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Galway Races
It's six days of hard partying and only the strong should even attempt to do the whole thing. There will be late nights with card games aplenty in every hotel for miles around, parties will the thrown, the streets of Galway will be thronged with not just race goers but their families - many decamp to Galway this week every year.
At the course the racing may not be of the very highest calibre but every race is hotly contested and the level of betting can reach stunning proportions.
Galway is famously an must on the calendar of Ireland's movers and shakers - politicians of every hue will all be there but it is Fianna Fail, Ireland's largest political party, who have really made the event their own. From the Toiseach (prime minister) to the lowliest junior backbencher, they have traditionally been there and partying hard in the Fianna Fail tent.
However in 2008, perhaps in a reflection of changed economic conditions in Ireland which has resulted in fewer people being willing to splash the cash quite as ostenatiously as they have in recent years, the Fianna Fail tent is no more. But if there is one safe bet at Galway it is that the diehards who return annually will be there just the same.
Where to Stay for Galway Races
I'd once have said that finding somewhere to stay during race week was a struggle - not any more, there's been an explosion in the number of beds in and around the city. Now I'd even risk booking late in the hope of a bargain price.
Westwood House Hotel
€€€-€€€€ Hotels, Galway City.
Located outside the city centre on the road to Clifden, this is a 4 star hotel in a modern... [More]
Barnacles Hostel
€-€€ Hostels, Galway City.
Very centrally located in Quay St, right opposite the well-known Quays Pub, this is a clean... [More]
The Bayberry House
€€ Bed and Breakfasts, Galway City.
Just outside Galway city on the way to Salthill, this fine house is run by exceptionally friendly... [More]
Galway Holiday Apartments
€-€€ Self-catering, Galway City.
A bright, spacious, well-kept apartment, with great views over Galway Bay, located in a modern... [More]
Sleepzone
€ Hostels, Galway City.
A model of what a hostel can be, this large modern facility is almost hotel like in its decor.... [More]
Getting Away from the Races!
Not everyone wants to spend all day everyday in Ballybrit! Here are some tours to consider when it all becomes too much.
One Day Tour of Connemara
Tour itinerary for a one-day self-drive tour of Connemara, including Clifden, the Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey and Maam Cross.
Shannon to Galway
A half-day tour, suitable as a tour en route for those arriving in Shannon Airport and heading for Galway, but equally doable in the reverse direction.
Walking Tour of Galway City
A short tour around the centre of Galway, City of the Tribes, which could easily be completed in a couple of hours.
One Day Burren Tour
A somewhat longer tour than is usual, and a very full day. Starts in Galway, with alternative ends to finish in either Galway or Ennis.
Where to Eat in Galway
We have a single page guide to eating out in Galway , which suggests good places to eat in all price ranges.
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What else to do in Galway?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our Galway City Area Guide.
