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The Galway Races, there’s nothing quite like it. Everyone has been, and if you haven’t, clear your weekend schedule ASAP. The festival started this Monday 29 July and will run until this Sunday 4 August.
Part of Galway’s charm is its inclusivity – the array of people it draws – from the young bucks suited and booted to the ladies sporting head pieces and the auld lads shrewdly studying form.
You don’t need to be a racing aficionado to go, you just need to want to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. In celebration of the 150th Galway Races, Irish Country Living has put together a (bluffer’s) beginner’s guide to Galway.
The most important thing you need to know going to the Galway Races, regardless of what day you’re attending, is that you have to plan how you’re getting to Ballybrit. Taxis are in premium demand and there’s absolutely no guarantee you’ll get one unless it’s pre-booked. Buses are possibly your best option in getting from the city to the racecourse. A large number of buses go from Eyre Square to Ballybrit and back constantly. Getting home from Eyre Square later in the evening is every man for himself!
Of course, the main reason there’s all this rí ra agus rula bula is because of the ponies, so while you’re there, why not chance your arm at a bet. Pens out, racing journalist from The Irish Field, Ronan Groom, has the following tips:
Friday – Camphor (6:50)
The feature race at Galway on Friday is the Guinness Handicap and Jessica Harrington’s Camphor should make her presence felt. The daughter of Camelot absolutely demolished her rivals in the Ulster Oaks on her previous run and has since been bought into by Australian owners OTI Racing. Big things could be in store for her now and she can continue her progression at Ballybrit.
Saturday – Contingency (2:30)
Willie Mullins has taken five of the previous seven renewals of the valuable Galway Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle and he will have a strong hand again on Saturday. One of his entries, Contingency, also has an entry on Thursday so may run then but if she is kept for this contest, she has a big chance. The six-year-old mare has some excellent form courtesy of her second to Mr Adjudicator at the Punchestown Festival and she also won at this track last season.
Galway has a great food scene, but during the races everything is just that bit busier. First and foremost, you’re in the home of Supermac’s. At the Galway Races visiting this fast food outlet is a rite of passage. There’ll be a few different stands in Ballybrit. Not only does Supermac’s serve 100% Irish meat, you’re also guaranteed to see at least three people you know from home. If you’re heading to Friday evening’s meeting and have a bit more time, try 52 Central on Shop Street.
Whether you’re drinker or a non-drinker, the atmosphere in absolutely every pub in Galway is electric Race Week, so no matter where you go you’re guaranteed a good time. The “place to be” after the races is the Clayton Hotel in Ballybrit. It’s only a stone’s throw from the track and where a lot of people gather. Heading into town The Front Door, Taaffes and O’Connell’s are all solid options. If you’re not into crowds… beware!
Our last, and possibly most ambiguous (but also important) point is to just have fun. Don’t over-plan. There’s so much to do and see at the Galway Races, just go with it. Take in the atmosphere walking down Shop Street, listen to the buskers, watch the street performers, throw yourself in to that bar because there’s good trad on. And we’ll see you there!
(PS, ladies wear comfy heels and BRING FLATS.)
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