plain, or down, County Kildare, Ireland, noted for its excellent soils. Some 8 square miles (22 square km) in area, the down of Kildare apparently was an ancient meeting place, and The Curragh has been just such a common since at least the 12th century. The rich pastureland is renowned for the breeding of racehorses; it is said that races were held there as early as the 1st century AD. It is the site of several noted training stables, and studs are located there. The Irish Derby is run there annually. Since 1646 The Curragh has also been a military training area.