Your next proper day out...

For many, the undoubted highlight of the busy summer racing schedule is the week-long Galway Summer Festival which traditionally runs into the August Bank holiday weekend. This seven-day festival attracts the biggest crowds of the year with the historic Galway Plate, which dates back to 1869, and the Galway Hurdle, the two most coveted races of the week.

Galway city in itself is a vibrant, lively and most certainly a friendly vicinity that really comes alive during Galway race week. People from all around the country descend to the city to experience the thrilling action of flat and jump racing alongside many of the social events put on at the track and throughout the area. The racecourse is situated 6kms from the city centre and not far from the M4 motorway. 

Each day of the summer festival follows a theme with Country Music day, Ladies day and Mad Hatters family fun day, which each day combining fast-paced thrilling racing and entertainment to suit everyone. 

Jump racing and flat racing go hand-in-hand at Galway with the racecourse also staging a two-day meeting in September and a three-day festival in October. With an atmosphere like no other when you walk through the turnstiles, a day out at the Galway races is certainly not to be missed!

Check out the upcoming race meetings at Galway Racecourse and experience a proper day out.

By Road:

Located just off the M6 motorway, Galway Racecourse is easily accessible from Dublin, Cork, Limerick or any other location around Ireland. Travelling from Cork you will take the N20 and then merge onto N18

By Bus:

You can get a bus to Galway City and there are shuttle buses in operation from Galway City to the racecourse during the festival. See www.buseireann.ie Shuttle Bus from Eyre Square to Race Course will depart outside The Skeff Bar in Eyre Square. Return services starts before 2nd last race and after the races.

By Rail:

You can travel by train to Galway City. See www.irishrail.ie for more details.

By Air:

Shannon airport located just 40 minutes away is the closest airport to Galway Racecourse. Knock Airport is 1 hour away, Dublin Airport is 2 hours away and Cork airport is 2.5 hours from the racecourse. Pre-registration is essential for helicopter landings at Galway Races. Please contact Galway Racecourse for landing requirements.