Galway Races

Galway Races (Irish Rasai na Gaillimhe ) is the name of several annual horse races taking place in Galway, Ireland. Nationally known is especially hard week in the summer, which traditionally begins on the last Monday in July and will be held at the racecourse in Ballybrit neighborhood. Smaller races will take place in September and October. The last event in the summer of 2007 was visited by the organizers of 210,000 viewers; Moreover, a prize money of 1.9 million pounds was paid.

The history of horse racing in Galway dates back to the thirteenth century, when organized in County Galway tournaments were held. After events in the years 1764 and 1864 races were annually held in Ballybrit of 1869. At least since the first broadcasts of the Galway Races 1929 race weekends is an important part of Irish sports world.

From the immense importance of race proven by various Irish folk songs, which were later found among others in the versions of The Dubliners or The Pogues entrance into pop culture.