The Curragh is a unique semi-natural, acid grassland on shallow soils over an extensive glacial outwash plain. The gravels of the plain reach a depth of 75m in places, and the Curragh Aquifer lies under the Curragh, and stretches as far afield as the Hill of Allen, Nurney, Suncroft, Newbridge and Kilcullen, possibly covering an area of 200 square kilometres (an aquifer may be simply described as a natural underground store of water). The Curragh Aquifer is an important source of water for rivers and streams in the locality, and has undoubtedly influenced the ecology of a number of local habitats and more significantly it is the source of water for Pollardstown Fen (the Seven Springs).

The Curragh is one of the oldest natural grasslands in Europe. It is a recorded monument under the National Monuments Act, being designated a Special Environment. It is nominally divided into Brownlands (exclusively for Military use), Bluelands (Military firing ranges) and Greenlands (for general and Turf Club use).

According to legend St. Brigid, patron saint of County Kildare, was granted as much land as her cloak would cover, and when her cloak was spread it covered an area somewhat larger than the area we now know as the Curragh. While the Curragh itself covers approximately 5,000 acres, it is said that it once stretched to the River Liffey, encroachment by human habitation has compressed the Curragh to its present acreage.

There are many areas of interest on the Curragh, the best known of which is the world famous Curragh Racecourse, some of the most prestigious horse racing events in Ireland are staged in the Curragh. The Curragh itself and the town of Newbridge are surrounded by some of the greatest stud farms in Ireland. While walking on or driving through the Curragh visitors are likely to be met with scores of horses being walked or trained on the Curragh grasslands.

In 1815 Dan Donnelly was victorious in a boxing match over George Cooper, the English champion. The fight which took place on the 13th December on the Curragh at the place that has since been known as “Donnelly’s Hollow.” The fight is commemorated by a monument in the centre of Donnelly’s Hollow, and children can follow in Donnelly’s “footsteps” up the side of the hollow.

The Curragh is an ideal place for leisurely walks, and is the home of the Curragh Golf Club (founded 1883), and Cill Dara Golf Club.

The first formal permanent military barracks was built in the mid 1800’s, and there has been a military presence ever since on the Curragh, with the Irish Army taking possession of the Curragh Camp in 1922.


Further Information:
Curragh History Group Web: www.curragh.info
Curragh Golf Club Web: www.curraghgolf.com
Curragh Race Course Web:www.curragh.ie
Horse Racing Ireland Web:www.horseracingireland.ie
Cill Dara Golf Club