Limerick Racecourse

About the course

Racing in Limerick goes back a long way. The first Limerick racecourse was set up in 1790, and since then seven different local venues have staged racing, including Bruff, Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Greenpark. The Greenpark course in the city ran for 130 years before it closed in 1999, hemmed in by the growing city.

The racecourse bought the Greenmount Park site near Patrickswell in 1996. Local point-to-point meetings had been held there for as long as anyone could remember. The course was designed from scratch, and when it opened in October 2001 the first meeting drew a crowd of more than 18,000.

The track is a right-handed oval of just over a mile and three furlongs, and the course races both on the Flat and over jumps. Horse Racing Ireland lists 18 meetings a year, on weekends, weekdays and bank holidays. The grandstand has a cantilevered roof that gives shelter over the spectator terraces.

Big meetings and races

• The Christmas Festival: four days of jumps racing starting on St Stephen's Day. Races include the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase, the Grade 2 Doran's Pride Novice Hurdle and the Grade 2 Dawn Run Novice Chase. The final day has been run as a family fun day with children's entertainment.
• Munster National weekend: a two-day meeting in October built around the Munster National Handicap Chase.
• Summer evenings: the course is well known for its summer evening meetings with live music after racing.
• On the Flat: the Listed Martin Molony Stakes in June is the most valuable Flat race of the year at Limerick.

Getting there

• By road: The course is on the M20 at exit 4, about six miles south of Limerick city. For sat nav, the course gives GPS co-ordinates of N 52.59045, W 008.69632.
• By rail: Limerick's Colbert Station, on Parnell Street, is about 15 minutes from the course.
• Shuttle buses: The course runs free shuttle buses on selected race days. Check the course website before you travel.
• By air: Shannon Airport is within about 30 minutes.

Facilities and tips for visitors

Turnstiles open about two hours before the first race. The course suggests arriving at least an hour before the first race, and an hour before if you are dining in the Panoramic Restaurant or a private suite.

Useful things to know:

• Children under 12 go free with an adult, with ID for proof of age. There is a playground on site, with free entertainment on selected dates.
• Students and pensioners get a discounted rate with valid ID.
• Accessibility: there is ramp access to the main stand, two lifts, toilets on each floor and reserved parking for people with disabilities.
• Cash: there is no ATM on site, but cash back is available in the Munster Suite on level 1 of the Hugh McMahon Stand.
• Betting: the Tote is on every level of the stand, and bookmakers are in the Bookies Ring to the right of the stand.
• Binoculars can be hired from the Information Office.

Nearby places to stay

Limerick city is the obvious base, with the course only a short drive down the M20. The village of Patrickswell is right beside the course, and Shannon, with its airport, is also within easy reach.