Seven Days. Seven Looks. Your Galway Races 2026 Style Guide
The Galway Races Summer Festival 2026 runs from Monday 27th July to Sunday 2nd August at Ballybrit Racecourse. Seven days, seven different vibes — and seven opportunities to get your outfit absolutely right. Here's your day-by-day style guide from Ivory Lane.
Monday 27th July — Opening Night
Feature Race: The Connacht Hotel Handicap
Vibe: Fun, relaxed and local — Opening Night has a warm community feel with live music and the Galway Tenors performing. It's celebratory rather than high fashion.
Style: Smart casual with a fashion edge. A bold printed midi dress or a chic co-ord set. Colour is your friend — don't be afraid to stand out. Block heels or wedges are ideal.
Ivory Lane pick: Browse our Dresses & Jumpsuits collection for the perfect opening night look.
Tuesday 28th July — Tribes Tuesday
Feature Race: Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap
Vibe: Community spirit and local pride — clubs and teams from across Galway come together. Relaxed, family-friendly and buzzing with energy.
Style: This is a great day to have fun with fashion. A jumpsuit, a co-ord, or a dress in an unexpected colour or print. Comfortable and stylish — you'll be on your feet all day.
Ivory Lane pick: Our Co-Ord collection is perfect for Tribes Tuesday.
Wednesday 29th July — Galway Plate Day
Feature Race: Tote Galway Plate
Vibe: One of the most anticipated days of the entire festival. The Galway Plate is a huge racing occasion — the atmosphere is electric and the crowd is large and passionate. Michael English performs in the evening.
Style: Elegant and polished. A classic midi or maxi dress in a solid colour or subtle print. Start building your accessories game ahead of Ladies Day tomorrow — statement earrings and a structured clutch.
Ivory Lane pick: Browse our Occasion Wear edit for polished, race-ready options.
Thursday 30th July — Ladies Day ⭐
Feature Race: Guinness Galway Hurdle
Vibe: THE day. The most glamorous, most photographed, most fashion-forward day of the entire Irish racing calendar — with a €10,000 prize for the best dressed. This is your moment.
Style: Go all out. A show-stopping occasion dress, a perfectly tailored co-ord, or a statement jumpsuit. A fascinator or hat is essential — tilted slightly to one side for the most flattering look. Match your metals, keep your accessories cohesive, and choose a block heel or wedge for comfort.
Ivory Lane tip: Ladies Day style is about confidence as much as clothes. Wear something you feel incredible in.
Shop the look: Occasion Wear · Jewellery · Accessories
Friday 31st July — Friday's Most Stylish
Feature Race: Guinness Handicap
Vibe: Fresh energy and individuality — Friday's Most Stylish (in partnership with Athlone Towncentre) celebrates creativity and confidence. Bank Holiday Weekend vibes start here.
Style: Bold, individual and fashion-forward. This is the day to showcase your personality — statement accessories, unexpected colour combinations, and looks that turn heads. The competition draws incredible entries from across the country so bring your A-game.
Ivory Lane tip: Pick a hero piece — a standout dress, a statement bag or incredible earrings — and build your whole look around it.
Shop the look: New In · Accessories
Saturday 1st August — The Weekender
Feature Race: BOYLESports Handicap Hurdle
Vibe: Bank Holiday Saturday at its best — huge crowds, high energy and that unmistakable Galway buzz. The course fills early and the festival feel is at its peak.
Style: Relaxed but still polished. A chic midi dress, smart trousers with a blouse, or a light summer co-ord. Comfortable footwear is key for a big Bank Holiday day — you'll want to make the most of every moment.
Ivory Lane pick: Shop our full New In collection for fresh Weekender options.
Sunday 2nd August — Mad Hatter's Family Funday 🎩
Feature Race: Ahonoora Handicap
Vibe: A joyful, colourful close to the festival — delivered in partnership with Ireland West Airport. All ages welcome, with a Mad Hatter's hat competition, entertainment and activities throughout the afternoon.
Style: This is the fun one — creativity and colour rule the day. Handcrafted hats, bold prints, clashing colours and playful accessories are all encouraged. Build your outfit around your hat and go as wild as you like. It's the perfect family day out with a fashion twist.
Ivory Lane tip: Get the kids involved — Mad Hatter's Family Funday is as much about the little ones as it is about the grown-ups. Family admission tickets are available in advance at €42.50.
Shop Your Galway Races Edit at Ivory Lane
Whatever day you're heading to Ballybrit, Ivory Lane has you covered. Visit us in store at our boutique in Oranmore, Co. Galway, our boutique in Castletroy Town Centre, Limerick, and our Jewellery Pod in Castletroy Town Centre — or shop online at ivorylane.ie.
New arrivals added weekly. Don't leave it too late — the best pieces sell out fast before the races. 🐎