OLDCASTLE

Gates Open: 11:30
First Race: 14:30
Admission Prices: €10 and free for U16's
Online Ticket Offer:

Track Biography:

The Ballymacad hunting history dates back to 1730 and they have always strived to  every aspect they participate in be it hunting, running a hunter trials and Point-to-Point.

 The original Ballymacad Point-to-Point meeting was held in Crossakiel was the most exciting event of the year when even the local school closed for the day. In a large field on the northern slope of the hill, tents were set up and a festival atmosphere was created with women would sell the race cards and trick-of-the-loop tables were set up. The start was in the next field and all that could be seen was the jockeys colours through the hedge until they suddenly appeared jumping the last fence where the whipper-in would gallop up and down to keep the crowds back off the track right up to the winning post! Some of the natural obstacles are still used by those out hunting to this day.

In 1977 the event moved to its current venue at Newcastle, Oldcastle which provides a great natural course with great viewing for spectators.

The four year old maiden race has provided a start for some very successful horses on the track including Our Vic and the most recent being the Willie Mullins trained Live Love Laugh. The very famous Flashing Steel owned by Charlie Haughey also had a win in Oldcastle.

With its white railing, the course and facilities create the feel of being at an actual race meeting. The Clerk of the Course has spent years perfecting the ground, to ensure the best underfoot conditions are on offer to owners, trainers and jockeys.

Oldcastle Point-to-Point Races

Newcastle,

Oldcastle,

Co. Meath

 

Contact Details

Rachel Gilsenan - 0872969137

How To Get There

By Road

From Dublin -Take the M3 to Maghera. Turn left. Straight through the crossroads. At the T-Junction, turn right and the track is approximately 1 mile on the left.

From the West - From Mullingar travel to Castlepollard & onto Oldcastle. Take the Cavan Road and at the Oil Depot turn right and the track is approximately 1 mile on the right.

By Air

Dublin Airport is approximately 60 minutes from Newcastle. Car Hire is readily available at Arrivals at Dublin Airport. A regular bus service leaves the airport for Virginia & Kells and taxis are available in both towns.

Eircode: A82 VE08
 

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The layout of facilities mean spectators can enjoy the racing with everything close to hand. With its white railing, the course and facilities create the feel of being at an actual race meeting. The parade ring is just a short walk from the Bookies stands and the catering facilities on site.

There is ample free car parking providing stunning view of the track and the surrounding countryside. For those with limited mobility, the car park on the hill provides a great vantage point from their vehicle and allows perfect positioning to get close to the last fence and winning post.

Portaloos are located at various positions at the venue. Baby Changing facilities and bottle warming facilities can be made available, just ask in the Hospitality Marquee.
 

The Hunt Hospitality Marquee has soup, sandwiches and tea & coffee available or if you fancy something sweet our dedicated members spend the previous day baking and has delicious cakes, buns and treats available to satisfy that craving.

The Marquee is located overlooking the Parade Ring and the track and has benches and tables & chairs provided so you can sit, relax and don’t miss any of the action.

Outside caterers offering a range of traditional burgers, sausages, chicken & chips are also present on site.

Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available in the Hospitality Marquee.

Should the day be cold, why not warm up with a hot whiskey or port in the Marquee or if we are lucky enough that the sun shines, sit & enjoy with a beer overlooking the Parade Ring & track.
 

No, however we advise warm clothes as we are located on a hill it can get cold!!
Dogs are allowed but we ask they be kept on a lead at all times.
Yes. Our car park is large enough that if you want to bring your picnic you are more than welcome whilst still being close to the action.
We are lucky enough to have wide open spaces where children can play in a safe enviroment.
There is no ATM on site however the Bank of Ireland ATM is in Oldcastle.

Children under 16 go free so parents can bring the family and have an inexpensive day out at the races.

The Fincourt Bar & Guest House offers excellent overnight accommodation for those who want to make a weekend of it and great traditional Irish Music can be found in the town.

The layout of facilities mean spectators can enjoy the racing with everything close to hand. The parade ring is just a short walk from the Bookies stands and the catering facilities on site.

For those with limited mobility, the car park on the hill provides a great vantage point from their vehicle and allows perfect positioning to get close to the last fence and winning post.

Other events you might be interested in

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