Curragh

The Curragh, also known as the Curragh Plain, is a large, flat expanse of grassland in County Kildare, Ireland. It lies to the east of the River Liffey and forms a broad, open landscape between the towns of Newbridge and Kildare. The plain is valued for its well-drained soils and its suitability for grazing, military training, and horse racing.

Historically, the Curragh has been used as a military training area for centuries. The Curragh Camp houses the main training facilities of the Irish Defence Forces. The plain is also the site of the Curragh Racecourse, one of Ireland's oldest and most famous venues for flat racing, hosting major meetings such as the Irish Derby and the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

In 1914, the Curragh was the scene of the Curragh incident, when British Army officers resigned in protest at government policy on Irish Home Rule.

A prominent landmark on the plain is the Wellington Monument, an obelisk that stands on the land to commemorate the Duke of Wellington.

Today the Curragh remains an active military area and a popular public space around race days, with some zones restricted for security and conservation. The landscape continues to be associated with both national defense and Ireland’s historic and cultural traditions in equestrian sport.