The first recorded racemeetings in Killarney were in 1822 and between that date and 1901 they were staged between two different courses in the area. They were then discontinued until the present course was opened in 1936.
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Killarney is the premier tourist destination in Ireland and the Killarney races provides eight cracking days of racing set to a backdrop of feverish, non-stop, Summer-time holiday activity. It's party time all Summer long in Killarney and there is an energy to the area that has seeped into the pores of every facet of life there. The racecourse is no exception, providing no small amount of high quality racing to fulfill the dual role of both family fun day out and satisfying punter-friendly competition.
The magnificent scenery is what draws the huge crowds to Killarney and the mountains and lakes that cradle the racecourse make it arguably the most beautiful in the country. Couple that scenery with a well-appointed racecourse, exciting racing and a large fun-seeking crowd and you have the ingredients for a heady cocktail of pleasure. You'll find the time flying down there.
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The course is a left-handed level, oval of approx one mile and two furlongs.
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By Road: Approx 96km north-west of Cork and 32 km south-east of Tralee.
By Rail: Killarney railway station is regularly served by trains from Heuston Station Dublin. Telephone Irish Rail (Iarnrod Eireann) for timetables of trains to Killarney station.
By Bus: Regular service to Killarney from Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Tel. Bus Eireann at 01 836 6111.
By Air: Kerry airport at Farranfore is 16 km away with flights to Dublin and UK. Helicopter landing at the course can be arranged in advance.
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May Festival Adult:
July Festival Adult:
August Festival Adult:
|
€18
€20
€20
|
| OAPs & Students: |
€12 |
| Children U12: |
Free |
Discounts available for pre-booked groups of 20 or more.
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A large restaurant, selection of bars with hot lunches served in the main bar, also several snack (including seafood) outlets on course
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May 2006 saw the opening of Killarney's new corporate suite. Guests are treated to a new level of corporate hospitality.
The corporate package offers guests admission to our private suite, racecard, tipsters, 4-course meal out, at their table betting & drink service.
The suite itself offers plush comfort overlooking not only the racetrack and paradering, but also the stunning views of the McGillycuddy Reeks & Lakes of Killarney.
Other options include The Maurice O'Donoghue Stand (pictured on right), boasting a commanding view positioned directly on the finishing line and gives the best vantage point on the track. Groups of up to 250 can be catered for. As with all our corporate days, events are tailored with the specific needs of the client in mind. Other than admission, packages may include the following depending on the clients requirements and budget:
- Exclusive use of the Maurice O'Donoghue Stand
- Private entrance with Black-tie Security
- Exclusive parking area - when travelling as a group
- Race cards and tipster before racing
- Race Sponsorship - see sponsorship
- Racing prizes and competitions built around the days racing
- Private bar
- Private TOTE facilities - Betting tokens if required
- Catering - from sit down meals to light buffet delights
- Post Racing Entertainment
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Viewing area, restaurant access and toilets.
Parking by arrangement.
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Killarney, as mentioned above, is the tourist capital of Ireland and there is lots to see and do both in the town and the surrounding area. Some attractions of note include the 26,000 acre Muckross House National Park located 6 km outside of Killarney.
The magnificent MacGillicuddy Reeks mountain range is located to the west of Killarney and merits closer inspection. There is also a plentiful supply of golf courses in the area, also lots of opportunities for fishing, horse riding and many sites of archaeological interest locally. For those just looking for a few drinks after racing in a lively, friendly setting then Killarney is second to none for such venues.
Local Hotels, Restaurants and Pubs
If you were dropped from the sky into any part of Killarney or it's environs you would invariably be within crawling distance of a high quality hotel, restaurant, guest-house or pub. As it would take up the rest of this publication to name most of them you are best advised to ring the Killarney Tourist Office at 064 31 633.
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Click here for a fantastic article on Killarney as written by the Independent.