the Goldline Express 238 runs from Belfast to Downpatrick and that Ulsterbus service 15A stops outside the racecourse on race days. Check with Translink before you travel.
• By air: Belfast International is the nearest airport.

Facilities and tips for visitors

• Parking: free at all meetings, with a first come, first served blue badge car park.
• Gates: turnstiles usually open around 90 minutes before the first race.
• Dress: no set dress code. Casual is fine in the main enclosure, and smart casual is advised for hospitality and members' areas. Racing runs into the colder months, so dress for the weather.
• Betting: the Tote operates in the hospitality areas and bars, and bookmakers stand down by the parade ring.
• Money: there is no cash machine, but cashback is available from the raceday office. Euro notes are accepted in the bars.
• Food: options include street food behind the grandstand and a bistro beside the owners' lounge.
• Accessibility: the facilities are wheelchair accessible.
• Dogs: not permitted, except guide or hearing dogs with notice.

Nearby places to stay

Downpatrick town, a mile away, and the surrounding area have several B&Bs. The seaside town of Newcastle, under 20 minutes away, is a good base if you want to make a weekend of it and explore more of County Down. Belfast is around 48 minutes by car, and Down Royal near Lisburn is the other racecourse in the county.

Latest highlights

Highlights from Horse Racing Ireland on YouTube. Full race replays are on Racing TV.

More Downpatrick highlights