Roscommon

Quick Facts About Roscommon

The first recorded race meeting took place in 1837. It was organised by the British military which had a base in the town then.

Racing officially began there in 1885 and with the exception of a 12 year period (1936-48) has continued ever since.

Famous horses to run there include: 1996 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call ran in his first novice chase at Roscommon, and finished only third. 1999 Ascot Gold Cup winner Enzeli (Ireland's first winner of the race since 1969) won a race at Roscommon the year before his famous triumph.

The course won the 2004 Stable Staff Award for the most improved racecourse in Ireland. 

Roscommon Revealed

Roscommon is a favourite course with trainers for introducing talented, inexperienced young horses to racing and if you keep a close watch at the course you will see some stars of the future competing there (see below). The racing consists of good quality, full fields featuring lively betting markets and the view of the racecourse from the stands and enclosures is excellent, making it very spectator friendly. The €40,000 Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase, run at the end of September meeting is the feature race of the year at the course.

After the racing there is a great atmosphere in the local pubs and hotels (of the sort that you only get in the smaller towns in Ireland) and even more so during the 2-day meetings in June and July. A day at Roscommon racecourse reveals the pleasure to be had in the sometimes hidden parts of Ireland.

Course Characteristics

The course is right-handed, of one mile and two furlongs in length with a marked incline to the winning post.

How To Get There

By Road:
Roscommon is 76 km north-east of Galway city and 136 km west of Dublin.

By Rail:
Regular train service from Dublin (Heuston) to Roscommon station. Taxi service from there to the racecourse.

By Air:
Galway is the closest airport with daily flights from Dublin and regular flights from several UK destinations. 

Admission

 

Adult: (Sunday only)	€15
OAPs & Students: (Sunday only)	€10
Children U14:	Free

 

Adult: (Weekdays + Saturdays)	€13
OAPs & Students: (Weekdays + Saturdays)	€8
Children U14:	Free

Refreshment Faciliities

There is a spacious dining room, self-service restaurant, snack bar, tea room and several bars.  

Corporate Faciliities

There are hospitality rooms available to cater for 20-60 people and there is also space for a tented village on site.

Other/Disabled Facilities

There is a designated disabled viewing area in the stands.

Après Racing

Nearby Lough Key Forest Park, County Heritage Centre in Strokestown, fishing and cruises on the River Shannon and horseriding.

 

Local Hotels
Abbey Hotel, Roscommon	0906 626 240
Gleesons Hotel, Roscommon	0906 626 954
Coachmans Inn, Roscommon	0906 626 459

 

Local Restaurants
Gleeson's, Roscommon
Horan's, Roscommon

 

Local Pubs
Central Bar, Roscommon
Red Parrot, Roscommon
Railway Bar, Roscommon