North Cork is famous for its horses and thoroughbred stud farms, the origin of the steeple chase and home to the legendary trainer Dr. Vincent O’ Brien and John Magner. Why not experience the adrenalin of horserace meetings and the point to point or canter through our beautiful countryside on horseback, while you explore beautiful North Cork!

IVY BRIDGE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, MOURNEABBEY, MALLOW

National Hunt Steeplechase

History of Steeplechase
It originated in 1752 when neighbouring parishes Doneraile and Buttevant, challenged each other to a cross country race from church steeple to church steeple. It was run over 4 1/2 miles cross country, clearing all obstacles and fences they encountered. This was the beginning of the infamous National Hunt Steeple Chase.

Anniversary Race
The 250th anniversary year was marked by the re-enactment of the famous race on the 22nd September 2002 commencing in Buttevant. Top jockeys such as Paul Carberry, Ruby Walsh and Barry Gerethy took part. There is a bronze memorial plaque in place.

For further information on exact dates, times and venues contact the following Hunt Clubs:

Avondhu Location: Fermoy Contact: Dympna O’ Meara Tel: 025 32681	Cloyne Location: Cloyne Contact: JJ Harty Tel 021 631898	Doneraile Location: Doneraile Contact: C. O’ Keeffe Tel: 022 24222	Duhallow Location: Liscarroll Contact: D O’ Cainte Tel: 022 48161
Duhallow Location: Dromahane Contact: Capt. Pat Coleman Tel: 022 29350	Duhallow Location: Kanturk Contact: John Archdeacon Tel: 022 47594	Duhallow Location: Kildorrery Contact: John Fouhy Tel: 022 25165	Killeagh Harriers Location: Killeagh Contact: Maurice Smiddy Tel: 086 8240821
Killeagh Harriers Location: Inch Contact: Kevin Galvin Tel: 024 95436	Kilworth/ Araglin Location: Kilworth Contact: Liam O’ Doherty Tel: 025 85444	Muskerry Location: Muskerry Contact: Robert Harkin Tel: 021 4382233	Muskerry Location: Aghabullogue Contact: Michael Twomey Tel: 021 7334246
Muskerry Location: Dawstown Contact: Margaret Barry Tel: 021 4886170	United Hunt Location: Ballindenisk Contact: Dominic J. Daly Tel: 021 4277399	United Hunt Location: Ballynoe Contact: Elizabeth Higgins Tel: 058 59229	United Hunt Location: Bartlemy Contact: James Barry Tel: 025 36187
United Hunt Location: Carrigtwohill Contact: John Whelan Tel: 021 966222	United Hunt Location: Lisgoold Contact: Billy Stack Tel: 021 4642225	West Waterford Location: Lismore Contact: James Sheehan Tel: 058 54265	West Waterford Location: Tallow Contact: Nelius Mulcahy Tel: 058 60211

Point-to-point

The point to point season in Ireland begins on New Years Day and finishes the last day in May.
If you are lucky enough to be touring North Cork during those months, the point to point experience is a must

For further information on exact dates, times and venues contact the following:

Araglin/ Kilworth Point to Point Location: Coolmohan, Araglin Contact : Mary Buttimer Tel: 025 27161	Avondhu Point to Point Location: Ballyhooley Contact : Dymna O’ Meara Tel: 025 32681	Duhallow Point to Point Location: Bearforest, Mallow Contact: Bets Coleman Tel: 022 29350
Coolnakilla Point to Point Location: Rathcormac Contact : Timothy O’ Brien Tel: 025 36590	Woodrock/ Blackwater Point to Point Location: Castletownroche Contact: Tony Buckley Tel: 022 22012

Horse Racing

The first horse race meeting in Mallow dates back to 1777 when six consecutive days of racing were on offer in the Mallow area, “all to be run according to the King’s Plate articles”. The present race course which was refurbished in 1997 dates back to 1924.

Cork Race Course
Tel: Michael 022 50207
Location: Killarney Road, Mallow
Cost: Adults: €15.00 .O.A.P.s/Students: €9.00
Web Address: www.corkracecourse.ie