As the Galway Races Summer Festival enters its latter half, anticipation is building for a thrilling line-up of racing, fashion, and family fun to close out Ireland’s most celebrated racing event.
Ladies Day: Thursday, July 31
Thursday marks the renowned Ladies Day, combining the best of fashion and racing with the highly anticipated Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat Competitions, offering a €13,000 cash bonanza. This year, the competition is sponsored by Ella & Jo, a powerhouse Irish skincare brand founded in 2017 by skin therapist Niamh Ryan and makeup artist Charlene Flanagan.
The brand, which recently won Best Beauty Brand 2025 and the CEW Beauty Award for Best New Brand Prestige in 2024, will host exclusive experiences on the day, including a Hyaluronic Skin Mist Bar and surprise giveaways for racegoers.
Judging the competition will be style experts Mandy Maher, Lisa McGowan, and Ella & Jo co-founder Niamh Ryan. Pre-registration is required via the Galway Races website from 6pm on Wednesday, July 30, with judges contacting finalists on Thursday morning to view their outfits in person. Judging will commence at 11.30am and conclude by 3pm.
Thursday’s racing highlight is the prestigious Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap, boasting a prize fund of €300,000, cementing the day as a cornerstone of the Irish racing calendar. Turnstiles open at 11.15am, with the first of eight races off at 2.10pm and the final race at 6.05pm.
Friday’s Most Stylish: Friday, August 1
Fashion continues into Friday with the return of Athlone Towncentre’s Friday’s Most Stylish competition, now in its thirteenth year. The competition places a strong emphasis on standout style and sustainability. Judging begins at 4pm in the Athlone Towncentre Marquee located behind the Grandstand, with finalists announced at 6.10pm and the winner revealed shortly after at 6.20pm.
While this year’s prizes are yet to be revealed, last year’s winner received a €2,000 Athlone Towncentre gift card, a luxury two-night break at the Sheraton Athlone Hotel with spa treatments, and a white gold diamond pendant from Fields Jewellers. Racegoers can expect an equally impressive package this year. Turnstiles open at 2.30pm on Friday with racing running from 5pm to 8.40pm across eight competitive races.
The Weekender: Saturday, August 2
Saturday is expected to draw large crowds making the most of the Bank Holiday weekend with eight thrilling flat races. With live bands, DJs, outstanding hospitality, and high-calibre racing, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Turnstiles open from 11.30am, the first race is scheduled for 2.00pm, and the last of the eight races will take place at 6.05pm.
Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day: Sunday, August 3
The festival concludes with Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day on Sunday, sponsored by Ireland West Airport. A highlight for young racegoers, this day features over twenty free children’s activities, including magic shows, inflatable games, teacup rides, a miniature train, and much more.
The Mad Hatters Competition will be judged by Laura Broderick, with extraordinary prizes on offer. The children’s first prize is a family trip to Barcelona Girona with seven nights in a luxury KelAir Campotel mobile home in June 2026. Second prize is a family trip to Milan Bergamo, including tickets to Gardaland at Lake Garda, while third prize is a trip to London Heathrow with Legoland tickets. Adults can win return flights for two to Malaga this winter with complimentary parking, lounge access, and a retail voucher at Ireland West Airport.
Turnstiles open at 11.30am on Sunday, with racing running from 1.50pm to 5.30pm across eight races.
For racegoers, fashion enthusiasts, and families alike, the remaining days of the Galway Races 2025 promise unmissable experiences to close out the summer festival in unforgettable style.
