The Galway Races Summer Festival
The Galway Races Summer Festival
The Galway Races Summer Festival
Raheen Woods Hotel is perfectly located to experience the adrenaline-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breath-taking fashion that are all to be found at the Galway Races. Situated on the outskirts of Galway City just off the main motorways, our hotel has access from the north, south, east and west and is 15 minutes from the Galway Racecourse. Veteran race goers, celebrities and those who simply love the atmosphere, travel from around the world for the unique experience. The Summer Festival Race Meeting is famous for its electric atmosphere, excellent racing and infectious sense of fun. We are delighted to offer you some exceptional rates for certain dates of the Galway Races Summer Festival.
September and October Race Meetings also feature each year.
Ireland's biggest and most famous racing festival is held in Ballybrit racecourse on the outskirts of Galway City during the last week of July every year and involves seven days of unrivalled action and fun. From the magic of Opening Night and the community spirit of Tribes to the thrill of the iconic Galway Plate and the glamour of Ladies Day, the week blends world-class racing with style, music, and celebration.
Friday and Saturday bring high-energy Bank Holiday crowds and standout fashion, while Sunday’s Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day delivers a colourful, fun-filled finale for all ages.
Each year sees attendances of over 100,000 at the Galway Races over the week-long festival, and the town has a real buzz at night, with hangovers aplenty the following day. It is a joyous, fun-filled seven days where people might leave with a few less euros than they had when they arrived, but they also leave with great new experiences, new friends and a time that will never be forgotten.
Don’t just hear about it. Experience it.
2026 GALWAY RACING SCHEDULE
Monday 27th July 2026
Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap
⏰ First Race: 17.10 | Last Race: 20.20 | Gates Open: 14.30 | Races: 7
Tuesday 28th July 2026
Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap
⏰ First Race: 17.10 | Last Race: 20.20 | Gates Open: 14.30 | Races: 7
Wednesday 29th July 2026
Tote.com Galway Plate
⏰ First Race: 17.10 | Last Race: 20.20 | Gates Open: 14.30 | Races: 7
Thursday 30th July 2026
Ladies Day – Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap
⏰ First Race: 14.10 | Last Race: 18.10 | Gates Open: 11.15 | Races: 8
Friday 31st July 2026
Friday’s Fair Lady – Guinness Handicap
⏰ First Race: 17.00 | Last Race: 20.40 | Gates Open: 14.15 | Races: 8
Saturday 1st August 2026
Galway Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle
⏰ First Race: 14.00 | Last Race: 17.55 | Gates Open: 11.30 | Races: 8
Sunday 2nd August 2026
Family Day & Mad Hatters Day – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Ahonoora” Handicap
⏰ First Race: 14.00 | Last Race: 17.40 | Gates Open: 11.30 | Races: 8
