📅 Upcoming — 10 months to go
Jul 26, 2027 – Aug 1, 2027 · Ballybrit Racecourse, Galway 🇮🇪
Ireland's Biggest Race Week
Galway Races 2027
July 26 – August 1, 2027· Ballybrit Racecourse, Galway
Seven days of racing, 150,000+ attendees, and the toughest hotel-booking week in Connacht. Ladies Day (Thursday July 29) + the Galway Plate (Wednesday July 28) are the marquee days. Base in Galway city if you book now, in Oranmore or Ennis if you book by spring, and in Connemara if you're taking the scenic-drive-in approach.
Written by Séamus O'Byrne · Aug 24, 2026Race Week schedule
| Day | Date | Marquee race / feature | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | July 26 | Corrib Beg opening card | Gate OK |
| Tue | July 27 | Guinness Handicap | Book Guinness Tent |
| Wed | July 28 | The Galway Plate ★ | Book NOW |
| Thu | July 29 | ★ Ladies Day (Best-Dressed) | Book 6mo ahead |
| Fri | July 30 | Guinness Galway Hurdle | Book NOW |
| Sat | July 31 | Flat card + family day | Gate OK |
| Sun | Aug 1 | Flat card closing | Gate OK |
Where to stay for Galway Races 2027
Galway city hotels are typically fully booked by January of race year. Book now for 2027 — Vio compares 60+ sites (highest chance of catching a released room).
Galway hotels on Expedia
Expedia's flexible-cancel policy is essential for Race Week — book now, adjust dates if the horses cancel.
Search Galway on Expedia
US defaultExpedia bundles the flight + hotel discount in-cart (5-30% off the combined book). Price-match guarantee means you can rebook if the rate drops before check-in.
See Galway ratesOr a Galway hostel base if the hotels are gone
Sleepzone Galway, Snoozles Quay, Kinlay Hostel all take Race Week bookings — dorm + private-twin availability lasts longer than hotels.
Hostels & private rooms in Galway
Solo-friendlyHostelworld is the largest inventory — most properties list private twin rooms alongside dorms, so it works for couples + solo travellers alike. Free cancellation on flexible rates, verified reviews from people who actually stayed.
Browse Galway hostelsFlying in for Galway Races
Shannon (SNN) — 1h 15m drive — is the most convenient. Knock (NOC) is 1h 30m north. Dublin (DUB) is 2h 30m east but has more transatlantic connections.
Galway Races 2027 FAQ
When is Galway Races 2027?
Monday July 26 to Sunday August 1, 2027. Ladies Day is Thursday July 29. The Galway Plate (the marquee handicap) is Wednesday July 28. Two race days (Saturday + Sunday) are on the flat card.
Where does Galway Races happen?
Ballybrit Racecourse, 5km north-east of Galway city centre. Free shuttle buses from Eyre Square during the festival. Race Week traffic is severe — allow 45 minutes from central Galway even by shuttle.
When do I need to book Galway Races 2027 accommodation?
Now. Galway city hotels are typically booked out for Race Week by January. Overflow accommodation from Salthill, Oranmore, Ennis (35 min), and Connemara villages fills by April. Camping + glamping at farm stays is the last-minute option.
What is Ladies Day at Galway Races?
Thursday of Race Week — the most photographed day of the Irish social calendar. Millinery + best-dressed competition, on-course champagne bar, and the meeting where non-racing attendees outnumber punters. Book brunch or the Guinness Tent 6+ months ahead.
What is the nearest airport to Galway Races?
Shannon Airport (SNN) is closest at 1h 15m drive. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) is 1h 30m north. Dublin (DUB) is 2h 30m east but has more international connections. Fly-drive is the standard — pre-book a rental at the airport, drop it at your Galway hotel.
Can you get tickets to Galway Races on the day?
General admission tickets are usually available at the gate for every day except Ladies Day. Reserved seating + hospitality (Chester Beatty Room, The Ballybrit Suite, Guinness Tent) sell out 4-6 weeks ahead. Buy the day pass online to skip the gate queue.
While you're in Ireland: