Galway

The great Irish playwright John B. Keane said that the "Galway races are a state of mind". Indeed they are, a state of mind that is distinctly Irish, often copied but never equalled.  

Festival

It has been said about the festival that it once brought Galway city to a standstill but now brings the country to a standstill. Those who have been there will understand that, those who have yet to visit are still strangers to this country's greatest sporting festival.Whether or not they are regular followers of horse-racing is immaterial, the salient pre-requisite for Galway racegoers is that they know how to have fun because that is the currency of the occasion. The festival starts in late July and runs for seven days, it is the high point of the Summer holiday season. It has become the Irish equivalent of Mardi Gras, and is the fastest growing festival in the world. So don't let this year's festival go without making an appearance, start planning now, get the time off work, get everything organised and enjoy the unique experience of the Galway Races.    

Festival Prices

• Admission Prices - €20 / €30
• Reserved Seats - €10 / €30
• Discounted Prices for students & senior citizens

Special Offers

• Admission Ticket for Wednesday & Thursday - €50
• Admission Ticket for Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday - €60 
• Admission Ticket for all 7 days of the festival - €130
• Admission Ticket & Reserved Seats for all 7 days of the festival - €180
• Annual Badge - Admission for 12 days of Galway 2011 - €160

Non Festival

Admission Ticket €15, discounted prices for students & senior citizens.

You can book your tickets online at http://www.galwayraces.com/shop  

Course Characteristics    

Right handed course of one mile and two furlongs, with a steep decline into the dip where the last two fences are situated. These fences are famous for being the closest two fences on any racecourse in the world. There is a sharp incline to the finish line.   

Racing at Galway

With €2 million in prize money the Summer Festival offers wonderful racing for both Flat and National Hunt horses. The Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap valued at €250,000 is the richest hurdle race run in Ireland throughout the year and attracts runners from home and abroad. In 2010 this race was won by Overturn, trained by Donald McCain in the UK and ridden by Galway Jockey Graham Lee. thetote.com Galway Plate is a most historic race and has been run continuously since 1689. This year's winner was Finger On The Pulse, which is owned by J.P McManus and trained by Tom Taaffee.

How To Get There    

By Road:
Galway is 80 km north-west of Limerick and 217 km west of Dublin. New motorways from Dublin and Limerick. There is also a regular shuttlbus service to and from the city centre each day to the racecourse.   

By Rail:
Regular service to Galway from many regions including Dublin. A bus service runs from Galway station to the track.    

By Air:
Galway airport has daily flights from Dublin and regular flights from several UK destinations. Helicopter landing at the racecourse can be arranged in advance.

If travelling from overseas please visit Discover Ireland to help plan your trip.  

Refreshment Facilities   

The new state of the art Killanin Stand built in 2007 provides bar facilities and food outlets on the ground and first floor with corporate hospitality on the second and third floors. In the impressive Millenium Stand there is a Panoramic restaurant on the top floor and food facilities on all three floors including a seafood and wine bar on the first floor. The spacious Long Bar on the ground floor also serves hot drinks. During the festival there are Budweiser and Guinness & Oyster bars. There are 2 Champagne Tents one adjacent to the main Tote Building and one in the Mayor's Garden area. In the amenity building there is a Buffet and Carvery restaurant. There are 2 ATM Bank machines to the rear of the Millenium Stand. The whole course is wheelchair friendly with a special disabled viewing stand adjacent to the stewards stand and the parade ring. Disabled WCs are provided.

 Hospitality Facilities   

The Killanin Stand
The state of the art stand provides the venue for the ultimate racing experience. The Plate Suite on the second floor and the Hurdle Suite on the third floor of the stand combine the action and atmosphere for the race goer whilst having the comfort of a luxurious environment with spectacular views of racing. There are a variety of hospitality packages available throughout the week of the festival. There are 700 seats provided free charge for patrons to view the races just off the first floor the Killanin Stand.

The Millennium Stand (Panoramic Restaurant)
The Panoramic is located on the third floor of the Millennium Stand with outstanding views of the racecourse. Overlooking the winning post you won’t get closer to the action, while dining in a luxury environment and enjoying top class food.

Aprés Racing