Fairyhouse

Fairyhouse Revealed

Fairyhouse is the venue for many of the biggest races of the Irish jump season, with the crowning glory coming on Easter Monday when the holiday celebrations reach fever pitch for the running of the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National. This is without doubt one of the biggest days in the Irish racing calendar and is the main course on a 4-day Easter menu of appetising racing which begins on the Saturday and ends on Tuesday. The big race itself is complemented by numerous other top-class races including the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup on the Sunday.

The Grand National is the most valuable jump race run in Ireland with a prize-fund of €250,000. It is a thrilling roller-coaster event over 35/8 miles and 24 fences. It's a true test of horse and rider and the combination that comes home in front after that journey deserves the big cheer it gets from the 20,000 plus crowd. All the participants are heroes and are rightly celebrated but the winning horse and jockey deserve to be lauded to a height and they are. Not only is it one of the signature races in Irish racing, it is one of the biggest events in Irish sport. It is also a most exciting, enjoyable way to spend this holiday time. Above all it's the people’s race. 

Grand National Trivia 

From 1960-66 the legendary trainer Tom Dreaper trained the winner a remarkable 7 years in a row during a golden era for the race.
His winners were:

Olympia-1960
Fortria-1961
Kerforo-1962
Last Link-1963
Arkle-1964
Splash-1965
Flyingbolt-1966

The first running of the Grand National was in 1870. The winner was a grey gelding called Sir Robert Peel, and the prizemoney was 167 sovereigns. The winner of the 1929 renewal was Alike, who was owned and ridden by 5' 4" Frank Wise who was missing three fingers and had a wooden leg. The 1995 winner Flashing Steel was owned by former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and trained by his son-in-law John Mulhern. Just as remarkably the legendary Irish stallion Fortina, who stood in Co. Cork sired 4 of Jim Dreaper's winners: Olympia, Fortria, Last Link and Splash.

Days Like These 

There have been some truly memorable Grand National days over the years and here are just a few to remember:

The great English Champion Desert Orchid winning in 1990 under 12 stone. This grey 11-year-old warrior was one of the most celebrated horses in recent times and received a huge cheer on returning to the winner's enclosure.

Commanche Court winning in 2000 for the immensely popular Ted Walsh and ridden by his son Ruby which made it a great family affair.

Two years previously another famous Irish racing family had an equally memorable day. Jockey Paul Carberry triumphed on Bobbyjo which was trained by his father Tommy just down the road in Ashbourne. The celebrations went on and on… 

Best Of The Bests

But Fairyhouse is not just all about the Grand National Meeting. There is more than one pearl in its oyster. In late November/early December the course hosts a weekend meeting that is one of the highlights of the Winter and the Sunday card features a trio of Grade 1 races that are as good as the game can get and the list of past winners proves it. The Ballymore Properties Hattons Grace Hurdle has been won by Istabraq twice, Limestone Lad three times, Dorans Pride, Danoli, Solerina. This is more like a list of the best Irish hurdle horses of the last decade.

The Ballymore Properties Drinmore Novice Chase has been won by such as Watson Lake, Alexander Banquet and Harbour Pilot. The Bar One Bond Novice Hurdle has been won in recent years by Istabraq, Moscow Flyer, Like a Butterfly, Hardy Eustace. That's what Fairyhouse is all about.

Course Characteristics

The course itself is right-handed, relatively flat and is one mile and six furlongs in length.

How To Get There

By Road:
Only 23 km from Dublin city centre, just off the N3 or the N2 via Ratoath.

By Rail:
Heuston Station, Dublin is the nearest station.

By Bus:
Bus Eireann provides a special bus service from the Central Bus Station (Busaras) on race days. It departs Dublin 90 minutes before the first race and returns after the last race.

By Air:
Dublin airport is 19 km away and the N3 is reached via Blanchardstown bypass. Helicopter landing at the course can be arranged in advance.

Admission

Adult:	€10 - €20
OAPs & Students:	€10 - €15
Children U16:	Free

20% off adult admission when you book online.

20% Discount for groups of 20 or more people.

Admission for Festival days differs

Refreshment Facilities

The Panoramic Restaurant in the Powers Gold Label Stand offers superb views of the racecourse and parade ring/winners enclosure. It offers a four-course silver service lunch and has its own Tote and full bar facilities. Must be pre-booked. There is also a self-service restaurant, several fast food outlets and a choice of bars. 

Corporate Facilities

The Arkle Room with a capacity of 200 is ideal for company outings and social events. Situated on the first floor of the Jameson Stand, it has an excellent view of the parade ring and easy access to the viewing stand. The Jameson Stand Suites, on the top level of the Jameson Stand, provide an excellent view of the racecourse and can cater for 12 for a silver service meal and 20 for a buffet. On the top level of the Powers Gold Label Stand are suites that can accommodate 30 for a silver service meal or 40 for a buffet and also provide excellent views of the racecourse and parade ring. 

Other Facilities

Fairyhouse has a fully supervised and equipped creche for children aged up to 9 years of age, with both indoor and outdoor play areas. All areas of the stands are wheelchair accessible via lifts where there are a number of designated disabled viewing areas also. There are also disabled toilet facilities and reserved car parking spaces.

Après Racing

Fairyhouse is close to the historic sites of Newgrange, Tara and Slane with plenty of opportunities for fishing and golfing.

Local Hotels
Ashbourne Court Hotel, Ashbourne	01 835 9300
Ashbourne House Hotel, Ashbourne	01 835 0167
Ashbourne Marriot Hotel, Ashbourne	01 835 6800
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Dunboyne	01 8013500
Ardboyne Hotel, Navan	046 23 119
Newgrange Hotel, Navan	046 74 100
Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth	01 629 0909
Straffan Lodge, Maynooth	01 628 5002
Barberstown Castle Hotel, Straffan	01 628 8157
The Station House Hotel, Kilmessan	046 902 5290
Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield	046 95 4000
Bellinter House, Navan, Co Meath	046 9030970

Dublin City Centre hotels are only 30 minutes away

Local Restaurants
Big Cicero's, Ashbourne
Ryan's Steakhouse, Ratoath
La Bucca, Ratoath
Olive Garden, Ratoath
Mulan (Chinese), Ratoath
The Mill House, Clonee
The County Club, Dunshaughlin

Local Pubs
The Auld Stand, Ratoath
Ryans, Ratoath
Caffrey’s Batterstown
The Snail Box, Kilmoon
The County Club, Dunshaughlin
The White House, The Ward