Official Galway Summer Festival 2026 Hotels, Tickets & Hospitality

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.

Why book with Racing Breaks

Official Tickets & Hospitality

As a partner of Galway Racecourse we only offer official tickets & hospitality

Exclusive Events

Join us at exclusive celebrity drinks evenings and other unique events

Bespoke Experiences

Let our team of racing & travel experts build your perfect itinerary with your choice of hotel, hospitality and more

On-site Racing Breaks Team

Secure our escorted trip and you’ll be joined in Galway by our team of racing & travel experts who will be on hand to assist you 24/7 to ensure you have the best trip.

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The Galway Summer Festival with Racing Breaks

For the ultimate Galway Summer Festival experience, join us on our hosted trip that takes in two days racing.

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.

All trips can be customised to suit individual preferences, so should you wish to amend the experience, just let one of our team know.

Overview

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 1

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 2

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.

Day 3

Galway Summer Festival Experiences

All experiences include accommodation, transfers, your choice of tickets/hospitality and more.

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.

Galway Summer Festival Hospitality

From elegant multi‑course dining in panoramic trackside restaurants to relaxed all‑inclusive marquee and suite packages with superb views of the racing, hospitality at the Galway Races Summer Festival caters to a variety of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re savouring a carefully prepared meal with stunning views of the Ballybrit course or sharing food and drinks with friends in a vibrant hospitality suite or lounge, you can shape your day around outstanding hospitality and the unforgettable atmosphere of Ireland’s summer racing highlight.

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.

Monday 27th July 2026

Opening Night

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!

Tuesday 28th July 2026

Tribes 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.

Wednesday 29th July 2026

Galway Plate Day

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.

Thursday 30th July 2026

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 31st July 2026

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.

Saturday 1st August 2026

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.

Sunday 2nd August 2026

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.

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 Raceday Timings

Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday