Fairyhouse Tips and Today’s Races
Fairyhouse is one of Ireland’s premier racecourses and home of the Irish Grand National. GG’s form service includes weights, draw, trainer and jockey stats plus a free tip in every race. Our Free Tip is highlighted on the racecard and our free expert analysis can be accessed via the “Form & Verdict” tab. Our Racing Editor also selects a daily NAP, Double, Treble, Lucky 15 and best outsider from each day’s racing in the UK and Ireland.
Fairyhouse Race Results
Fairyhouse stages 22 meetings in 2026 with a mixture of flat and jumps racing. Its flagship event is the Irish Grand National on the Bank Holiday Monday of the three-day Fairyhouse Easter Festival. It is preceded by the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup (formerly the Ryanair Gold Cup) on the Sunday along with the Grade 1 Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle.
The Irish Grand National is Ireland’s equivalent of the Aintree Grand National and takes place over three miles and five furlongs. Winners of both races include Rhyme ‘n’ Reason, Bobbyjo and Numbersixvalverde. The roll of honour also features legends of the turf such as Arkle (1964), Flyingbolt (1966) and Desert Orchid (1990).
There is also a Winter Festival in late November or early December which features the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, recently won for three successive seasons by Honeysuckle (2019-2021). A top quality card also features the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase and the Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. The highlight of the February meeting is the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase, while the Grade 3 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle is now run in January. The pick of the flat racing action is the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes in July.
GG publishes the latest Fairyhouse race results as soon as the weigh in has been confirmed. You can access the results on Today’s Results & Racecards from the dropdown menu. This page is continually updated with one of the fastest results services in the business.
Racecourse Guide
Fairyhouse racecourse is a right handed, galloping track of around a mile and three-quarters. The home straight is about three furlongs which is slightly uphill. It is considered a fair track which suits most horses, although it favours those that like to race up with the pace on the flat.
There are eleven fences to a circuit on the jumps track and these are among the stiffest in Ireland. It certainly provides a tough test for a novice and is likely to catch out any suspect jumpers. Fairyhouse has had its fair share of course specialists, the most famous undoubtedly being three-times Irish National winner Brown Lad.
He won in 1975 and 1976 and secured a record third Irish Grand National in 1978 after missing the previous renewal through injury. He carried top weight of 12st 2lbs, conceding a massive 37lbs to runner-up Sand Pit.
Dining, Hospitality & Facilities
Fairyhouse Racecourse facilities were significantly upgraded in 1999, and the main stands are now the Grand National Stand and the Ballyhack Stand. The course offers a wide range of hospitality options in luxury facilities which can be tailored to suit your requirements.
The Bobbyjo Bistro, the premium restaurant on the first floor of the Grand National Stand, seats up to 300 guests in parties of 4 to 100 and has a viewing balcony over the parade ring. Private suites with balconies on the top floor of both the Grand National and Ballyhack Stands cater for groups of 10 to 100, while the Suite Level Restaurant on the second floor of the Grand Stand overlooks the finishing line. There are numerous food and drink outlets around the course to suit every budget.
Fairyhouse is located at Ratoath in County Meath, just fifteen miles from Dublin City Centre. The closest Train Station is M3 Parkway with a direct train from Dublin (Connolly). There is a complimentary shuttle bus in operation from M3 Parkway for both the Easter and Winter Festival meetings.
Tickets
You can book your Fairyhouse admission tickets online. There is a generous discount on general admission tickets for seniors and students. For the Easter and Winter Festivals and some other meetings you can also buy a limited bundle ticket, often called The Real Deal, which includes general admission, a racecard and vouchers for food, drink and a Tote bet. Bundles must be bought online in advance.
The Effect of the Draw
A low draw is considered an advantage in six and seven furlong races at Fairyhouse. However, a slow starter or horse that prefers to come from off the pace can find itself in a pocket if drawn low in the sprint races.
Contact and Location
Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, County Meath A85 XK30. Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 825 6167
Official Website: https://www.fairyhouse.ie/
Local Knowledge
Taxis
- Ratoath Cabs (1.8 miles away)
Tel: +353 86 812 2698 - Ivans Cabs & Minibus Hire (1.9 miles away)
Tel: +353 85 166 5577
Places to Stay
- Pillo Hotel & Leisure Club
The Rath, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, A84 KR91, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 835 0800 - Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa
Castlefarm, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 PW63, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 801 3500
Places to Eat
- Grainger’s The Ratoath Inn
Main Street, Ratoath, Co. Meath, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 825 6297 - La Bucca Ratoath
Corballis Demesne, Ratoath, Co. Meath, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 689 6040