Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of Ireland's premier horse racing venues. It is situated in the parish of Ratoath in County Meath, on the R155 regional road, 3 kilometres off the N3. It hosted its first race in 1848 and since 1870 has been the home of the Irish Grand National steeplechase. The racetrack itself is a one-mile and 6.5 furlong right-handed circuit, with a 2.5 furlong straight and a slight uphill finish.