Kilbeggan Racecourse, County Westmeath


KILBEGGAN RACECOURSE, Co. Westmeath
(Gaelic: Cill Bheagain. Meaning: The Place of Beagan’s Church)

Quick Facts About Kilbeggan
The first recording of racing in the Kilbeggan area was in March 1840 when a group of local gentlemen organised a race in Kilbeggan for the Challenge Cup valued at 40 Guineas. Future racing was held periodically in various locations around the town after this time but it was not a permanent fixture. However, in 1901 racing was revived at the present location and, except for the war years 1941-45, has been held ever since.

Kilbeggan Revealed
Set in the heart of the midlands, Kilbeggan is one of the best attended racetracks in Ireland, and it's not hard to see why. All but one of its race dates are Summer evening meetings and this fact attracts hordes of people from the large surrounding areas and visitors from further afield alike, all unhindered by work commitments. It is also the only racecourse in Ireland that stages National Hunt (jump) racing only, which adds to the overall spectacle of its meetings.

The view of the races is excellent as the runners are never too far from the stands which promotes a more involved feeling among the spectators, like you're jumping every fence/hurdle with the jockey.

Course Characteristics
Kilbeggan is a right-handed, undulating course of one mile and one furlong with an uphill run to the winning post.

For more details, see www.kilbegganraces.com