Galway might be known for the gallop at Ballybrit, but this Race Week, the real trot is into town. From July 28 to July 30, Summer Vibes returns to bring the pulse of the party right into the heart of the city. Whether you are just back from the track or have no plans to set foot near it, Galway is very much open for a good time to be had.
Forget the old tale that the city centre gets too packed to enjoy. This year, the call is going out to locals and visitors to come in, come early, and come often. Galway is ready to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a side of coffee, cocktails, chats and craic.
From Monday morning to Wednesday evening, the city will be buzzing with pop-up gigs, fashion shows, yoga sessions, walking tours, and even disco bikes lighting up the Westend after dark. Whether you are taking in a fashion show at Brown Thomas, stretching it out with yoga at Spanish Arch, or stumbling across a surprise Fanzini performance in Eyre Square, there is something for every kind of Galway-goer.
New this year is a curated trail linking Galway’s most iconic venues, from classic pubs to buzzing cafés and indie food spots. Hungry for a bite? Curious about a new band? Fancy a chilled pint on a sunny terrace? This trail makes it easy to enjoy what Galway does best—laid-back local magic, all within walking distance.
Of course, Galway’s famous live music is never far away. Bars across the city centre will be alive with sound, from trad sessions and late-night bands to mellow acoustic sets. The music is not just staying indoors either, so expect impromptu buskers, curated street sounds, and spontaneous street spectacle to surprise and delight throughout the day. It is a city-wide jam session.
Frequent shuttle buses by Bus Éireann connect the city and the racecourse, so whether you are heading in or winding down, travel is easy and sustainable. Festival ambassadors, trained by Galway Volunteer Centre, will be dotted across the city offering local tips, maps and recommendations.
Louise Osborne of Galway City Council puts it plainly: “Race Week belongs to everyone. Galway comes alive when the streets are filled with people, music, fashion, food and a good old chat.”
So, if you have ever thought Race Week was not for you, think again. Come in for breakfast, stay for lunch, and wander into a pop-up gig on your way to dinner.
Real-time event details and all the action are at www.galwaysummervibes.ie and across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
