So much more than just horse racing, Galway city is set to come alive during Galway Races with a packed programme of free entertainment before and after the big day out, so make sure to start planning your Summer Vibes in Galway now...
Galway City is set to come alive with a full free entertainment program as the Galway Summer Vibes campaign kicks off on Monday, July 29th, running through Wednesday, July 31st. This campaign aims to kick start the Race Week festival in the city centre so there's plenty of craic before and after the main business of the day - the racing! From Monday, free live entertainment, fashion showcases, and a variety of family-friendly activities will be happening throughout the city.
Eyre Square, The Latin Quarter, and Galway’s Westend will transform into hubs of activity, buzzing with live performances from local bands, traditional music sessions, and acoustic sets. Each evening from 8pm, the city’s neighbourhoods will resonate with the sounds of summer, offering a perfect backdrop for the festive atmosphere.
Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to pop-up fashion showcases (From 12noon to 3pm) on Monday and Tuesday, hosted by the fashion entrepreneur and stylist Mandy Maher. These on-street showcases will highlight the latest trends and styles as racegoers prepare to bring their fashion A-game to Galway. Mandy will shine a spotlight on local Galway retail outlets, encouraging attendees to shop locally and support the city's boutiques, jewellers, footwear stores, and talented milliners. These will take place in Eyre Square, Cross Street and at the Spanish Arch.
Galway is a city that knows how to entertain, and this year’s race week is no exception. Families can explore award-winning restaurants, enjoy drinks in some of the best pubs in Ireland, and partake in the city's renowned craic. To make the experience even more convenient, Bus Éireann shuttle buses will provide easy transportation, dropping racegoers in the heart of the city and directly to Ballybrit Racecourse.
Galway’s reputation for exceptional food and drinks will be on full display, with Diageo partnering with local public houses to ensure every pub offers a top-tier experience. Galway's award winning restaurants are ready to welcome you for a pre-race lunch to talk through the plan and then back into the city to enjoy innovative culinary creations whilst you chat through the fun of the day.
Speaking at the launch of Galway Summer Vibes, Johnny Duggan of Galway City VFI commented; "It is another great initiative where the various City Centre areas come together to let people know that the City Centre is open for business and with plenty to see and do, whether you are a Race goer or not. There is such a great array of pubs in Galway, all within walking distance, with lots on across the city in all areas."
"The Ballybrit Summer Racing Festival brings a huge number of visitors to Galway each year so Fáilte Ireland is really pleased to support the Summer Vibes festival which will help showcase the best that Galway city has to offer. Festivals and events play a key role in helping visitors immerse themselves in a destination’s unique offering. Fáilte Ireland has worked closely with Galway’s business community to help develop an exciting programme of free events that will bring Galway’s streets to life with the city’s renowned arts, culture, and creativity,” said Margaret Jenkins of Fáilte Ireland.
This race week, Galway is undeniably the place to be! Embrace the #GalwaySummerVibes and stay connected through social media accounts: Galway Races Official, Galway’s Westend, The Latin Quarter, and Eyre Square Galway. Plan your Galway Races fun and immerse yourself in all the free, exciting activities the city has to offer.
