There are so many exciting things to do each year in Galway during Race Week and 2024 is no exception! All the fun kicks off this year on July 29th and runs until Sunday August 4th, so dive into our day to day events guide below to discover how you can make the most of the Galway Races 2024.
Monday - 29th July
12pm - Racing for Rosabel at The Connacht Hotel - An event which will feature an Aperol Garden Party with music entertainment, a three-course luncheon, tipster fun, fashion advice from Gráinne Seoige, Gillian Duggan, & Fiona Morgan Coleman as well as transport and entry to Day 1 of the Galway Races. With over €6,500 worth of prizes to be won, it promises to be a fabulous event for a fantastic cause, tickets available at the link above.
2.30pm - Naturally, we can’t talk about the Galway Races without mentioning the main hive of activity, and what better way to kick off your Race Week fun than spending Day 1 taking in all the excitement at the Ballybrit racecourse. Join them on Opening Day for a series of lively and colourful musical performances. Enjoy delicious food and drink while you soak in all the excitement and don’t forget to place your bets before the first races start at 4.30pm. Get your admission tickets here. Alternatively, Monday is the perfect day to plan out which bars you'll be watching the races from with your pals! So far, we are putting our money on Taylor's, M.P. Walsh's, Kelehan's, Carroll's on Dominick St, McGettigans, Garavan's and An Púcán so keep an eye on our socials to see where we end up and who knows we might just join you for a cold one!
Pop-up Fashion Show at 12pm + Afterparty at 8pm - Galway’s Westend - This year Galway's Westend will come alive with a full free entertainment programme during Race Week as the Galway Summer Vibes campaign kicks off on Monday, July 29th, running through Wednesday, July 31st! From Monday, there will be free live entertainment, fashion showcases, and a variety of family-friendly activities will be happening throughout the city. Each evening from 8pm, the city’s neighbourhoods will resonate with the sounds of summer, offering a perfect backdrop for the festive atmosphere and buzzing with live performances from local bands, traditional music sessions, and acoustic sets. Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to pop-up fashion showcases across the bridge in Spanish Arch from 12pm 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.
Tuesday - 30th July
12pm - Tom Sheridans Bar's Tipster Lunch - On this special tipster lunch, your afternoon will include everything you could want from a day of racing including; a pre-race two-course lunch with a complimentary drink, racing tips from special guests Bryan Cooper, race entry and card as well a return transfer to and from the track on a private coach. So, gather up your friends, dust off your glad rags and join them for what promises to be a fantastic day.
Afterparty - When the races have come to an end for Day 2, head off to Oranmore and experience the Galway Races nightlife like no other. With live entertainment every night, free parking, late bars and the option of a return bus transfer and free drink for only €13, this is too good an opportunity to miss! To learn more about this offer and the bus times to/from the racetrack please tap here. For the afterparty, you'll never go wrong selecting the Porterhouse. They will also be showing the races live each day so if viewing all the action with a pint of Guinness sounds like a plan, well this is the perfect spot. In addition to this, treat yourself to some food from their neighbours GIGAS Dinergrill and you have yourself a match made in heaven. Additionally, there's always loads of craic to be had at Glynn's Bar no matter the time of day or day of week and they work with the incredible Urban Fire to bring you delectable wood fire pizzas which are a phenomenal addition to your race day afterparty at Glynn's. Alternatively, the newly revamped McDonagh’s Thatch Bar & Beer Garden is home to a stunning beer garden that has ample room for all you and all your pals. Here, they have recently opened their cocktail bar with a fab menu so we highly recommend paying them a visit during Race Week also.
Wednesday - 31st July
Until 2pm - Eat Like a Horse at M.Fitzgerald’s - As you approach the midway mark of Race Week, fuel up with M.Fitzgerald’s “Eat Like a Horse” breakfast which will be served until 2pm every day this Race Week and keep the energy going all day long. In the evening then return and check out their live entertainment and the late bar with performances from Shane & Ronan, Ryan Bradley and Liam Óg.
1pm - Best Dressed at Brunch at The Hardiman - Ladies and Gentlemen, fashion enthusiasts, and brunch aficionados, get ready to show off your most stylish Galway Races outfit. Join The Hardiman for this fabulous event where the esteemed panel of judges, comprising fashion experts and style icons will be on the lookout for originality, attention to detail, and that certain je ne sais quoi. They’re excited to offer amazing prizes for Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gentleman, and Best Headpiece! Brand Ambassador Sarah Battle will be judging on the day along with the stunning Emily Jean Atelier and Martina of Harper.ie. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, a delicious brunch prepared by head chef Dominique, a taster of the beautiful Bottega Prosecco, and great music by none other than Michelle Lally. Tickets available via link above.
10pm - Tús Collective presents Shake Daddy at Cuba Galway - All the way from Sydney Australia Tús Collective welcomes Shake Daddy to G-town for her Irish debut during Galway Race Week! Opening things up with her debut gig Lana Hayes who is gonna be serving up some house and funky grooves. Taking over is the return of Subliq going B2B with Mannio, Tús are super excited for the dynamic duo to get their flow on again. Closing things out for the night is Shake Daddy who will be cooking up some high energy techno that’s gonna be sure to blow your socks off and both Tús and Cuba are delighted to be hosting her Irish debut!
Afterparty - Ruaile Buaile at The Quays - While they've got entertainment lined up all week long, on the Wednesday of Race Week, Ruaile Buaile are taking to the stage in their Music Hall. Ruaile Buaile are an Irish based 5 piece twisted-trad band, from upbeat old Irish favourites, ground thumping trad, and unique twists on recent day classics, this collective are bringing their energy to Galway for an unforgettable Race Week afterparty. In addition to the live music in the Music Hall and live in the bar from 6pm every day, there will be great local food served all day so be sure to pay them a visit. You are not going to want to miss it! Tap here to check out the other performers they have lined up for Race Week.
Thursday - 1st August
12pm - Bet on Brunch at the g Hotel - From Tuesday to Friday race-goers and racing fans alike can get the inside track on all the runners, riders, style and craic, at the leisurely brunch event with ex-racing jockey Jane Mangan. Guests can enjoy a delicious brunch with bubbles, while getting all exclusive insights and race day tips. Pre-booking is essential to guarantee the bus to Ballybrit Racecourse, while guest walk-ins are welcome for the daily brunch event.
2pm - Race Week Specials at Merchants Bar - Get ready for Ladies Day 2024 at the Merchant's Bar and avail of their Race Week specials which include; wings and a pint or burger and a pint for only €15. They also have a number of bespoke race week themed cocktails (all at the set price of €13) such as; Suited & Booted, Galway Girl, King of the Tribes and Queen of the Corrib. These are available for the entire week but we can't think of a better way to celebrate the most fashionable day of racing than by drinking and dining at one of the city’s most stylish venues. In addition to these fantastic food and drink specials, the Merchants Bar will also have live entertainment throughout the week with Lorcan O’Rouke performing on Ladies Day. The rest of the week’s lineup is as follows - Sum Antics on Wednesday and Saturday, Conor Fahy on Friday, and Shane Colohan on Sunday.
5.30pm - Best Dressed Lady at The Skeff - The Skeff are delighted to announce that this year, as part of their Race Week celebrations, they will be hosting a best dressed lady competition on Ladies Day with a very special guest host, Ally McGinn. The amazing prizes on offer: 1st Prize: €250 Brown Thomas Voucher & Bottle of Champagne, 2nd Prize: €100 Brown Thomas Voucher, 3rd Prize: Dinner & Drinks for two in the Skeff Bar & Kitchen. On the day judging will take place from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
7pm - Bogetta Takeover at MacNeill’s Pub - Bottega will be taking over MacNeill's for Race Week with tastings and offers. On Ladies Day we highly recommend calling back to MacNeill’s after the races for their live music lineup which begins at 7pm with a trad session followed by Groev at 9pm and DJ Noel Lowry at 11.30pm. Hit the link above to see their full week’s lineup.
10pm - Ladies Day Buzz in G-Town at The Cellar - Rave Craft presents: Ladies Day Buzz in G-Town w/ DYL, Roan Byrne, Tom Fallon, and Rob McIntyre. This will be a full scale production takeover with the best lighting and sound available, so don’t miss out and have a fabulous afterparty at The Cellar and get your tickets today.
above: Jane Mangan, photo courtesy of the g Hotel & Spa
Friday - 2nd August
12pm - Pink Friday at The Ardilaun Hotel - One of the highlights this year is the Pink Friday Luncheon event at The Ardilaun in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute which encapsulates fun, food and racing. Guests wearing a splash of pink to be in with a chance of winning the Best Dressed competition sponsored by Anthony Ryan’s.Special Guest Tipster and Jockey Amy Jo Hayes will also be giving her personal racing tips for Ballybrit. For this event there will be a sparkling bubbly reception, along with gin and vodka reception sponsored by Dingle Distillery and Poachers Drinks with live entertainment. Get your ticket via the link above.
2pm - Clayton Hotel - Each night of the week you can return to the Clayton Hotel via the free shuttle bus to Clayton Hotel and avail for their amazing free live entertainment all week long! They are also running a special offer of a delicious two-course lunch with drinks, transport to and from the venue, plus entry ticket and live entertainment for only €65. On Friday they've got live performances from 2pm including; Rhythm & Rhyme in the Ballroom (2-4pm), Dakota in the Pavilion Bar (9-11pm), in the Main Bar there’s Altrad (9-11pm) and DJ Derek Flaherty (from 11.30pm), Sum Craic in the Back Stage Bar (11pm -1am), and Sean Slattery and the Connections followed by DJ in the Ballroom (10.30pm-2am). Check out the rest of their week's lineup right here.
8pm - CEOL at Coyotes - As if Galway isn’t buzzing enough over Race Week, CEOL are performing for one night only at Coyotes. This young band has taken the Irish folk music scene by storm and on the Friday of Race Week they have a fantastic show prepared. Doors 8pm, band on stage 10pm, followed by DJ til late! If you can't make it on Friday then no worries but all throughout Race Week, Coyotes' incredible lineup of performers include; a DJ til late on Monday, Bogoff Drinks & DJ Paul Fitz on Tuesday, DJ Paul Fitz and Rick Swann - Trumpet on Wednesday, and live music from The Hitmen and DJ Aodan til late on Thursday. To see their full week's lineup please tap here and start planning your race week.
8.30pm - Rhythm & Sticks at The Loft - Exciting news for Galway Race Week! Join the Loft Venue Seven Bar as they kick off the afterparty on Friday with the incredible band “Rhythm & Sticks” headlining the stage! Mark your calendars for a night filled with music, and unforgettable moments!
Saturday - 3rd August
9am - Breakfast at The Sliding Rock - Get ready for the final two of the races at The Sliding Rock and avail of their hearty breakfast options which include; full Irish breakfast, pancakes and more. It's available every morning from 9am but we can't think of a better way to kick off your final two days of racing with a good morning feed provided by one of the best. After the races for the day have concluded, return to The Sliding Rock for some live music provided by some of the best performers around.
3pm - 90’s Bottomless Brunch at Gourmet Food Parlour - Spice up your Race Week with Gourmet Food Parlour’s 90’s Bottomless Brunch. Dust of your double denim, grab your neon and channel your inner Fresh Prince as you enjoy the nostalgia of the 90’s. On the day you can savour brunch classics while sipping on endless mimosas and 90’s inspired cocktails. Get up and dance to the decade’s greatest hits from boybands to power ballads, Britney to Christina and everything in between! To discover all that your ticket gets you hit the link here and we hope you have a phenomenal time!
Sunday - 4th August
1pm - 80s Disco Brunch at HYDE Hotel - Dust off your leg warmers and tease up that hair because on the final day of Race Week HYDE Bar are throwing the ultimate 80s Disco Brunch! You’ll enjoy a delectable main course and not one, but two fabulous cocktails to get you in the groove. Their chefs are ready to serve up some delicious dishes while bartenders mix up the best cocktails in town. Dance the afternoon away to the biggest hits of the 80s. DJ Frank Nestor will be spinning back-to-back classics from legends like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Duran Duran.
8pm - ABBA ‘Mamma Mia’ + Ed Sheeran Tribute at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa - Wrap up the Galway Races 2024 and attend the phenomenal on-stage tribute to ABBA and Ed Sheeran. Experience the soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics of Ed Sheeran, performed by a top tribute artist James Spears, followed by the timeless classics and dance hits of ABBA, brought to life by the talented ABBA “Mamma Mia” Tribute. Get ready to sing along and dance the night away in this unique, back-to-back musical tribute extravaganza!
Feature photo courtesy of Galway Races
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