Galway Summer Festival
Monday 27th July - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Experience one of Ireland’s most vibrant and thrilling racing events with a visit to the Galway Summer Festival – a week where world-class racing meets lively atmosphere, music, and celebration. More than just a race meeting, Galway is a true cultural highlight of the Irish summer.
Stay in our carefully selected hotels and enjoy hassle-free access to the racecourse with official tickets, exclusive hospitality, and bespoke extras tailored to enhance your experience. Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or soaking it all in for the first time, we’ll ensure your Galway Festival adventure is unforgettable.
Get in touch and start planning your ultimate Galway Summer Festival experience today.
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
Ruby Walsh
RacingBreaks.com Ambassador
Galway Summer Festival Experiences
Choose from our escorted trip, that includes two days racing - or build your own bespoke experience staying as many night(s) and attending as many day(s) racing as you like!
The Connacht Hotel | Galway Plate / Galway Hurdle Experience
from £849 per person
Join us on our hosted experience taking in two of the best days racing of the week - you'll attend both Galway Plate Day and Ladies Day that includes the Galway Hurdle. With accommodation, transfers, welcome drinks and hospitality at the racecourse its the ultimate way to experience the Summer Festival.
What's included:
- Return airport coach transfers
- Two nights accommodation
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome drinks
- Hospitality on Galway Plate Day (Wednesday)
- Grandstand Seats to Ladies Day (Thursday)
Trip Dates: Wednesday 29th - Friday 31st July 2026 (view itinerary)
Book with just a 10% deposit!
1 in 12 go FREE!
The Connacht Hotel | Create Your Own Experience
from £399 per person
Create your own bespoke trip whilst staying at The Connacht Hotel for unbeatable comfort and convenience just minutes from the racecourse. With spacious rooms, great dining, and lively atmosphere, it's the perfect base for an unforgettable festival experience.
What's included:
- Return airport coach transfers
- Two (or more) nights accommodation
- Breakfast each morning
- Ticket(s) to the Galway Summer Festival
Choose to stay as many nights & attend as many days racing as you like!
Book with just a 10% deposit!
1 in 12 go FREE!
Galway Summer Festival Ticket Options
Galway Racecourse operates under one enclosure for the Summer Festival. Our "create your own" experiences includes General Admission tickets with upgrades available, whilst our escorted experience includes "Premium Festival Package" tickets as standard, details of what this includes can be found below.
Hospitality upgrades are available upon request.
Premium Festival Package
To ensure you get the best possible raceday experience, we include this excellent value upgrade from your General Admission ticket with the addition of a reserved seat & vouchers.
- Admission Ticket
- Grandstand Reserved Seat
- Access to The Winning Post Bar
- €5 Tote Voucher
- €7 Drink Voucher
- Racecard
Galway Summer Festival Hospitality
Offering stunning panoramic views of the action from Galway's stands, the racecourse offer a couple of excellent dining experiences for those looking to enhance their day at the Summer Festival.
Unsure which option is right for you? Speak to our experts on 0800 193 6646.
The Killanin Stand Silver Package | Available Mon-Tues
from £190 per person
The Silver Package is available on Monday & Tuesday of the Festival in the stunning state of the art Killanin Stand. Within the stand there are two spectacular hospitality floors, the Plate and Hurdle Suite, each offering you fantastic panoramic views of the racetrack. The ultimate way to go racing!
What's included
- Racecourse admission ticket
- Executive guest badge
- Reserved table for the day
- Four course meal
- Complimentary wines with meal
- Cash bar facilities
- Personality tipster
- Racecard & pen
- Tote betting facilities
- Complimentary car parking
Private tables of 10 (shared for smaller groups)
The Killanin Stand Gold Package | Available all days
from £275 per person
Enjoy the ultimate racing experience with the Killanin Stand Gold Package, hosted in the stunning, state-of-the-art Killanin Stand. Choose between two exceptional hospitality floors – the Plate Suite and the Hurdle Suite – both offering panoramic views of the track and an unforgettable day at the races. This is racing at its very best.
What's included
- Racecourse admission ticket
- Executive guest badge
- Reserved table for the day
- Champagne reception on arrival
- Five course gourmet meal
- Complimentary wines with meal
- Complimentary bar (excluding Champagne)
- Afternoon tea
- Racing tipster
- Racecard & pen
- Tote betting facilities
- Complimentary car parking
Private tables of 10 (shared for smaller groups)
Panoramic Restaurant Gold Package | Available Mon-Fri
from £275 per person
The Panoramic Restaurant, located in the Millennium Stand, offers a truly elevated race day experience with stunning views of the entire racecourse and an unbeatable vantage point of the finish line. This premium hospitality package includes a Champagne reception, five course meal, afternoon tea and complimentary bar throughout the day.
What's included
- Racecourse admission ticket
- Executive guest badge
- Reserved table for the day
- Champagne reception on arrival
- Five course meal
- Complimentary wines with meal
- Complimentary bar (excluding Champagne)
- Afternoon tea
- Racing tipster
- Racecard & pen
- Tote betting facilities
- Complimentary car parking
Private tables of 10 (shared for smaller groups)
Example Itinerary - Galway Plate / Galway Hurdle Hosted Experience
Please find below the itinerary for our hosted experience that includes two days racing at the Galway Summer Festival. All trips can be customised to suit individual preferences.
Day 1: Wednesday 29th July 2026
- Upon arrival into either Shannon or Dublin airport, you'll catch your coach transfers to Galway.
- Following your arrival at the hotel you'll meet with other guests on the trip for welcome drinks.
- We'll then make our way to the racecourse for Galway Plate Day, where we will experience racecourse hospitality throughout the day including food and all drinks.
- Following the conclusion of the raceday we'll make our way back to the hotel, or you may choose to head into centre of Galway.
Day 2: Thursday 30th July 2026
- Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning at the hotel.
- We'll then meet and make our way back to Galway for Ladies Day.
- We'll have Grandstand Seats for today's racing, meaning we'll have an amazing vantage point from which to watch each of the thrilling contests!
- Following the conclusion of the racing we'll make our way back to the hotel, or you again may choose to continue your evening in the centre of Galway!
Day 3: Friday 31st July 2026
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Depending on the time of your flight home, you'll either have some of the morning to explore Galway, or catch your coach transfers back to the airport.
- Trip extensions are available for those looking to extend their time in Galway and experience additional racedays. Guests can also add night(s) at the beginning of the trip, should they wish.
About The Galway Summer Festival
Galway Racecourse plays host to one of the greatest race meetings in the world, the famous and iconic Galway Races Summer Festival, that boasts seven days of superb racing, hospitality, entertainment, stunning fashion and an electric atmosphere.
At the racecourse, the atmosphere is superb and the Guinness is always flowing, and back in Galway town you’re welcomed with world famous Irish hospitality for what is always a vibrant racing party! It seems as if everyone who goes racing then finds themselves back in the town later that evening eating, drink, dancing and celebrating together. You stumble across incredible bar after bar with live music and friendly faces sharing stories of their day at the races. Unlike some large festivals where it can be prohibitively expensive to stay close enough to the racecourse to really enjoy the after party, at the Galway Festival accommodation is much more affordable, allowing guests to stay closer to the action to really make the most of their trip!
The racing is competitive with good field sizes and with both flat and jumps racing on the same card it’s unique and has something for everyone. Top horses and trainers still send some of their best to compete at the event and with a history dating back almost 200 years you feel part of Irish folklore.
Galway Summer Festival Racedays
With seven days of racing there is plenty on offer for everyone! Racing Breaks recommends Wednesday and Thursday where the feature races appear, The Tote Galway Plate and the Guinness Galway Hurdle. Monday, Wednesday and Friday's racing starts from 5pm, with live music being held throughout the week.
The Opening Day
Monday 27th July 2026
The Galway Summer Festival kicks off with an evening of racing with the first race just after 5pm. The raceday is full of excitement and anticipation as people racegoers eagerly return to Ballybrit, ready for another incredible week!
Colm Quinn BMW Tuesday
Tuesday 28th July 2026
Racing on Tuesday centres around the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap underpinned by a superb prize pot of €120,000 designed to attract the best handicappers in this division in Ireland. Another day of Music and Evening racing, with racing starting after 5pm.
Tote Galway Plate Day
Wednesday 29th July 2026
Tote Galway Plate Day is one of the standout highlights of the festival, combining top-class National Hunt racing with the lively atmosphere of the beloved Country Music Day. First run in 1869, the Galway Plate is the most historic & prestigious race of the week.
Guinness Galway Hurdle Day & Ladies Day
Thursday 30th July 2026
Ladies Day is the perfect blend of top-class racing and standout style. On the track, it's the prestigious Galway Hurdle Handicap, boasting a prize fund of €270,000. It’s one of the biggest days in Irish racing - unmissable for both fashion lovers and racing fans.
Friday's Most Stylish
Friday 31st July 2026
Kick off your Bank Holiday weekend in style with Friday Night Racing at the Galway Races! Enjoy an evening of eight thrilling National Hunt races, all proudly sponsored by Guinness.
The Weekender
Saturday 1st August 2026
An action-packed Saturday - enjoy eight exciting flat races in a vibrant atmosphere like no other. The day draws crowds from around the world with a mix of top-class racing, fashion, live music, DJs, and unrivalled hospitality.
Mad Hatter's Family Fun Day
Sunday 2nd August 2026
The week concludes with “Mad Hatters Day”, family focused raceday designed especially for young racing fans. There are numerous activities off the track to keep the younger generation entertained.
Galway Summer Festival Dress Code
There is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, but smart casual is usually a safe bet. At Galway Races on Thursday and Friday there is the opportunity to raise the style stakes and enter our fashion competitions with high-value prizes on offer in our best dressed competitions. It is advisable to check the weather when planning your outfit for racing.
Galway Summer Festival Schedule / Timings
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday
14:30 Gates Open
16:50 First Race
20:15 Last Race
Thursday
11:15 Gates Open
14:10 First Race
18:10 Last Race
Friday
14:30 Gates Open
17:00 First Race
20:40 Last Race
Saturday
11:30 Gates Open
13:55 First Race
17:55 Last Race
Sunday
11:30 Gates Open
13:50 First Race
17:30 Last Race
