1853 – Grandstand, The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare
In the same way that railways helped develop seaside resorts with daily excursions, they also popularised the sport of horse racing. The racecourse was once served by two railway stations: Curragh Mainline on the main Dublin – Cork line, which opened in 1846. There was also a short branch line and sidings which opened in 1875, especially for excursions and bringing in horses. This was used until the late1970s. Sancton Wood designed this symmetrical two storey “Stand House” for the Great Southern & Western Railway. It had curving ends finished in granite. Much extended and then largely replaced in the 1950s. The whole stand was rebuilt completely in 2017, replaced by a striking modern structure by Grimshaw Architects.
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Published March 30, 2026
