Skip to main content

The Opening Day

Guests enjoying Ladies Day fashion at Galway Races
Jockey and racehorse at Galway Races
Racegoers enjoying a day at Galway Races
Jockeys racing at Galway Races

Opening Night

Monday 26th July 2027

Turnstiles Open
2.30pm
First Race
5.10pm
Last Race
8.20pm
No. of Races
7

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.

The feature race of the evening, The Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap, brings a thrilling sporting highlight to the heart of the action. Paired with live music and entertainment throughout the day, the atmosphere builds steadily as racegoers gather, reconnect, and settle in for the first great contest of the festival.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the Galway Tenors deliver a special opening performance that captures the spirit of Galway culture, warm, spirited, and rooted in heritage. With a fun, relaxed, family‑friendly vibe running through the evening, Opening Night is all about tradition, shared memories, and that unmistakable buzz that marks the beginning of something special.

Racecard

First Race

5.10pm

The Galmont Hotel & Galway Bay Novice Hurdle

Second Race

5.40pm

The EASYFIX Iggy Daly Handicap Hurdle

Third Race

6.10pm

The Eventus Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden

Fourth Race

6.40pm

The Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap

Fifth Race

7.15pm

The Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap

Sixth Race

7.50pm

The Grá Chocolates Handicap

Seventh Race

8.20pm

The Ray Dooley Monami Construction Flat Race

Admission Prices

Buy Tickets

Adult

Must be aged 18 or over*

On the Day
€35
Pay in Advance
€30

Senior Citizens

On the Day
€30
Pay in Advance
€25

18-24

Must be aged between 18 & 24 (I.D. Required)**

On the Day
€30
Pay in Advance
€25

Children 17 & Under

Must be accompanied by Parent

On the Day
FREE
Pay in Advance

Reserved Seat on the Top Floor of Millennium Grandstand

On the Day
€30
Pay in Advance
€25

Parade Ring Lounge

On the Day
€40
Pay in Advance
€35

For full policy regarding Children 17 & Under and age verification policy please Click Here

For full policy regarding Children 17 & Under and age verification policy please Click Here

*Adult Tickets – May only be used by persons aged 18 or over, Children 17 & Under will not be admitted on this ticket.

** 18-24 Admission – May only be used by persons aged between 18 & 24 and hold a valid I.D. Children 17 & Under will not be admitted on this ticket.

***Children 17 & Under – Must be accompanied by Parent. Please Note Children 17 & Under will not be admitted with persons over 18 years who are not their Parent.

Buy Tickets

From panoramic views with wonderful dining experiences, to intimate settings with close friends, the Galway Races Summer Festival offers you a variety of packages. We can’t wait to see you!

Galway Races raceday action