First Race
5.10pm
Galway Races Summer Festival
Opening Night
Monday 27th July 2026
- 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
Second Race
5.40pm
The Iggy Daly Easyfix 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 Monami Construction Flat Race
Admission Prices
Buy TicketsAdult
Must be aged 18 or over*
- On the Day
- €35
- Pay in Advance
- €30
Senior Citizens
- On the Day
- €30
- Pay in Advance
- €25
Students
Must be aged 18 or over & hold a valid Student I.D.*
- 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
- €25
- Pay in Advance
- €25
Parade Ring Lounge
- On the Day
- €35
- Pay in Advance
- €35
–
*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!
