Horse Racing in Dublin

Horse racing—from flat to hurdle to steeplechase—is one of the great sporting loves of the Irish. The sport is closely followed and betting is popular, but the social side of attending races is equally important to Dubliners. The main course in Dublin is Leopardstown (Leopardstown Rd., South County Dublin. 01/289-3607. www.leopardstown.com), an ultramodern course that in February hosts the Hennessey Gold Cup, Ireland's most prestigious steeplechase. Summertime is devoted to flat racing, and the rest of the year to racing over fences. You can also nip in for a quick meal at the restaurant.

The Curragh (045/441-205. www.curragh.ie), southwest of Dublin off M7, hosts the five Classics, the most important flat races of the season, from May to September. There are numerous bars here and two restaurants. Fairyhouse (Co. Meath. 01/825-6167) hosts the Grand National, the most popular steeplechase of the season, every Easter Monday. Punchestown (045/897-704), outside Naas, County Kildare, is the home of the ever-popular Punchestown National Hunt Festival in April.