This guide to Dundalk racecourse covers the main meetings, how to get there and what to check before you bet. Dundalk is on Racecourse Road, just north of Dundalk in Co. Louth. Horse Racing Ireland describes it as Ireland’s first and only all-weather racecourse with floodlights, with a wax-coated synthetic surface on a 10-furlong track.
- Dundalk is Ireland’s first and only floodlit all-weather racecourse, just north of Dundalk in Co. Louth.
- Fixtures: 43 a year, with flat racing weekly from late October to mid-March.
- Feature races include the Dubai Diamond Stakes and the Mercury Stakes.
What is racing like at Dundalk?
Because the surface is all-weather, the going is not the main variable it is on turf, which makes form easier to compare from meeting to meeting.
Main meetings and races at Dundalk
- Winter flat racing: Weekly from late October to mid-March.
- Dubai Diamond Stakes: A feature race at Dundalk.
- Mercury Stakes: A Group 3.
- Cooley Stakes: A Listed race.
With 43 fixtures a year, Dundalk is a steady source of racing through the winter, when turf racing is often softer or off. Our guide to assessing a race explains what to check on any card.
How do you get to Dundalk?
By rail, take a train from Dublin Connolly to Dundalk station. By bus, Bus Éireann route 100X runs from Dublin Airport through Drogheda to Dundalk.
By road, follow the M1 to the N52 in Louth and then the N52 to the racecourse. Dublin Airport is the nearest airport.
How do you bet at Dundalk?
All-weather cards mean smaller price swings from the going, but fields can be large and competitive. Compare prices across licensed bookmakers. Our betting sites comparison is a good place to start.
Use the each way calculator if you want to bet each way on a big field.
What should you check before betting at Dundalk?
- The draw and the pace of the race, which matter more on a sharp all-weather track.
- Whether the horse has won on an all-weather surface before.
- Each-way terms and the number of runners.
Our guide to assessing a race goes through the racecard, the going and the odds step by step, and the horse racing betting guide explains terms such as each-way, Rule 4 and non-runners.
Related guides
- Horse racing in Ireland: courses and festivals
- Horse racing tips: how to assess a race
- Horse racing betting guide for Irish punters
- Navan Racecourse guide
- Down Royal guide
- Leopardstown guide
- The Curragh guide
- Fairyhouse guide
- Punchestown guide
- Galway Racecourse guide
- Listowel Racecourse guide
- Best odds guaranteed and each-way explained
- Each way calculator
- Betting sites in Ireland
Frequently asked questions
Is Dundalk racecourse all-weather?
Yes. Horse Racing Ireland describes it as Ireland’s first and only all-weather racecourse with floodlights.
Where is Dundalk racecourse?
Just north of Dundalk in Co. Louth.
How many race meetings does Dundalk hold?
43 fixtures a year, according to Horse Racing Ireland.
When is flat racing at Dundalk?
Weekly from late October to mid-March.
Sources and further reading
- Horse Racing Ireland: Dundalk Stadium – official course information
- Horse Racing Ireland – the governing authority for the racing industry in Ireland, with fixtures and course information
- GamblingCare.ie – free, confidential gambling support in Ireland
18+. Please play responsibly, gamblingcare.ie. This guide is independent editorial opinion; it is not a guarantee, endorsement or financial advice, and does not imply any affiliate or commercial relationship with any operator named.
Last updated 27 October 2026. Written and checked by the Punter Ireland editorial team. Offers, odds and rules change, so always check the operator’s own terms and the official sources above.
