Horse racing is a popular pastime in Ireland and horses are bred for home racing and export. A day at the track is an entertaining day out, even if you do not have an interest in horseracing or betting. The facilities are second to none and ensure you are comfortable and protected from the elements all day.

The Curragh Racecourse in Kildare has been the headquarters of horse racing in Ireland since the first race took place in 1741 and is one of Ireland's premier sporting venues. Less that an hour from Dublin, the Curragh hosts the best flat racing in the country from March to October including all five Classic Races featuring the Boylesports Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Budweiser Irish Derby, Darley Irish Oaks and Irish Field St leger. Location Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare Phone 01 45441442 Web site www.curragh.ie >>sports in dublin

Leopardstown Racecourse hosts 22 race-meetings a year, with the Christmas festival and the Gold Cup being the highlights. Leopardstown is located just six miles south of Dublin city centre. Set in superb surroundings, the course and complex are nestled in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, with a panorama of Killiney Hill in the background. A bus leaves Busaras bus station on race days. Location Foxrock, Dublin 18 Phone 01 2893607 Web site www.leopardstown.com >>sports in dublin

Fairyhouse Racecourse is located about 12 miles from Dublin and is home to Ireland’s premier National Hunt race; the Irish Grand National, which is run every year. Bus Eireann provides special buses on race days. Location Ratoath, County Meath Phone 01 8256167 Web site www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie >>sports in dublin

Greyhound racing is a popular past time in Ireland and the breeding of pedigree racing dogs is something of a cottage industry in rural areas. An evening "at the dogs" is an excellent night out, even if you've no interest in racing or betting. There are modern restaurants and bars available at most venues where you can eat, drink and get an excellent view of the racing action from comfortable indoor viewing areas. This is a lively night out and even if the betting doesn't appeal at first, once the racing starts you'll find it hard not to join the shouting as the dogs round the final bend.

Shelbourne Park is one of the country's foremost greyhound racing venues, offering superb facilities and a great night out. They pride themselves on their ability to deliver an outstanding night's entertainment. Another night in the local pub or restaurant might just look a little lacklustre in comparison! Location Shelbourne Park, Dublin 4 Phone 01 6683502 Web site www.shelbournepark.com >>sports in dublin

Harolds Cross has been recently renovated and is a superb racecourse. Its facilities are directly comparable to Shelbourne Park, although on a smaller scale. It is located in Harolds Cross, Dublin 6. Carparking facilities are available and there is usually no shortage of taxis at the end of the night. More information can be found at the Website below. Location 151 Harolds Cross Road, Dublin 6 Phone 01 4971081 Web site www.igb.ie/stadia/hrx.aspx

Kart City is a long established family entertainment centre which boasts some of the best karting facilities in the country. These include:

700 m. outdoor Pro karting track -floodlit
400 m. ultra smooth polished concrete karting track -floodlit
Urban paintball – more than 20 acres of playing area
Ramp City - 8,500 sq ft skate park
1/10th scale remote control race track
Boyztoys extreme sports and skate accessories store
City Diner restaurant
Sunday Market

Kart City is open 7 days a week. Participate in the excitement of real Motor Racing on a track of your choice.

GAA stands for the Gaelic Athletic Asscoiation; the umbrella association which handles the promotion and management of Gaelic sports in Iraland. Gaelic football, hurling and camogie are the most widely played of Gaelic sports and attending sunday games, which are organised by the above association, is a popular pastime throughout Ireland.

Gaelic Football is best described as a mixture of soccer, rugby and Australian Rules Football. Modern Gaelic football is played with a round leather ball, similar to - but heavier than - that used in soccer. The game is played on a ground similar to a rugby pitch. The goals, located at each end have a scoring system involving posts that are shaped like a letter 'H'. If the ball is kicked into the lower section (which is guarded by a goalkeeper), a goal is scored. If the ball goes over the bar, one point is scored. The ball can be carried in the hand for a distance of four steps and can be kicked or passed by the hand. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the organisation which regulates GAA Football throughout Ireland. www.hill16.ie is the official Dublin GAA site. Here you can get the latest news, fixtures and results for the Dublin GAA team's. Pop along to a match to enjoy the passion and excitement. Hurling is a team sport played with sticks and a ball. This is one of the fastest team sports. The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team. Scoring is by driving a small hard ball (sliotar) through the opponent's goal. Location N/A Phone N/A Web site www.gaa.ie >>sports in dublin

Ireland is famous for its amazing golf courses. County Dublin is home to many of these courses and there are also many more in picturesque Co. Wicklow (only a short drive from Dublin).

Clontarf Golf Club is a pleasant, yet challenging course less than four kilometres from Dublin City-centre. Although a relatively short course, its narrow fairways and punitive rough calls for accuracy off the tee and will test the players' golfing skill. Each hole presents its own challenge which can catch the unwitting golfer off-guard. Visitors green fees range from €30-60. Location Clontarf Phone 01 8331892 Web site www.clontarfgolfclub.ie >>sports in dublin

Located in County Wicklow, just south of Dublin, Druid's Glen is one of Ireland's most famous courses. Design duo Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock were given the brief to create the best inland course in Ireland. The classic parkland course features many signature holes and provides golfers with a thrilling golf experience amidst a beautifully manicured landscape. A round of golf costs from €85 per person. Location Newtownmountkennedy, Co.Wicklow Phone 01 2873600 Web site www.druidsglen.ie

Howth Golf Club is located on the beautiful scenic peninsula of Howth in north-east County Dublin, about 8 miles from Dublin City Centre. Visitors green fees average €50. Location Carrickbrack Road,Sutton,Dublin 13 Phone 01 8323055 Web site www.howthgolfclub.ie >>sports in dublin

Portmarnock Golf Club is located on a small peninsula (14 kilometres from the city-centre) which extends itself just briefly southward into the Irish Sea. Surrounded by water on three sides and laid out in a serpentine fashion, no two successive holes play in the same direction. Location Portmarnock Golf Club, Portmarnock, Co Dublin Phone 01 8462968 Web site www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie >>sports in dublin

Rugby is a popular sport in all major towns and counties around Ireland. Evidence of this can be seen when Ireland are playing an important international match - the host city comes to a halt and pubs are packed with spectators. Tickets for the game in question will always be a hard commodity to come by. The international team plays in Lansdowne Road (the oldest International Rugby Stadium in the world today) in Dublin.

The homepage for the Irish Rugby Union is www.irishrugby.ie. The site contains information about the national team as well as information related to rugby in the provinces throughout Ireland.

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