Galway’s business community came together recently for a special event designed to highlight the opportunity for local businesses to benefit from the 130,000 visitors expected to attend the Galway Races Summer Festival.
Held in the historic St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church in the heart of Galway City, the event welcomed over 120 representatives from businesses across the city and county, reflecting the strong interest in connecting Galway’s wider business community with one of Ireland’s most celebrated summer events.
The afternoon opened with a powerful retrospective video showcasing highlights from last year’s Galway Races, capturing the atmosphere, colour and excitement that the festival brings to the city each summer.
The event was hosted by MCs Ollie Turner and Alan Clarke, who guided attendees through an engaging programme that celebrated the unique role the Galway Races play in the city’s cultural and economic life.
Guests also enjoyed watching the exhilarating Cheltenham Champion Hurdle together, adding a taste of racing excitement to the evening’s programme.
In a memorable moment to close the event, attendees were treated to a surprise performance from the Timahoe Men’s Choir, whose uplifting performance added a fitting sense of celebration and community to the gathering.
The event highlighted the opportunity for businesses across hospitality, retail, tourism and services to engage with the festival and connect with the large number of visitors who travel to Galway during race week.
The Galway Races Summer Festival 2026 will take place from Monday, July 27, to Sunday, August 2, bringing an estimated 130,000 racegoers to the city across the week.
As preparations begin across the city, businesses are encouraged to consider how they might take part and make the most of the festival atmosphere.
The afternoon concluded with a simple question for Galway’s business community: “What are you doing to get Races Ready?”
