Horse RacingChasing the Wind<strong>Meath</strong> is famous for the wonderful horses it produces. Thereason being, experience in horsemanship from breeding,breaking, livery and training. Lessons and trekking for allages and standards are available in the centres here.Where else to go racing than in <strong>County</strong> <strong>Meath</strong>. There isplenty of choice. National Hunt and Flat racing is regularlyheld at Fairyhouse (home of the Irish Grand National) andBellewstown (for over 300yrs). Navan Racecourse is one ofthe finest possible tests for National Hunt horses. Laytownis a unique event where the horses race on the beach.Laytown Strand RacesThundering hooves and poundinghearts...13
GardensFairyhouse RacecourseRatoath, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 1 825 6167Fax +353 (0) 1 825 6051E info@fairyhouse.iefairyhouse.ieHome of the Irish Grand National, Ireland's mostvaluable handicap steeple-chase with a prize fundof €250,000. First run in 1870, it has be- come akey date in the Irish sporting calendar. Public bar/restaurant and suites available for meetings andfunctions.Navan RacecourseProudstown Road, Navan, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 46 902 1350Fax +353 (0) 46 902 7694E info@navanracecourse.ienavanracecourse.ie17 Race meetings on a Superb NH Track, FineDining, Entertainment after Racing. GroupDiscounts, Tailored Packages, Membership Only€125.00. Admissions €10 - €15.00. Join us onFacebook or TwitterLaytown RacesLaytown, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 41 984 2111Fax +353 (0) 41 9834 2112E klaybell@eircom.netIreland’s Unique Race Meeting, Laytown isfamous for its annual strand races, the onlyofficial strand races remaining in Europe and is awonderful day out.Bellewstown RacesBellewstown, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 41 984 2111(982 3614 on raceday)Fax +353 (0) 41 984 2112(982 3644 on raceday)E klaybell@eircom.netbellewstownraces.ieBellewstown has two festivals. The first recordeddates of the Bellewstown Races were in 1726.Bloodstock SalesTattersalls (Ireland) Ltd.Ratoath, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 1 886 4300E info@tattersalls.ietattersalls.ieEurope’s largest Bloodstock Auctioneers offeringmore than 3,000 thoroughbreds at nine horsesales throughout the year. Also host to the Worldrenowned Tattersalls International Horse Trials &Country Fair See events listing pages 21 and 22.Equine HolidaysNewrath Stud & LuxurySelf-Catering MewsNewrath, Slane, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 41 988 4764E info@newrathstud.comnewrathstud.comLuxury self catering accomodation & EquineFarm - the ultimate experience from stunningaccommodation to watching thoroughbredhorses being trained or walking the grounds ofthe equine farm. Set on 104 acres of rollingmeadows overlooking the hills of Slane, Tara &Skryne. The self-catering Mews are set in anoval courtyard with marble floors throughoutand an abundance of light from glazed screensoverlooking the countryside.<strong>Meath</strong> Racing CalendarFairyhouse RacecourseRatoath, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 1 825 6167Fax +353 (0) 1 825 6051E info@fairyhouse.iefairyhouse.ieJanuaryFebruaryAprilJuneJulySeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember1 Tuesday9 Wednesday20 Sunday2 Saturday23 Saturday1-2 Mon-Tue Easter Festival16 Tuesday5 Wednesday12 Wednesday3 Wednesday14 Sunday23 Monday12 Saturday6 Wednesday20 Wednesday30 Saturday1 Saturday15 SaturdayLaytown RacesLaytown, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 41 982 2111E klaybell@eircom.netSeptemberEurope's only strand races3 Tuesday (evening)Navan RacecourseProudstown Road, Navan, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 46 902 1350E info@navanracecourse.ienavanracecourse.ieJanuary 13 SundayFebruary 17 SundayMarch 2 Saturday18 MondayApril 6 Saturday21 SundayMay 19 SundayJune 8 Saturday14 FridaySeptember 28 SaturdayOctober 9 Wednesday23 WednesdayNovember 10 Sunday24 SundayDecember 7 Saturday15 Sunday21 SaturdayBellewstown RacesBellewstown, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 41 984 2111bellewstownraces.ieJulyAugust5 -6 Fri-Sat (evening)7 Sun21-22 Wed-Thur (evening)Racing 2013For information on Race Fixturesfor 2013 visitfairyhouse.ienavanracecourse.iebellewstownraces.iemeathtourism.ieSpecial GardensGarden enthusiast or not, come and revel in thebeauty of <strong>Meath</strong>'s gardens. Whether you're an avidhorticulturist, a weekend walker or an urban dwellerlooking for a little rest and relaxation, you'll find it inthe gardens of <strong>Meath</strong> and surrounding environs.See p.21 & 22 for special events at <strong>Meath</strong>’s gardens.Boyne Valley Garden Trailhcgi.ieThe newly formed Boyne Valley Garden Trail is a group of historicgarden owners whose gardens are open to the public to visit. Pleasecontact the gardens directly for details of opening hours, admissioncharges and events. For more information about the Garden Trail andupdates about events visit: www.hcgi.ieLoughcrew Historic GardensLoughcrew House, Oldcastle, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 49 854 1356E info@loughcrew.comloughcrew.comStunning 17th and 19th century gardens with ancient yew walk,borders, water features and St. Oliver Plunkett’s family Church. Children(supervised) are welcome and will be fascinated by the Alice inWonderland display. Venue for weddings. Loughcrew Garden OperaFestival 8th & 9th July 2011. Loughcrew Gardens organises forest walksand trails from 2.5 to 14 miles including many miles of isolated farmtracks,embracing many scenic and historic features. Also seeLoughcrew Adventure Course p. 20Oldbridge Victorian Walled GardenBattle of the Boyne, Oldbridge HouseDrogheda, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 41 980 9950E battleoftheboyne@opw.iebattleoftheboyne.ieThe Walled Gardens at Oldbridge are currently undergoing restoration.The unique 'Octagonal Sunken Garden' appears on maps from 1740'sonwards but may have been planted with yew trees in memory of theBattle of the Boyne. An exhibition about the Walled Gardens and othergardens in the Boyne Valley is due to open in 2013 in the Bothy.Ratoath Garden CentreRaystown, Ashbourne, Co. <strong>Meath</strong>Tel +353 (0) 1 825 6678E ratoathgardencentre@hotmail.comratoathgardencentre.ieRatoath Garden Centre is a garden centre within a garden, most of ourspace is taken up with planted borders. It is the largest planted gardencentre in Ireland. The Cottage Store Antiques is located in the RatoathGarden Centre selling a selection of antique, vintage and unusualpieces. The Garden Tea Room is open daily for your refreshment. Johngives a free talk on our borders on the first Sat of every month at 12noon (during summer months).Loughcrew Historic Gardens14