galway races

The Festival runs for seven consecutive days starting from the last Monday in July each year. There are many different highlights to the festival with the biggest day meeting being ladies day - the day when the horses are forgotten about to admire the style! Ladies day is always held on the Thursday of the festival. There is a very generous first prize and two runner-up prizes for the best dressed ladies and there is separate mens competition also.

The first day of the festival is an evening race meeting. Head to the Guinness and Oyster marquee where the ‘Big Bash’ takes place. This is when a well known Irish celebrity marks race goers cards, gives tips and just makes sure everyone is having fun at the races. This ensures that the Galway Races opens in party style. Sunday, the last day of the races is also Mad Hatter Day.

This event allows you to express your creativeness in the form of a mad hat! If your hat is crazy enough you may just be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize.