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The Galway races is the best attended
racing festival in Ireland and is held over an entire week,
this year (2002) from Monday 29th (E), Tuesday
30th (E), Wednesday 31st July, Thursday
1st, Friday 2nd (E), Saturday 3rd,
Sunday 4th August
(E denotes evening meeting). This is a very busy
time to book accommodation and make other arrangements so
it is wise to plan well in advance.
Location:
Galway Racecourse is located about 3 miles outside the city
centre in a location called Ballybrit, and approximately one mile from Galway Airport. All
routes to the Racecourse are clearly marked by A.A. yellow
signs and a continuous bus services operates to and from Eyre
Square on race days.
Facilities:
The facilities at Galway are excellent. There
is a viewing stand adjacent to the steward's stand, and Parade
Ring and provisions for the disabled. The Millenium Stand
is a superb 3-level facility with bars and restaurants and
viewing areas. Tickets can be booked on line here
for corporate dining and functions and reserved seating.
Large crowds always attend the Galway Races, the average attendance
is about 35,000 and the best days to visit are the Wednesday
(Galway Plate Day) and Thursday, when admission is £15
, all other days admission is £12 (Normal concessions apply
for students and OAP's) - be prepared to queue!!
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Getting There:
You can beat the traffic to the racecourse by taking a short
helicopter ride from the Corrib Hotel, just outside the city,
direct to the racecourse and back. This costs around EUR 40 pp
each way but the flight adds to the atmosphere and is always
far quicker than by car. There are also regular train and bus
services in operation from all major towns to Galway.
Spending your winnings!!
There are several excellent pubs and restaurants in the city,
and they will all be very busy during the festival. Music, song
and craic is the order of the week and the main area "Shop
street" is always buzzing with happy race goers. During
the day, there are some great shops to explore, and at night
a selection of nightclubs to party the night away in! For those
who may want a break from the racing for a day, why not take
a trip out to the Aran Islands with Aran
Island Ferries, well worth the trip.
Whatever your plans for the Galway race
week, make sure you are early, the crowds are huge and this
year will be no exception. This is a great social and sporting
occasion that should not be missed if you are in the country
at this time. To find out more or buy tickets on-line, cick
here
or use the links below.
| Ballynahinch Castle |
Wonderful country lodge in
Connemara |
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| Maldua House |
Deluxe 4* guesthouse in Clifden |
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| Adare Manor |
Luxury hotel - special racing
packages available |
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| Celtic Helicopters |
Helicopter shuttle
service based at The Corrib Hotel Galway during the Races |
01 8901349 |
| Irish Helicopters |
Flights available from Dublin
to Galway for the races |
01 8444500 |
| Superior Executive Car Services |
Chauffeur and Corporate transport
Service |
01 8349831 |
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Ireland