Racecourse in Demesne

On a shelf of a gentle N-facing slope and on the W side of the Castlerea to Frenchpark road (R361), c. 1km from the centre of Castlerea. It is known as the Showgrounds or Hough's Field, but there is no record of races held here. Subrectangular grass-covered area (ext. dims. c. 185m WNW-ESE; c. 75m NNE-SSW) with curved shorter sides defined by a sunken track (Wth of base 3-6m; D 0.2-0.7m). There is an earthen bank (Wth 7m; H 0.8-1m) forming the outside curve at its E end. The field is defined by drystone walls, but there is a masonry wall and a gateway (Wth 3.6m) defined by two piers (dims. 0.9m x 0.9m; H c. 2m) with string courses at the top on the E side. The racecourse is probably 18th or 19th century in date. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 24 August 2010