Off to the Galway Races together
The Galway Races Summer Festival brings seven days of racing to Ballybrit, just east of the city, from 26 July to 1 August 2027. Whether it's a family outing, a hen party or a club day, a minibus keeps everyone together.
Picking your day
Wednesday 28 July is Galway Plate day and Thursday 29 July is Ladies Day, the two headline dates, so book early if you have your heart set on either. If your dates are flexible, the other five days are well worth a look.
Dates and venue
- Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, east of Galway city
- 26 July - 1 August 2027
Coming from Dublin or the midlands
The racecourse sits just off the M6. The drive from Dublin has two tolls, Kilcock-Kinnegad on the M4 and Galway-Ballinasloe on the N6, so check whether your price covers them. From Athlone, Galway is about an hour.
Staying in Galway
Based in the city? Check whether the race shuttle is running again. In 2026, shuttle buses left from Eyre Square, outside The Skeff, which could mean you only need a minibus to bring the group into Galway, not out to the course.
For somewhere to stay, look at Eyre Square, the docks around Lough Atalia, Salthill by the sea or Oranmore to the east.
Home time
The end of the day is when groups drift apart. Agree a pick-up point with the operator beforehand, fix the departure time and do a headcount before the doors close. The operator checks the racecourse's arrangements for vehicles closer to the day.
Making a week of it
Keeping the same driver for several days? Drivers need at least 11 hours' rest a day, which can drop to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests, so a late night at Ballybrit means a later start. On a day off from racing, the Cliffs of Moher are roughly 1.5 hours' drive, though coach arrivals and groups of ten or more must book ahead.
Flying in? Shannon is about 1 h 10 min from Galway and Knock about an hour.
Questions
When are the Galway Races in 2027?
Monday 26 July to Sunday 1 August 2027.
Which day is Plate day?
It's on Wednesday 28 July 2027, the day before Ladies Day.
Is there a shuttle from the city centre?
There was one in 2026, leaving from outside The Skeff on Eyre Square. Confirm it's running in 2027 before you plan around it.
Are there tolls on the way from Dublin?
Yes, two: Kilcock-Kinnegad on the M4 and Galway-Ballinasloe on the N6.
Cities
Airports
Planning a race day?
Send the day you're going, your pick-up point and how many are in the party. A licensed, insured operator puts a price on it, and the choice to book is yours.
Request a quote or call 35312659159