Galway Races 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The Galway Races is one of Ireland's most iconic sporting and social events, attracting more than 100,000 visitors over seven days each summer. Held at Ballybrit Racecourse, approximately 4 km from Eyre Square, the festival combines world-class horse racing with fashion, live entertainment and Galway's famous hospitality.
Staying at The Skeffington Arms Hotel places you in the heart of Galway City, making it easy to enjoy race days at Ballybrit before returning to The Skeff Bar for food/drinks & live music. Whether you're visiting for Ladies Day, a weekend break or the full festival experience, our central location offers an ideal base for your stay & The Skeff Bar next door is the ideal spot to dance the evening away and soak up all of The Racing atmosphere
Galway Races at a Glance
- Festival duration 7 days
- Location, Ballybrit Racecourse, Galway
- Distance from The Skeffington Arms Hotel, Approximately 4 km
- Typical dates, Last week of July
- Annual attendance, 100,000+ visitors
- Famous for, Horse racing, Ladies Day, fashion, live entertainment
- Ideal visitors, Couples, groups, racing enthusiasts, weekend travellers
Why Visit the Galway Races?
Since its beginnings in the 19th century, the Galway Races has grown into one of Ireland's most celebrated sporting festivals. The event attracts leading horses, jockeys and trainers while offering visitors a unique atmosphere that blends competitive racing with music, fashion and social events.
The festival is famous for:
- Seven consecutive days of horse racing
- Ladies Day fashion competitions
- Live entertainment throughout the festival
- Food and drink experiences
- A lively city atmosphere
Whether you're an experienced racing fan or attending for the first time, the Galway Races offers an unforgettable summer experience.
Galway Races by the Numbers
The scale of the festival makes it one of Ireland's standout annual events.
- 7 days of racing and entertainment
- 100,000+ visitors throughout the festival
- 4 km between The Skeffington Arms Hotel and Ballybrit Racecourse, buses go from directly outside the hotel
- Thousands of racegoers attend Ladies Day alone
- One of Ireland's largest horse racing festivals
Getting to Ballybrit Racecourse from The Skeffington Arms Hotel
The Skeffington Arms Hotel enjoys a prime location on Eyre Square, making travel to Ballybrit Racecourse quick and convenient.
Visitors can reach the racecourse by:
- Taxi (approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic)
- Shuttle buses operating during the festival (subject to annual schedules) which leave from directly outside of the hotel
- Public bus services
- Private coach services
After racing finishes, guests can easily return to Galway City Centre to enjoy Galway's vibrant nightlife.
View OffersBest Days to Visit the Galway Races
Each day offers a slightly different experience.
Opening Day
The excitement begins as thousands of visitors arrive for the first races of the week.
Ladies Day
The festival's most famous day celebrates fashion alongside racing, with stylish outfits and competitions creating one of Ireland's best-known social occasions.
Weekend Racing
Perfect for visitors enjoying a city break, the weekend combines competitive racing with a lively atmosphere throughout Galway.
Family Day
Families can enjoy a more relaxed race day with entertainment suitable for visitors of all ages
What Should You Wear to the Galway Races?
While there is no strict dress code for most race days, smart attire is encouraged.
Popular choices include:
- Summer dresses and hats
- Smart suits and jackets
- Smart casual clothing
- Comfortable footwear suitable for walking around the racecourse
Irish weather can be unpredictable, so bringing a light waterproof jacket & umbrella is always recommended.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your Galway Races experience, we recommend:
- Booking your accommodation several months in advance
- Purchasing race tickets early, particularly for Ladies Day
- Allowing extra travel time due to increased traffic
- Checking shuttle bus schedules before travelling
Race week is one of the busiest periods of the year in Galway, and accommodation often sells out well ahead of the festival.
Why Stay at The Skeffington Arms Hotel?
Located on Eyre Square, The Skeffington Arms Hotel offers visitors the perfect balance between race day excitement and Galway's city-centre attractions.
Guests can enjoy:
- A central location within walking distance of shops, restaurants and attractions
- Easy transport connections to Ballybrit Racecourse, buses leave daily from outside the hotel
- Comfortable accommodation after a day at the races
- Traditional Irish hospitality
- An ideal base for exploring Galway before and after the festival
Whether you're attending for one race day or the full week, staying in Galway City allows you to experience everything the festival has to offer.
Book Your Galway Races Stay
Planning to attend the Galway Races? The Skeffington Arms Hotel offers a central location in Galway City, comfortable accommodation and easy access to Ballybrit Racecourse, making it an excellent choice for your race week getaway.
Book early to secure your preferred dates during one of Galway's busiest and most exciting weeks of the year.
Ireland’s longest running Christmas Market, the Galway Continental Christmas Market, appears in Galway on a yearly basis. The Christmas Market Galway fills the city centre with joy and plenty for all to see and do, with over 50 wooden chalets lining the square offering scrumptious seasonal treats and a large variety of crafts.
Food lovers can feast on everything from German Bratwurst, Traditional Crepes, Irish handmade fudge, Chimney cakes and other indulgent confectionery from over 60 traders as well as a range of hot food at the charcoal grills. For those who fancy a sociable tipple there will be traditional mulled wine and beer served in steins in the Beer Keller. For the perfect Christmas Gift browse among the broad range of Artisan traders showcasing handmade food and crafts.
Festive visitors can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment with carol singing and live music throughout the five-week market fair, and kids and adults alike can get in the Christmas spirit on board Santa’s Express Train, the traditional Carousel, or by taking a spin on the highly popular 32m observation wheel, offering a fabulous birds-eye view of Eyre Square and all the vibrant decoration and lights.
Back on the ground, families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s postbox, interact with local charities and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions