Where to stay for Galway Races 2025
The Galway Races are upon us once again, and the electric atmosphere has started to roll into the city. These joyous, fun-filled seven days of the Summer racing calendar are a great time of the year to visit Galway.
From stunning fashion statements on Ladies day to the feature race for the Galway plate, everything culminates at the Galway racecourse in July.
This famous racing festival is usually seen as the most social racing event of the Irish calendar. With unrivalled action from Monday 28th July until Sunday 3rd of August, you’re bound to see some hilarious moments at this race meeting.
There are four days that tickets sell out for, they are Opening Day, the Galway Plate, ladies Day and the Hurdle. Each of the seven days are packed with exciting races, but racing fans pick up these tickets first.
Opening Day sees the festival kick off with a bang, locals and loyal racegoers come every year for the tradition. It’s a great time to go for first timers as it’s less crowded and allows you to find your bearings.
The Galway Plate is held on the Wednesday and is probably the most prestigious race of the week. A steeplechase dating back to 1869, a key race in the year. A day for the purists.
Ladies day, not to be missed. Best dressed ladies battle it out for the title, there’s action on the course and around it. Book your hair and make-up in the NRGize beauty rooms and get into the action of the competition.
Friday’s Galway hurdle is the richest hurdle race in Ireland. It’s one of the best days for the quality of racing, and a sunny day in the middle of Summer is hard bet! The racing is serious at the Ballybrit course.
Staying at the Clybaun Hotel
The Clybaun is well located for visiting the Galway Races, less than 20 minutes in a car or taxi. We have a spacious surface car park, along with underground parking. There is space for coaches too.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a first timer to the galway races, you will need to have a comfortable place to rest each evening. The Clybaun is freshly refurbished, with spacious rooms in styles of doubles, twins and suites.
The Courtyard Restaurant is open every day, from Breakfast until 11pm each night. An extensive bar food menu is served daily from 12.00pm in the Courtyard. You don’t need to make a reservation, simply walk in and we will look after you with true Irish hospitality.
Refresh every morning in the NRG Leisure Centre, offering a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and a gym. A quick work out in the morning will ensure you’re able to lift your heavy wallet in the afternoon with the winnings from the track!
Check out our wide range of offers at the Clybaun and score a deal on racing breaks!
It’s not all racing in Galway City
While the Galway festival spans seven days, it’s not the only show in the city. The Clybaun is well located for exploring other attractions in Galway city and beyond. Having a family day in Salthill is a great way to bring all the family for the racing.
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way by car, and use our family hotel as your base for the Galway leg. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches along Ireland’s West coast from Donegal in the North to Cork in the South and Clybaun Hotel is at its very heart.
Enjoy the nightlife of Galway City and the craic the Galway Races brings the Eyre Square and Shop Street. Tuck into some of the famous pubs for a pint, or grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants lining the streets.
The Galway Races is what you make of it!
Booking your stay at the Clybaun
Rooms at the Clybaun are snapped up fast for the week-long festival. Get in early to ensure you get a great deal. There is a flexible booking policy, any cancellations made after 12 Noon two days prior to arrival, will be charged for the first night’s stay.
View the best rates for your Galway Festival stay now.