Carlow Racecourse August Flat Race Meeting

An evening at the races is one of summer’s reliable pleasures, and a flat meeting at Carlow Racecourse on a Wednesday in August gives you a proper night out without needing to travel to the big tracks. Flat racing is quicker and slicker than jumps - shorter, sharper contests run in succession, usually six to eight races across the card. It suits anyone who has never been to a race meeting before as much as it suits seasoned regulars. Bring a few euro for the Tote, pick your runners from the racecard, and settle in.

What to expect

The Carlow fixture is an evening meeting with a first race at or shortly after 5:30pm, which means you can come straight from work or make it part of a day trip. A full card of flat races runs through the evening, typically wrapping up before dark. Bookmakers take pitches on-course alongside the Tote, so you can bet with whichever suits you. There are bars and food on site throughout. The track runs alongside the River Burren on the Pollerton Road, south of the town centre - a compact, sociable setting that keeps the atmosphere close and easy. Admission from €10 makes it one of the more accessible race nights in Leinster. Gates open roughly an hour before the first race. Family tickets and group bookings are available - check carlowracecourse.ie or hri.ie for current prices and to confirm the card.

Getting there

Carlow town is well connected by road and rail. From Dublin, the M9 motorway takes you south-west into County Carlow in around an hour. From Kilkenny it is under 30 minutes north on the N10. Carlow train station on the Dublin to Waterford mainline is roughly 2km from the racecourse, and Bus Eireann serves the town from several directions. If you are driving, on-course parking is available at Pollerton Road. The Pollerton Road runs south out of the town centre - follow signs for the racecourse once you are in town.

While you’re in Carlow

Carlow town sits on the River Barrow and has a good few places to eat and drink either before or after the races, particularly around Tullow Street and the town centre. The Barlow House and Carlow Castle ruins are a short walk from the river if you arrive with time to spare. There is more to see in Carlow and across Co. Carlow.

Good to know

• Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
• First race: 5:30pm; gates open approximately one hour before
• Admission: From €10; family and group rates available
• Booking and fixture confirmation: carlowracecourse.ie or hri.ie
• On-course betting: Tote and bookmakers both present
• Parking: On-site at Pollerton Road