Day Out in the Midlands

It’s no secret that Ireland is a powerhouse within the horse racing industry, we as Irish people hold this very close to our hearts. Is it a sport? Is it a hobby? Or is it a social outlet? For many, it is all these things combined. With some of the most famous courses located within Leinster, we are well situated to get you to any of them.
Ready to place the bet? Get in touch for group bookings or short trips away.

Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse normally referred to as the Curragh is Ireland’s most important Thoroughbred Racecourse. The Curragh is situated just 25-minutes drive from the hotel on the Curragh Plain in County Kildare between the towns of Newbridge and Kildare.

The course is right-handed, about two miles long and horseshoe-shaped. Races up to one mile are run on a straight course. Additionally, there are several training facilities on the site. The Curragh offers the highest purses and highest quality level of flat racing in Ireland. In 2007, ten of Ireland’s twelve Group one races were held at the track.

For more information visit: www.curragh.ie or call 045 441025.

Punchestown Racecourse

Punchestown is located 58 km and 40-minutes drive from the hotel and is an internationally renowned centre for hunt racing, equestrian and field sports. It is in the village of Eadestown near Naas in County Kildare. It is known as the home of Irish Jumps Racing and plays host to the annual Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival. The Punchestown Festival is the major horse racing festival of the Irish National Hunt Season and is held annually in April.

For more information visit www.punchestown.com  or call 045 897704.

Mondello Park

Just a 40-minute drive from the hotel, Mondello Park is Ireland’s only permanent international motorsport venue located in the Curragh, Co Kildare. The circuit has grown from 1.28km (0.8 miles) circuit to a 3.5km (2.4 miles) FIA licenced international race track.

Mondello Park offers a wide range of events and activities including motor racing courses, entertainment, car and bike tracks, early drive and much more. It is owned by Martin Birrane and in the past hosted the Irish round of the British Superbike Championship, Pick-up Truck Racing and the International GT and rallycross events.

For more information check out www.mondellopark.ie or call 045 860200.

Slieve Bloom Mountains

The gentle rolling hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains are just under an hours drive away from Maldron Hotel Portlaoise. The mountains rise from the central plains of Ireland, forming a natural link between the counties of Laois and Offaly. The area is picturesque and peaceful and one of the least explored areas in Ireland.

There are beautiful walks and views in many parts of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Moniknew is very popular: short walks, picnic benches and a stream for paddling. Enjoy a view over Offaly from the Cut. Visit the waterfalls in Glenbarrow or take a walk around Brittas Lake in Clonaslee.

For more information visit: www.slievebloom.ie or call 086 8210056.