Lacken Strand Races

The Lacken strand races were revived in 1997 after a 44 year lapse, carrying on a century old tradition of horse racing on Lacken Strand. The last recorded races in 1953 were very different to the modern day races now held there. In 1953, horses would gather from the surrounding parishes. These mainly consisted of Connemara ponies and working farm horses which were Irish Draught and Half Bred in the main. Today's racing is far removed to that of the 50's with the horses and ponies being all thoroughbred and most of them coming from the top stables and the leading bloodlines in the country. Due to the ever-changing tidal conditions, the races take place towards the end of May each year.

The strand provides an excellent racetrack and irrespective of weather the underfoot conditions never change. The five furlong oval track is a great spectacle as the horses are not more than a few hundred yards from the large crowds who attend. Punter's can view their horse's or chosen colors uninterrupted from start to finish. The unique layout has contributed to making the Lacken Strand Races one of the leading horse and pony racing events in the country.

Over the years the event has been developed into a great family day of entertainment, introducing new events including children's athletics all age groups, All Ireland Sheaf throwing, tug of war, half hundred weight and shot competions, sulky racing, mother and father races, toy extratraganza, pillow fights and numerous novelty events. This coupled with amusements (bouncy castle, chairoplane, swings,) makes it a great family day out with food, drink, ice-cream and refreshments available .