Horse racing in Limerick and Clare generates €126m to the economy

An independent report produced for Horse Racing Ireland has found that the horse racing industry in Limerick and Clare provides a significant contribution to the Irish economy, generating €126 million in expenditure and providing 1,477 jobs locally. 

In 2023 Deloitte produced an independent report for Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) on the Social and Economic Impact of Irish Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing, based on 2022 data.  This report estimated Irish racing and breeding’s total expenditure to be €2.46 billion, with over 30,000 people employed, the majority of which are in rural communities. 

This led us to dig deeper and assess the impact of the industry in the counties and regions across Ireland, and in the counties of Limerick and Clare specifically, found that the industry generates €126 million in expenditure and provides 1,477 jobs.  

The Limerick and Clare region has a rich history in the breeding and racing industry, being recognised for the successful production and training of National Hunt horses in particular. 

The region is home to a large number of breeders, 357 in total, and 41 trainers. These include some of Ireland’s best-known trainers, such as Charles Byrnes, Enda Bolger and Eric McNamara. There is also significant point-to-point racing in the Mid-West and the regions point-to-point handlers are renowned for the production of young jumps horses that develop into top quality National Hunt horses.

Bloodstock sales generated in the two counties also amounted to an impressive €37 million. 

The popular Limerick Racecourse, situated outside Patrickswell, welcomed 33,926 racegoers in 2023 and hosts both Flat and National Hunt racing all year round. It is best known for its summer evening meetings and the annual four-day Christmas Festival.

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