Group transport for the Galway Races
The Galway Races Summer Festival runs for seven days, 26 July to 1 August 2027, at the racecourse in Ballybrit, east of Galway city. Pick your day first, then plan the transport around it.
Choosing a race day
The Galway Plate is on Wednesday 28 July 2027 and Ladies Day on Thursday 29 July. Those are the two named days, so if you want one of them, ask for a quote early. The other five days of racing give more choice of vehicle and time.
Dates and venue
- 26 July - 1 August 2027
- Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, east of Galway city
The M6 or the city shuttle
The racecourse is just off the M6, which suits groups coming from Dublin or the midlands. That road passes the M4 Kilcock-Kinnegad and N6 Galway-Ballinasloe toll points, so ask whether tolls are in the price quoted.
Groups staying in Galway have another option. In 2026, shuttle buses ran to the racecourse from Eyre Square, outside The Skeff. If that runs again in 2027, a hired coach may only be needed to bring the group into the city, not out to Ballybrit.
After the last race
The end of the day is where plans slip. Agree the pick-up point with the operator in advance, set a fixed departure time and count heads before leaving. The operator checks the racecourse's coach arrangements for the year before the day.
Staying for the week
If one coach and driver stay with the group for several days, remember daily rest: at least 11 hours, which a driver may shorten to 9 hours on no more than three days between weekly rests. A late finish at Ballybrit means a later start the next morning. Hotels cluster around Eyre Square, the Docks and Lough Atalia, Salthill and Oranmore.
A free day could take in the Cliffs of Moher, about 1.5 h from Galway; coach arrivals and all groups of 10 or more must book in advance.
Flying in for the festival
Ireland West Airport Knock is about 60-65 minutes from Galway, Shannon about 1 h 10 min and Dublin about 2.5 h.
Questions
When are the Galway Races in 2027?
26 July to 1 August 2027: seven days of racing at Ballybrit.
Which day is the Galway Plate?
Wednesday 28 July 2027. Ladies Day follows on Thursday 29 July.
Is there a shuttle from the city centre?
In 2026 shuttle buses ran from Eyre Square, outside The Skeff. Check the 2027 arrangements before building a plan on it.
Cities
Airports
Get a race-day quote
Send the day, pick-up point and headcount. A licensed partner operator prices it, and the decision is yours.
Request a quote or call 35312659152