Galway Races Ladies Day 2025 | Galway Races Fashion Guide

© Photo Healy RacingThe Galway Races are as synonymous with style and fashion as they are with the action on the turf at Ballybrit.

From Monday 28th July through until Sunday 3rd August the Galway Races will dominate the racing agenda in Ireland and day four is famously known as 'Ladies Day', bringing together top-tier horse racing and exquisite fashion.

Galway Races - Ladies Day - Thursday 31st July

Thursday, famously known as Ladies Day, brings together top-tier horse racing and exquisite fashion. The day features the highly anticipated Galway Hurdle Handicap race, with an impressive prize fund of €270,000.

For the complete festival schedule, you can check out our 2025 Galway Races dates page.

Raceday Advice

If you are planning a trip to the world famous Galway Races, here are some essential tips to maximise your enjoyment!

Getting there

Located just off the M6 motorway, Galway Racecourse is easily accessible from Dublin, Cork, Limerick or any other location around Ireland.

Get there early

Turnstiles open two hours before the first race on the day. This gives you a chance to explore your surroundings before racing kicks off.

Bag checks

For the Ladies Day attendees, a handbag is going to be essential. Bags may be searched on entry to the racecourse and to avoid lengthy queues it is strongly advised you to allow plenty of time to get into the racecourse.

Eating at the course

There are plenty of delicious on-the-go and casual food options available to racegoers throughout the racecourse, in addition to exquisite hospitality packages where you get to enjoy the ultimate race day experience.

These include:

Dress Code

There is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, but smart casual attire is usually a safe option. Considering Ireland's ever-changing weather, it's wise to check the forecast when planning your outfit for the races.

The Thursday and Friday of the Galway Races offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and take part in fashion competitions, with exciting prizes to be won in the best-dressed contest.

In recent times, the 'Best Dressed' winner at the Galway Races has received a prize valued at €10,000, with the 'Best Hat' winner collecting a prize worth €3,000.

Stylist and model agency boss Mandy Maher has been a part of the Galway Races judging panel for the Ladies Day awards in recent times and offers this advice to racegoers hoping to impress.

"Remember that it is a day event we're at. It's not a night out on the town, it's not a ball. It's a day race meeting and people should keep that in mind.

"I would like to make the point that it's not about what you spend on an outfit.

"It is about putting an outfit together that's stylish and elegant. Regardless of whether it's high street, a boutique or a high-end designer, it doesn't make any difference."