The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for a burger and chips at Kilbeggan?

In the Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) we report from Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Kilbeggan

Kilbeggan

Kilbeggan: hosted racing on SundayCredit: Patrick McCann

Date visited: Sunday, June 5, 2022

Was it a big day?

It was Kilbeggan's sole Sunday meeting of the year on a bank holiday weekend, so a large attendance would have been hoped for. Unfortunately the weather did not play ball on a dull and damp afternoon.

How much was entry on the gate?

€15, €12 for senior citizens and students.

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options?

My first visit to Kilbeggan in 1991 was accompanied by a steak and kidney pie that might just be the best I have ever tasted. It had to have been good to have remained in the memory bank for 31 years. In the days though of industrialised caterers with standardised menus, such offerings seem to be things of the past.

Kilbeggan is an outdoor experience at its best, there is a lot of green space at the venue and it is family friendly in that regard. There were times when the place would be festooned with fast food vans, but not so much now. There was one single burger stall and one offering ice cream, as well as the ice cream van. For those wishing to remain indoors, the choice at the sit-down carvery was not bad. Not a burger to be seen, but there was a choice of a roast with all the trimmings for €13.50, and chicken or fish with similar trimmings for €13. Nice sizeable portions too. Less fancy fare included a nice overflowing plate of sausage, beans and chips for €9. Not bad value.

Against one's better judgement, I went for the burger and chips from the fast food stall for a princely €11.50. It was 65-80 handicap standard.

Through the door at the back and you were in the well-stocked bar with four different draught options available and generally something for everybody, including some pastries if you were so inclined.

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: €3
Cheapest pint: €5.50 (Smithwick's)
Guinness: €5.50
Champagne: Erm, this is Kilbeggan
Burger: €8 from the fast food stall. If you wanted chips, it was an extra €3.50

All drink prices taken from the main bar beside the bookmakers ring.

What was the burger like?

It was okay. Medium-sized pattie with a slice of cheese on top, plenty of sauce. Chips were dry and not particularly tasty.

And the queues?

Plenty of staff on show so queues were not really an issue.

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