The Galway Races Summer Festival
Monday 27th July to Sunday 2nd August 2026.Unmissable!
Ireland’s biggest and most famous racing festival is held in Galway during the last week of July every year and involves seven days of unrivalled action. Each year sees attendances of over 100,000 at the Galway Races over the week long festival, and the town has a real buzz at night, with hangovers aplenty the following day. It is a joyous, fun-filled seven days where people might leave with a few less euros than they had when they arrived but they also leave with great new experiences, new friends and a time that will never be forgotten.
Dining & Entertinment
Here at the Menlo Park we have been catering to, and sharing in, all the excitement the Galway Races has offered our festival customers and guests over the last 25 years. Our P. Francis & Son Bar & Bistro is a hub of great food (with all dietary requirements served), music and craic over the festival week. As you can well imagine, the horse related influx that Galway experiences over this week, has the city up to their stirrups with the busy, but when you stay with us, we will always make your experience our priority. Always on offer... we have four star bedrooms (including our newly refurbished 'Signature Rooms/Mini Suites/Suites'), tasty food, delicious thrist quenching drinks, bubbly (well, it is race week) and entertainment throughout the week - so, don't miss out and get booking! Come for the races, stay for the vibe!
Monday
Monday signals the start of the Galway Races Summer Festival, and there’s no mistaking the surge of excitement that comes with it. The opening night is always a favourite with the local Galway crowd, who return year after year to celebrate tradition, connection, and the magic of being back on course again. It’s the moment the city comes alive, setting the tone for an unforgettable week ahead.
Tribes Tuesday
Tuesday has been reimagined and revitalised as Tribes Tuesday, a celebration of community spirit and local pride. This year, clubs and teams from across Galway are invited to bring their tribe to Ballybrit, uniting supporters, families, and friends to create an atmosphere buzzing with friendly rivalry.
Wednesday
Wednesday at Ballybrit is one of the most anticipated days of the entire festival, combining top‑class racing with a vibrant social atmosphere. As crowds gather for the iconic Tote Galway Plate, there’s a real sense of history and excitement in the air, marking this as a standout moment in the summer racing calendar.
Ladies Day
Thursday at the Galway Races is synonymous with style, glamour, and unforgettable moments as racegoers step out in their finest for the most fashionable day of the festival. The atmosphere is electric from the moment the gates open, with colour, creativity, and individuality on full display throughout Ballybrit.
Friday
Friday brings a fresh burst of energy to Ballybrit as style takes centre stage for Friday’s Most Stylish, hosted in partnership with Athlone Towncentre. It’s a day where racegoers showcase their individuality, confidence, and creativity, adding vibrant flair to the festival as fashion lovers arrive dressed to impress ahead of the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Saturday
Saturday at Ballybrit is all about celebration as the August Bank Holiday Weekend comes alive and the festival hits full flight. Known as The Weekender, it draws huge crowds eager to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy great racing, and make the most of one of the biggest days of the summer.
Sunday
Sunday brings the Galway Races Summer Festival to a joyful and colourful close with Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day, delivered in partnership with Ireland West Airport. It’s a day designed for all ages, full of excitement, creativity, and memorable moments as families enjoy one last celebration at Ballybrit.
All information and more from the Galway Races official website:
