Fairyhouse Racecourse — Local services in The Municipal District of Ratoath

Fairyhouse is a dual Flat and National Hunt track and is best known as the home of the Irish Grand National. Irish Grand National winners include the mighty Arkle, Flyingbolt, three time victor Brown Lad, Tied Cottage, Desert Orchid, Bobbyjo, Flashing Steel and I Am Maximus. I have noticed at least four horses who have won both the Irish & English Grand Nationals since 1950. Tom Draper won seven in a row whilst son Jim Draper managed three in a row. The Carberry family Tommy, Paul, Philip and Nina were successful jockey winners and famously Ann Ferris, Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry added their names to the roll of honour. I made my first visit to the track for the July flat meeting and I was very impressed with the track and facilities. Spacious and easy to move from the parade ring to the front stand through the tote hall, or around it, there were many places on site to eat and drink in comfort. The track went above and beyond in entertaining the children and were rewarded with a very large number of parents and their families attending and a lot of smiling faces. Well done Fairyhouse, I...

So disappointed to return to Fairyhouse and find no ATM and the Tote not accepting debit or credit cards. We arrived with no cash so could not bet all day. Even the smallest establishment takes cards since the pandemic so it was surprising that not one tote window had a card machine. It was a bit miserable with such a small crowd and only three bookies. One bookie was accepting cards but there was nothing for the small three euro each way punter. Catering was limited but the food was okay. Only one toilet open in the whole place. We won't be rushing back. It was very clear that your average punter is not a priority and no effort is being made to restore a day at the races as it was...

It was amazing, so well run. When we parked our car in the car park we were offered a lift in a buggy to the course, what a gesture. The atmosphere was electric with music by a live singer and after the races were over a new group entertained us. It was fantastic, the whole day was so well organised and sheer fun despite disappointment with the horses. The food was excellent and the style was amazing. So congratulations to all the organisers for all their hard work. I have told so many people about our great day at the races...