Galway City

30 July 2012 - 05 August 2012

The great Irish playwright John B. Keane once said that the "Galway races are a state of mind". And for seven exciting days, 200,000 minds are focussed on the festival that brings Galway City and indeed, the country to a virtual standstill. From small beginnings, a two day race meeting first held in 1869, Galway Races has now grown into a seven day racing and social festival in the City Of the Tribes. Transport links to Ballybrit have never been better with the nearby M6 Motorway and with Irish Rail providing additional train services for race week. For racing fans, the week long programme offers a fascinating mix of flat and national hunt racing, with coveted prizes such as the Galway Hurdle and Galway Plate on the card. Galway Races has long been a traditional holiday for generations of Irish and reigns as one of the biggest social gatherings. Particularly on Ladies Day (Thursday), one of the key events of the summer festival meeting, when a veritable parade of fashion and finest hats are on display by elegantly attired ladies. Judges wander through the crowds and invite chosen finalists to the Anthony Ryan Marquee where the best dressed lady and best hat prizewinners will receive a generous first prize. Superb facilities and offers at this continually updated racecourse, which also hosts Autumn and October Festival race meets include: big screen, Tote, on course bookmakers, bar and restaurant facilities, corporate hospitality packages, Galway Races gift voucher (a gift for any racing season), Ladies Day competitions, best dressed lady and best hat - Thursday. Family Day and mad hatters on Sunday. And after each day's racing, the famous nightlife in Galway's bars and restaurants comes alive. No wonder the country's greatest sporting festival has become the Irish equivalent of Mardi Gras and is the fastest growing festival in the world.

Telephone:+353 (0)91 75 3870

Fax:+353 (0)91 75 2592

Email: information@galwayraces.com

Website: www.galwayraces.com

Address: Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, Co Galway

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