Race meetings have been recorded in the area since 1773. Racing has been held on the current course since it was purchased in 1921. Dorans Pride, a former Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle winner and twice placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, won his first race at Ballinrobe in 1993. Owned by Mayo man Tom Doran and trained by Michael Hourigan he went on to win €1m on the track.

Traverse, the horse owned by the irrepressible Hector O'hEochagain and star of the series "Only Fools Buy Horses" also won his first Irish race at Ballinrobe in 2003.
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In keeping with the West of Ireland's reputation for being a relaxed, friendly part of the world the racecourses of the West of Ireland reflect that also. Race meetings in Ballinrobe are so relaxed one almost feels horizontal. Set before the picturesque vista of Lough Carra, an excursion to Ballinrobe will soothe any modern-life travails you may have. You will soon forget your boss's haranguing or the fume-ridden traffic jam gauntlet you must run to get in and out of work every day.

An intimate place set in a natural amphitheatre where the action is never too far from view, it's everything a country racecourse should be, and with eight meetings in the Summer (including seven evening meets) it is the ideal place to go to switch off and unwind. Ballinrobe is a racecourse that you will return to again and again.
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The course itself is a slightly elevated right-handed oval of about one mile and one furlong which features competitive flat and National Hunt (jump) racing
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50km north of Galway, 28km south of Castlebar

By Rail: The closest station is Claremorris (21 km).

By Air: The closest airports are Galway (56 km) and Knock (48 km) with regular flights from Dublin and many locations in the U.K. Helicopter landing can be arranged at the course.
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Special Offers available for groups -please contact the racecourse in advance for more details.

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2010 will see the opening of a new self service restaurant. There are bars and also a fast food outlet throughout the enclosure. Live music take place every raceday in the Carra Bar overlooking the winning straight.
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There is a new 160-seater restaurant at the course which can serve 'silver service' 5-course meals and is available to book for groups of 10 or more. Also, corporate marquee available.
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There is a multitude of activities to occupy energetic visitors to the area, for both indoor and outdoor types. The area around Ballinrobe has been dubbed "The Lake Angling Capital of the West" with 60,000 acres of brown trout fishing between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask and also fishing on the river Robe. There are scenic walkways in the area and regular traditional music and dancing in local pubs. There is also an 18-hole championship golf course at nearby Cloonacastle House.

Local Hotels
Ashford Castle Hotel (5-star) - 00 353 (0)94 954 6003
Days Hotel, Castlebar - 00353 (0)94 928 6200
JJ Gannon's Hotel, Ballinrobe - Tel: 00 353 (0)94 9541008
McWilliams Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co Mayo - Tel: 00 353(0) 949373333
Ryan's Hotel - 00353 (0) 94 954 6243
Lisloughrey Lodge - The Quay, Cong, County Mayo

Local Restaurants
J J Gannon's Bar and Restaurant, Ballinrobe
Flannery's, Ballinrobe
Carney's Bar and Restaurant, Ballinrobe
Tí Bhurca Bar and Restaurant, Clonbur
The Aubrigine Restaurant, Ballinrobe

Local Pubs
O'Malley's, Ballinrobe
Art O'Neills, Ballinrobe
Inch’s Bar, Ballinrobe
Costello’s Bar, Ballinrobe
Carney's Bar, Ballinrobe
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