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.
Official Tickets and Hospitality
We work with all major racecourses to bring you official tickets and hospitality.
Expert Advice
Let our racing experts help you design an experience that is perfect for you.
Complete Service
Fully inclusive service with expert hosts to take care of you every step of the way.
Expert Experience
Over 80,000 people have used our services to racing events all around the world.
Rated Excellent
Our customers rate us excellent 5* on Trust Pilot with over 1500 reviews! Read reviews.
Example Itinerary
Galway Summer Festival Experiences
The Connacht Hotel - Galway Plate / Galway Hurdle Experience
from £849 per person
Trip Dates: Wednesday 29th - Friday 31st July 2026
- Return airport coach transfers
- Two nights accommodation
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome drinks
- Hospitality on Galway Plate Day (Wednesday)
- Grandstand Seats to Ladies Day (Thursday)
The Connacht Hotel - Create Your Own Experience
from £399 per person
- Return airport coach transfers
- Two nights accommodation
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome drinks
- Hospitality on Galway Plate Day (Wednesday)
- Grandstand Seats to Ladies Day (Thursday)
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
from £190 per person
Private tables of 10 (shared for smaller groups)
- 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
The Killanin Stand Gold Package
from £275 per person
Private tables of 10 (shared for smaller groups)
- 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
Panoramic Restaurant Gold Package
from £275 per person
Private tables of 10 (shared for smaller groups)
- 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
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.
The Opening Day
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
