Curragh is horseshoe shaped with a circuit of 2 miles, a run in of 3 furlongs and an uphill finish. The 5 and 6 furlongs are straight. Watering system.   The Curragh Racecourse,  The Curragh,  Co. Kildare.   Tel: 045 441205 Website: www.curragh.ie Email: info@curragh.ie

Kilbeggan Races a truly Irish occasion.   An evening of fun at Kilbeggan Races is one of the most enjoyable experiences. It mingles the heart stopping spectacle of racing over jumps with the laid back charm of a genuine rural meeting. The Kilbeggan formula is made for fun, friendship and atmosphere for the thousands who return meeting after meeting giving Kilbeggan the edge over other events.   On the 9th of March 1840 a group of gentlemen organised a race in Kilbeggan for a Challenge Cup valued at 40 guineas with 10 pounds added by the Stewards. Between 1840 and 1855 racing was held in several locations around the town including the present site. It was revived in 1879 when the first official meeting was held at Ballard on 17th April in a field provided by the Locke family, owners of the distillery which is still in operation in Kilbeggan, and racing continued there until 1885. In 1901 the races were revived again at the present location in Loughnagore and have been held every year since except for the period 1941-45.   The quiet midlands town is transformed on race evenings into a festival of social and sporting pleasure, drawing admirers from every corner of Ireland. You can meet friends, circulate freely; you can eat, drink or cheer without restriction; you can bring the family or whoever; where for a few pounds the odds are much better than a lottery ticket; and where you can boast afterwards that it was sheer skill that made you pick the winner! If you are bright, witty and rich you will enjoy Kilbeggan Races and if you are not, you will enjoy it just the same.     Fixtures List 2024 THE SPRING TWO DAY NATIONAL HUNT RACE MEETING Thursday 25th & Friday 26th April. First race 4 p.m. approx.   SUMMER FRIDAY EVENING RACING Friday 17th May. First race 5 p.m. approx.   SUMMER SUNDAY RACING Sunday 2nd June. First race 2.20 p.m. approx.   MID-SUMMER MONDAY EVENING RACING Monday 17th June. First race 5.10 p.m. approx.   MIDLANDS NATIONAL & SUSTAINABLE STYLE LADIES COMPETITION Friday 12th July. First race 5 p.m. approx.   MID-SUMMER FRIDAY EVENING RACING Friday 26th July. First race 5 p.m. approx.   SUMMER SATURDAY FESTIVAL & SUSTAINABLE STYLE LADIES COMPETITION Saturday 10th August. First race 4.55 p.m. approx.   SUMMER FRIDAY EVENING RACING Friday 23rd August. First race 4.35 p.m. approx.   END OF SEASON CELEBRATION Friday 6th September. First race 3.45 p.m. approx.

James Gordon Bennet (1841-1918) was born in 1841 to an Irish mother and Scottish father, who owned the New York Tribune. To promote the launch of the New York Tribune in Paris he embarked on a promotional campaign which included sporting and expedition events, such as balloon and airplane racing, yacht racing which eventually became the America Cup Race.   In 1900, he sponsored the first of six international motoring competition race, the Gordon Bennet Cup Race, the fourth of which was held in Ireland.   This event now takes place every year and prides itself on being the oldest motor sporting event of the year.  It welcomes classis car drivers from around the globe to journey back in time.   For more information, please visit www.gordonbennettclassic.ie

🌲✨ Brace yourselves! Forest Fest 3️⃣, the ultimate indie boutique music festival, is making its triumphant return to the charming village of Emo, Co Laois this summer! 🎸💃🕺 Save the date for a weekend of pure magic: July 19th, 2024. Fingers crossed for a sizzling scorcher! 🔥😎 Don't miss out on the hottest musical experience of the season. Get ready to dance, sing, and create unforgettable memories amidst the enchanting forest vibes. 🌳🎶For more information, visit www.forestfest.ie or www.facebook.com/forestfestemo.

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is now in its 9th year. Nominated twice for ‘Best Festival’ in the Irish Times Ticket Awards, the festival is fast becoming one of national acclaim.   For more information, visit durrowscarecrowfestival.com

Join us for Electric Picnic 2024 from 16th August to 18th September for another unforgettable weekend filled with music, comedy, theatre, fun, laughter and much more.   Photograph Compliments of Jamie Tanner of www.sixpencestudio.com, and Ruth Medjben.   For more information, see www.electricpicnic.ie.   Explore this year’s festival at the touch of a button with their official app, available now to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.   Stradbally is within easy reach of The Forum - Mountmellick.   Transport to and from the festival can be arranged through local companies.