The Curragh’s open grassland is more than scenery around a grandstand. Its historic legislation protected common grazing while preserving the use of the land for racing and training. Long lines of horses exercising across the plains remain part of that working landscape. The racecourse and the surrounding training grounds are therefore part of a wider landscape shared by several activities.
The plains contain a remarkable concentration of archaeological monuments, alongside stories that connect them with Irish kings, warriors and St Brigid. Those legends should be distinguished from documented racing history, which includes seventeenth-century match races between individual owners. Cavalry also trained on the Curragh before overseas campaigns.
Newbridge Silverware. Visit the Museum of Style Icons for costumes and objects associated with film, music and fashion personalities.
Riverbank Arts Centre. Check the local arts programme for a performance, film or exhibition in the town beside the Curragh plains.
Newbridge has 24,366 residents.
