First Race
2.02pm
Galway Races Summer Festival
The Weekender
Saturday 1st August 2026
- Turnstiles Open
- 11.30am
- First Race
- 2:02PM
- Last Race
- 6.05pm
- No. of Races
- 8
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.
The course fills early as racegoers flock to Ballybrit, ready for a full day of excitement, entertainment, and that unique Galway buzz. The energy is high, the crowds are vibrant, and the festival feel is unmistakable. A perfect combination of sport, socialising, and long‑weekend fun.
On the track, attention turns to the BOYLESports Handicap Hurdle, Saturday’s feature race and a major highlight for racing fans. Blending top‑class sport with the excitement of a bank holiday Saturday, The Weekender delivers an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks through the gates.
Racecard
Second Race
2.37pm
The BOYLE Sports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle
Third Race
3.12pm
The BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle
Fourth Race
3.52pm
The Whiriskey Refrigeration Irish EBF Maiden
Fifth Race
4.27pm
The Bathshack Maiden
Sixth Race
5.00pm
The Ardilaun Hotel Handicap
Seventh Race
5.35pm
The McDonogh Capital Investments Handicap
Eighth Race
6.05pm
The Salthill Hotel Irish EBF Mares Flat Race
Admission Prices
Buy TicketsAdult
Must be aged 18 or over*
- On the Day
- €30
- Pay in Advance
- €25
Senior Citizens
- On the Day
- €25
- Pay in Advance
- €20
Students
Must be aged 18 or over & hold a valid Student I.D.
- On the Day
- €25
- Pay in Advance
- €20
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
- €20
- Pay in Advance
- €20
Parade Ring Lounge
- On the Day
- €30
- Pay in Advance
- €30
–
*Adult Tickets – May only be used by persons aged 18 or over, Children 17 & Under will not be admitted on this ticket.
** Student Tickets – May only be used by persons aged 18 or over and hold a valid Student 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!
