Galway Races Summer Festival 2027 – Horse Racing Ireland

What to expect in 2027

The Galway Races Summer Festival 2027 returns to Ballybrit for seven days of horse racing, entertainment, fashion, live music, family activities and social events from Monday 26 July to Sunday 1 August 2027. The festival combines Ireland’s traditional racing culture with a major summer social occasion, bringing together racegoers, owners, trainers, jockeys, families, visitors and racing enthusiasts from across Ireland and overseas.

The 2027 programme has a distinct theme for each day. Monday opens the festival with Opening Night, Tuesday introduces the community-focused Tribes Tuesday, Wednesday is dedicated to the historic Tote Galway Plate, Thursday combines the Guinness Galway Hurdle with Ladies Day, Friday features Friday’s Most Stylish, Saturday delivers Festival Saturday and Sunday closes the week with Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day.

Alongside the racing, visitors can expect music and entertainment, fashion competitions, hospitality areas, bars, restaurants, betting facilities, trade and promotional activity, family entertainment and access to different viewing areas around the racecourse. The organisers describe the festival as a combination of top-class racing, entertainment and the atmosphere of the Irish summer.

The detailed 2027 racecards are already published for each day, although race times and individual race arrangements can still be subject to changes closer to the festival. The racecourse recommends arriving early, with turnstiles generally opening two hours before the first race.

Event dates

The Galway Races Summer Festival 2027 takes place from Monday 26 July through Sunday 1 August 2027 at Galway Racecourse in Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland. The official racing calendar currently lists seven consecutive days of racing and events.

• Monday 26 July: Opening Night
• Tuesday 27 July: Tribes Tuesday – Colm Quinn BMW
• Wednesday 28 July: Tote Galway Plate Day
• Thursday 29 July: Guinness Galway Hurdle Day & Ladies Day
• Friday 30 July: Friday’s Most Stylish
• Saturday 31 July: Festival Saturday
• Sunday 1 August: Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day

The first races range from afternoon to early evening depending on the day. Monday begins at 5:10pm, Tuesday at 4:40pm, Wednesday at 5:05pm, Thursday at 2:10pm, Friday at 5:00pm, Saturday at 2:02pm and Sunday at 1:50pm.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & racecourse

Galway Racecourse is located in Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland, at H91 V654. The racecourse is the permanent home of the Galway Races and provides a mixture of grandstands, parade-ring areas, viewing points, hospitality facilities, bars, restaurants, betting areas and festival spaces.

The venue includes the Millennium Stand and Killanin Stand, with additional areas such as the Parade Ring, Stable Yard, food and entertainment spaces, hospitality suites and public bars. The Millennium Stand includes reserved grandstand seating and the Panoramic Restaurant, while the Killanin Stand provides additional public and hospitality facilities.

The racecourse is designed to accommodate both serious racing followers and visitors attending primarily for the festival atmosphere. All races are also shown on large-screen closed-circuit television around the enclosure, allowing visitors to follow the action from different areas of the venue.

Full event programme

The seven-day programme provides a different focus each day while maintaining the central theme of horse racing.

Monday – Opening Night

The festival begins with Opening Night. The Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap is the feature race, while live entertainment includes a special performance by the Galway Tenors. The evening is designed around local Galway tradition, racing and a relaxed festival atmosphere. There are seven races scheduled, with the first at 5:10pm and the last at 8:20pm.

Tuesday – Tribes Tuesday

Tuesday focuses on Galway community spirit, with clubs, teams, families and supporters invited to bring their “tribe” to Ballybrit. Local groups can participate in activities connected with fundraising support, while racing centres on the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap. Eight races are scheduled, beginning at 4:40pm.

Wednesday – Tote Galway Plate Day

Wednesday is one of the central racing days of the festival. The Tote Galway Plate is the feature race and is followed by live entertainment, with Michael English scheduled to perform on the main stage. Seven races are currently listed, beginning at 5:05pm and finishing at 8:20pm.

Thursday – Guinness Galway Hurdle Day & Ladies Day

Thursday combines the Guinness Galway Hurdle with the festival’s major fashion day. The Ladies Day competition adds fashion and style to the racing programme, while eight races are scheduled between 2:10pm and 6:05pm.

Friday – Friday’s Most Stylish

Friday focuses on fashion, racing and entertainment ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend. The Guinness Handicap is the feature race, while Friday’s Most Stylish competition provides an additional attraction. Eight races are scheduled from 5:00pm to 8:40pm.

Saturday – Festival Saturday

Festival Saturday is a full afternoon of racing and entertainment. The BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle is the feature race, with eight races scheduled between 2:02pm and 6:05pm.

Sunday – Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day

The festival closes with a family-focused day featuring the Mad Hatters competition, entertainment and eight races. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap is the feature race, with the first race at 1:50pm and the final race at 5:30pm.

Races, competitions & shows

The racing programme covers both National Hunt and Flat racing, giving visitors the opportunity to experience different forms of Irish horse racing throughout the week. The cards include novice hurdles, handicap hurdles, steeplechases, maiden races, fillies races, flat races and major feature contests.

The principal feature races and competitions include:

• The Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap on Monday
• The Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap on Tuesday
• The Tote Galway Plate on Wednesday
• The Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap on Thursday
• The Ladies Day fashion competition on Thursday
• Friday’s Most Stylish competition on Friday
• The BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle on Saturday
• The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap on Sunday
• The Mad Hatters Competition on Sunday

The festival also recognises achievements across the week through awards such as the Leading Trainer and Leading Jockey competitions. The Leading Trainer competition runs across the seven-day meeting, with points awarded for first-, second- and third-place finishes.

Horses, riders & competitors

The Galway Races attract horses, jockeys, trainers and owners from Ireland and overseas. The final runners and jockey declarations for individual 2027 races will be determined closer to race week, so visitors should check the official racecards and racing information as the festival approaches.

The event showcases the full racing team rather than only the horses seen on the track. Trainers prepare runners throughout the season, jockeys compete across Flat and National Hunt races, while stable staff and grooms play an important role in preparing horses and maintaining the standards seen in the parade ring.

The racecourse also places attention on stable excellence. The Best Turned Out Series recognises the presentation and preparation work carried out by stable staff, highlighting the contribution of grooms and yard teams to the festival.

Overseas runners are welcomed at Galway Racecourse, adding an international dimension to the meeting. Owners and trainers have dedicated admission arrangements, while trainers’ and owners’ facilities provide additional access and services around race days.

Race/event schedule

The currently published 2027 schedule is:

• Monday 26 July: Gates at 2:30pm; first race 5:10pm; final race 8:20pm; seven races.
• Tuesday 27 July: Gates at 2:30pm; first race 4:40pm; final race 8:20pm; eight races.
• Wednesday 28 July: Gates at 2:30pm; first race 5:05pm; final race 8:20pm; seven races.
• Thursday 29 July: Gates at 11:15am; first race 2:10pm; final race 6:05pm; eight races.
• Friday 30 July: Gates at 2:30pm; first race 5:00pm; final race 8:40pm; eight races.
• Saturday 31 July: Gates at 11:30am; first race 2:02pm; final race 6:05pm; eight races.
• Sunday 1 August: Gates at 11:30am; first race 1:50pm; final race 5:30pm; eight races.

Race times can change, so the official Galway Races programme should be checked before travelling to the course.

Ticket types

Tickets for the 2027 Summer Festival are already available through the official Galway Races ticketing system. The published ticket range includes general admission, age-based admission, Flexi tickets, three-day tickets, Festival Packages, reserved grandstand seating and premium experiences.

Current published 2027 prices, converted to approximately USD, include:

• Adult admission: approximately $34.50–$46.00 depending on the day and whether purchased in advance.
• Senior admission: approximately $23.00–$40.25.
• 18–24 admission: approximately $23.00–$40.25.
• Children aged 17 and under: free when accompanied by a parent.
• Flexi Admission: approximately $40.25 in advance or $46.00 at the higher listed price.
• Three-Day Ticket: approximately $92.00–$138.00 depending on the listed ticket tier.
• Festival Package: approximately $40.25–$57.50 depending on the day and ticket tier.
• Reserved Grandstand Seating: approximately $28.75–$40.25 without admission, with higher prices when admission is included.
• Parade Ring Lounge: approximately $40.25–$51.75, with admission-inclusive options reaching approximately $74.75–$97.75.
• Premium Festival Package: approximately $69.00–$86.25 depending on the day and listed tier.

The official 2027 ticket page should be checked for the exact ticket selected because the published page shows advance and higher/on-the-day pricing tiers.

VIP & hospitality options

Galway Races offers several hospitality experiences for visitors seeking reserved seating, dining and premium viewing. The Parade Ring Lounge places guests close to the parade-ring action and provides a more dedicated race-day environment.

The Panoramic Restaurant in the Millennium Stand is another major hospitality option, with views over the racecourse and winning post. Previous package arrangements have included admission, parking, an executive guest badge, champagne reception, racecard, racing tipster, five-course meal, wine, bar service, afternoon tea, Tote facilities and a reserved table.

The Killanin Stand also accommodates hospitality suites, while corporate hospitality is available for groups entertaining clients, colleagues, friends or family. Hospitality availability and package details should be checked directly with the organisers before booking.

Exhibitors & animal-related activities

The Galway Races combines racing with commercial, social and festival activity around the enclosure. Trade and promotional stands have historically formed part of the festival village, giving visitors opportunities to browse products and services between races.

For racing enthusiasts, the Stable Yard and Parade Ring provide an important connection with the equestrian side of the festival. The parade ring allows racegoers to see horses and jockeys before races, while stable teams and trainers work behind the scenes to prepare runners.

The festival also recognises the contribution of grooms and stable staff. The Best Turned Out Series highlights the care, presentation and preparation that goes into getting horses ready for competition.

Family visitors can also take part in Sunday’s Mad Hatters Competition, while the festival’s wider programme combines horse racing with music, fashion, entertainment and community activities.

Event rules & dress code

There is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, but Galway Races recommends smart-casual clothing as a suitable choice. Thursday and Friday are particularly associated with fashion, giving visitors an opportunity to dress up for Ladies Day and Friday’s Most Stylish. Weather conditions should also be considered when choosing clothing because Galway can experience changing summer weather.

Children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by their parent. Adult and 18–24 tickets have age restrictions and valid identification may be required.

Racegoers should follow venue admission and ground regulations and comply with instructions from racecourse management and security staff. The organisers reserve the right to refuse admission or remove individuals where behaviour is considered antisocial or disruptive.

How to get there

Galway Racecourse is in Ballybrit, close to the M6 motorway and accessible from Galway city and other parts of Ireland. The official address is Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland, H91 V654.

The racecourse can be reached by road from Dublin, Cork, Limerick and other Irish locations. During Race Week, visitors should allow additional travel time because the festival attracts large crowds and traffic-management measures may operate around the venue.

For visitors flying to Ireland, the racecourse estimates approximately 45 minutes from Ireland West Airport and Shannon Airport, around two hours from Dublin Airport, and approximately three hours from Cork Airport.

Public transport & parking

Race Week shuttle buses have operated between Galway city centre and Galway Racecourse, with services from Eyre Square. The published shuttle arrangement has included departures before racing and return services after the races, making the city centre a practical base for visitors without a car.

Parking is available around the racecourse, and accessible parking facilities are provided at designated entrances. Visitors should follow the traffic routes and parking instructions issued for the specific festival year because race-week traffic arrangements can change.

Taxis and other transport services are also available around Galway, although race-day arrangements can involve designated taxi entrances and pickup areas. Visitors are advised to allow extra time after the final race when large numbers of spectators leave Ballybrit.

Accommodation areas

Galway city is the main accommodation base for visitors attending the Summer Festival. Staying in or around the city centre provides convenient access to restaurants, pubs, entertainment and race-week activities while allowing visitors to use public transport or shuttle services to Ballybrit.

Useful areas include:

• Galway City Centre: convenient for restaurants, pubs, shopping and evening entertainment.
• Eyre Square: useful for visitors planning to use city-centre shuttle services.
• Salthill: a popular seaside area with hotels, restaurants and access to Galway’s waterfront.
• Ballybrit and Parkmore: convenient for the racecourse and eastern side of Galway.
• Oranmore: a practical option east of Galway with road access toward the city and racecourse.
• Galway County: suitable for visitors seeking self-catering accommodation or a quieter stay outside the centre.

The Galway Races also provides information for visitors looking for hotels and self-catering accommodation in Galway city and county.

Food & drink

Food and drink are available throughout the racecourse, ranging from casual food outlets to dedicated restaurants and hospitality dining. The official visitor information lists food trucks, The Claddagh Restaurant and hospitality suites, alongside multiple bars offering drinks, tea and coffee.

The Claddagh Restaurant is one of the main public dining options, while hospitality packages provide more formal dining experiences. The Panoramic Restaurant offers reserved-table dining with views over the course, while other racecourse bars and food outlets provide quicker options between races.

Visitors should also allow time to experience Galway’s wider food and drink scene. The city has restaurants, pubs and cafés suitable for pre-race lunches and post-race evenings, making it possible to combine a day at Ballybrit with a broader Galway city break.

Accessibility

Galway Racecourse provides dedicated accessibility facilities for visitors with disabilities. Disabled parking is available at Entrance B and Entrance C, subject to capacity on the day.

Accessible viewing areas are provided at the Parade Ring, near the finishing post and on the first floor of the Killanin Stand. The venue also has pass gates at each entrance for easier wheelchair and pushchair access, while elevators provide access to higher levels.

Accessible toilets are available on multiple floors of the Killanin Stand and in the Millennium Stand, with additional facilities near the Parade Ring and Owners & Trainers Bar. Medical personnel are present throughout racing, with a First Aid Room near Entrance B and multiple defibrillators around the enclosure.

Best races & events to attend

Tote Galway Plate Day: Wednesday is centred on one of the festival’s defining races, the Tote Galway Plate. The combination of major National Hunt racing and evening entertainment makes it one of the main days on the 2027 programme.

Guinness Galway Hurdle & Ladies Day: Thursday combines a major hurdle race with fashion, entertainment and the Ladies Day competition. It is also the earliest-starting major afternoon of the week, with gates opening at 11:15am.

Opening Night: Monday offers a more traditional beginning to Race Week, with seven races, the Connacht Hotel Handicap and entertainment including the Galway Tenors.

Festival Saturday: Saturday offers eight races and a full afternoon of racing during the Bank Holiday weekend, with the BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle as the feature contest.

Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day: Sunday is particularly suited to families, combining eight races with the Mad Hatters Competition and other entertainment.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2026 Galway Races Summer Festival was promoted as a seven-day festival expected to attract more than 130,000 visitors. The programme combined racing with fashion, music, family activities and hospitality across Ballybrit.

Ladies Day was one of the major 2026 social highlights. Lisa Walsh won the Best Dressed Lady competition, receiving the published $11,500 equivalent of the cash prize, while the event continued to attract thousands of racegoers to Ballybrit for fashion and racing.

The 2026 programme also introduced Tote 26, a dedicated festival venue designed to give racegoers another space to follow racing, meet friends and enjoy the atmosphere. The development formed part of continued investment in the racecourse experience.

The 2026 festival also featured an expanded social and entertainment programme, with new racecourse enhancements including a cocktail bar, an expanded Beauty Paddock and improvements to the Killanin Stand.

These developments provide useful context for visitors planning for 2027, although individual entertainment line-ups, sponsors and venue activations can change from one edition to another.

Official tickets

The official 2027 ticket shop is already open and lists Summer Festival 2027 general admission, Flexi tickets, three-day tickets, reserved seating, Parade Ring Lounge options and premium packages.

Official Galway Races 2027 Tickets (https://galwayraces.com/summer-festival/)

The official Galway Races website should be used for the latest ticket availability, race times, admission conditions and any programme changes before travelling.