Naas Racecourse has been designated as Ireland’s first Age Friendly Racecourse by Age Friendly Ireland following completion of a process aligned with the principles of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities. This milestone was celebrated at the Kildare racecourse today (17 December) with a special launch event featuring renowned former jockey, racing analyst, and Age Friendly Kildare Ambassador Ted Walsh.
Coinciding with the racecourse’s Centenary year, this recognition highlights the successful completion of an extensive initiative to improve accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity, with a particular focus on enhancing the experience for older adults. Spearheaded by the Kildare Age Friendly Programme and Naas Racecourse, the project marks a significant step forward in making sporting venues across Ireland more inclusive for all generations. The achievement builds on the 2022 designation of Croke Park as the world’s first Age Friendly stadium.
Speaking on the announcement,Ted Walsh, former jockey, racing analyst and Age Friendly Kildare Ambassador said: “The love for this sport doesn’t diminish with age; if anything, it grows deeper. Naas Racecourse’s dedication to creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for older people is commendable. Whether attending with family, friends, or solo, everyone deserves to enjoy the thrill of the races in comfort. I hope other racecourses across Ireland follow this example, ensuring racegoers of all ages can continue to engage with this beloved sport.”
Naas Racecourse undertook the process to upgrade its facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of older patrons. Key improvements include parking spaces located near the entrance to provide ease of access for older patrons and individuals with disabilities; universal design-compliant seating with armrests and backrests; specially-designed tables with wheelchair access; and lower betting counters for ease of access for patrons using wheelchairs.
Dr Emer Coveney, National Programme Manager for Age Friendly Ireland, added: “Naas Racecourse is setting a standard of excellence for sports venues nationwide. This achievement showcases how sports facilities — be they racecourses, stadiums, cricket grounds, swimming pools or rugby clubs — can embrace age friendly practices to futureproof their spaces and engage meaningfully with their communities. We extend our congratulations to Naas Racecourse, the Kildare Age Friendly Programme, and their programme manager Carmel Cashin, who has been instrumental in advancing Kildare’s Age Friendly initiatives.”
Naas Racecourse joins a growing list of Age Friendly accredited sites in County Kildare, including Ireland’s first Age Friendly housing estate at Castlefen in Sallins and the country’s first Age Friendly Primary Care Centre in Athy.
Dermot Cantillon, Chairman of Naas Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled that Naas Racecourse has been recognised as the first Age Friendly racecourse in Ireland. Working with the team at the Kildare Age Friendly Programme has opened our eyes to how small changes can make a huge difference in welcoming all age groups to the racecourse. The racecourse is a wonderful location for people to experience an active, social, cultural and sporting occasion.
“The older community in Kildare and beyond have always been great supporters of Naas Racecourse, and the changes we have made will hopefully make their experience here even more enjoyable. The Board and team here at Naas Racecourse are keen to build on these initial improvements over the coming years as we continue to develop and upgrade the racecourse.”
As the first country in the world to adopt the Age Friendly initiative under the WHO, Ireland continues to lead in addressing the opportunities and challenges of an ageing population.
