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Racing · Ballybrit, County Galway

Galway Races

A summer week at Ballybrit, with a different reason to choose each race day. Galway Races combines the racing programme with the social occasion, including fashion events and a family-focused end to the week.

Plan your visit Official website
Ballybrit Racecourse, photographed in 2005. Archive venue photograph.
Ballybrit Racecourse, photographed in 2005. Archive venue photograph.·Robert Bone, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Dates & announcements

26 July to 1 August 2027

The Summer Festival page announces Monday 26 July to Sunday 1 August 2027. Older 2026 text remains on the same site, so use the edition year when checking a daily timetable.

Sources checked 24 September 2026
2027 dates & venue map Explore Ballybrit, County Galway

Pick a day before picking a ticket

A seven-day festival gives you choices: the featured racing, the fashion occasion or a family outing may each point to a different day. Start with what interests your group, then read the programme for that day. The overall festival range does not tell you when the first race starts.

Sources: Galway Races

Ladies Day and what to wear

The racecourse FAQ associates Ladies Day with Thursday and also describes Friday fashion activity. It says there is no general dress code, with smart casual clothing usual. If entering a best-dressed competition, use its specific rules and the new programme; ordinary admission and competition participation are separate matters.

Sources: Galway Races visitor information

Ballybrit is the destination

The racecourse is at Ballybrit, outside Galway’s central streets. Build in time for the final approach and admission queues. The venue recommends arriving before the first race, so check that day’s published start rather than setting off for a generic festival opening time. Choose transport and any hospitality booking together.

Sources: Galway Races visitor information

Before you go

A few useful answers.

When is Galway Races Summer Festival 2027?
26 July to 1 August 2027.

Sources: Galway Races

Is Ladies Day the same event as Dublin Horse Show Ladies Day?
No. Galway Races takes place at Ballybrit. The Dublin Horse Show is a different event at the RDS.

Sources: Galway Races · Galway Races visitor information

Is there a dress code at Galway Races?
The racecourse FAQ says there is no general dress code and describes smart casual as usual. Individual hospitality or fashion competitions may have their own requirements.

Sources: Galway Races visitor information

Sources & research 24 September 2026

Another date for the diary

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