22nd July 2012

The

Carrowniskey Beach Races

Welcome to The Carrowniskey Beach Races in The County Mayo.  

A special family day filled with fun and entertainment.

In recent times Carrowniskey strand has become well known amongst surfers near and far.

Sunday 22nd July 2012

Beach racing with horses first became a popular form of entertainment in

the last century with the early races in this area taking place on

Carrowmore Beach, just outside the village of Louisburgh.These races then

moved further along the coast to the beach at Cross near Killeen and then

to the beach at Carrowniskey.  The last of the races took place in 1982 and

were held at nearby Killadoon Beach.

The racing programme in those times was

The Parish Race,  Two Open Races,  Farmer’s Plate and then a Handicapped

Race

There was also a Donkey Derby as well as some sports events that included a

Sack Race,  a Three Legged Race,  a Tug-of-War and of course the compulsory

Egg and Spoon Race.

The original races always took place on a Wednesday as this was a half-day

closing in the nearby town of Westport and therefore a better crowd

following was ensured.

Funding for these races was provided from local house to house collections.

The races were revived after a 28yr abscence in 2010.

Now on a Sunday in the month of July the strand cateres for ten to twelve

races .

The majority of the races are filled with thoroughbreds under the auspices

of the MHPRA along with some local races. These local ponies and

non-thoroughbreds add some friendly competition to the day.

An entertaining day is to be had for all ages. Children are catered for

with a variety of entertainment, whilst adults can place a bet, have a

beverage and a bite while watching the races.

The Carrowniskey Races would like to extend their thanks to all their

sponsors for their generosity in previous years and the up and coming 2012

Carrowniskey Races taking place on the 22nd of July.

Our Sponsors

Durkan’s

Gala Supermarket Louisburgh

Morrison Estates

McNamara’s Bar Louisburgh

Eoghan’s Mini Mix

Knockranny Westport

Stephen Cannon

Plant Hire

Staunton’s Pharmacey

The Square Louisburgh

Crepe Savours

Scanlon Agri

Contractor &Plant Hire

Ocean Lodge

Killadoon

Louisburgh Horse Dog & Pony Show