The Curragh Racecourse has become the first racecourse in Ireland to offer a permanent, purpose-built sensory room.
The official launch took place during the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Weekend, one of the most prestigious events in the Irish flat racing calendar.
The ribbon-cutting was attended by MEP Nina Carberry, former champion jockey and trainer Johnny Murtagh, and members of Moorefield Heroes, a local GAA team for all abilities.
The new facility is specifically designed to support neurodivergent children and their families by offering a calm, safe, and inclusive environment on all race days.
Features of the space include soft furnishings, mood lighting, tactile wall panels, and interactive sensory elements aimed at helping users regulate their sensory experience away from the high-stimulus atmosphere of the racecourse.
“This is a major milestone in our mission to make racing more accessible to everyone,” said Brian Kavanagh, CEO of The Curragh.
“We are proud to lead the way in creating a more welcoming experience for all fans, including those with sensory processing needs.”
The sensory room is part of The Curragh’s broader efforts to foster a more inclusive environment at the venue.
The initiative was made possible through the support of a wide range of contributors, including Group 1-winning jockey William Buick and his wife, Jane, as well as Bobby Beevers, founder of Autism in Racing.
The room was developed in collaboration with several community and specialist organisations. Sensational Kids provided guidance on neurodiversity and childhood sensory needs, while Sensory House and Self Contained were responsible for supplying and fitting the unit. Eamonn Sheridan Groundworks also contributed to the installation.
Bobby Beevers, who has championed the rollout of sensory spaces at racecourses across the UK, welcomed The Curragh’s initiative. “This is a fantastic step forward for racing in Ireland,” he said.
“Creating spaces like this ensures that more families can enjoy a day at the races without feeling overwhelmed.”
The sensory room will be open and staffed during every race meeting throughout the season, giving families peace of mind and allowing neurodivergent individuals to enjoy race day experiences in a comfortable, supported setting.
The Curragh’s initiative mirrors a growing movement across sports to create more accessible and inclusive environments, with similar sensory rooms already established at Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium in the past year.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Sport for Business Coverage of Inclusion in Sport
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
How we treat those that have the greatest need is a reflection of society. Rather than thinking of sport as just being too much for some with additional needs, we are leaning in ever more to doing the right thing and providing the right facilities for everyone.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Managing Sensory Overload will be one of the subjects up for discussion at our 2025 Sport for Social Good Conference in Dublin in October. See below for more on our events programme
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