Castlegar

Ballybrit Racecourse began in the year of 1869, and is located in the Parish of Castlegar, County Galway, Ireland.

Elevation; 140 feet

• This place is well known as The Galway Races, because of its long tradition and the fact that it is the only Racecourse for Horses, near the City.
• Also known as a Family Event, where the Amateur can mix freely with the professional punter.
• Historically flat while well elevated, the site is ideal.
• About three miles East of Galway City.
• See a dynamic Google Map of this place (new window).
• Modern times - facilities are of a standard that they can and are, used for non- Racing purposes.

William Butler Yeats, the Irish Poet wrote a poem; At Galway Races, which can be read at http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/at-galway-races/

Video

• We have about 90 high Quality Photographs incorporated into the Youtube Video (new window) below; with some depicting Plaques from the Pope's visit, Political representation and Representavives,  as well as Icons from the Galway Races itself.
• Captured, across a few seasons - Irish temperate Weather.
• Recorded, outside Festival hours, to more accurately show this part of the Ballybrit Townland.
• If you're interested in The Ballybrit Racecourse Festival itself, see http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&q=ballybrit+racecourse+festival&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&psj=1&fp=83f87efc6f926f13

Stands.

• Corrib Stand - locals knew them as the "Alley" (ref. D.C.) -  must have been majestic in 1955, but lesser so, as the Century moved on. Knocked with some fanfare and replaced by the following;
• The Millenium Stand - Foundation stone layed by Joe Walsh (T.D.), 25th Oct. 1998.
• Killanin Stand - officially opened by Bertie Ahern, 9th July, 2007.

Today, these Monuments to Race goers, are impressive, colourful and largely practical. They also offer an elevated view of Ballybrit in general, are in the same general position as they were for the Papal visit, and look to the refurbished Ballybrit Castle.

^ Rough outline and stats. of the Course's perimeter, stands, etc.. And also other grounds and parking facilities. 356204.99 m² 0.36 km² 88.02 acres 3834158.59 feet² You can click on it to open the Google map in a new window.