Galway Races 2026 at The Hardiman - Race Week on Eyre Square
Race & Stay 2026
Looking for a hotel near the Galway Races? The Hardiman on Eyre Square is where race week comes alive. We’re right in the heart of Galway City, with coach transfers to Ballybrit Racecourse departing from Eyre Square.
Our Race & Stay package gives you everything you need for a stylish race week: B&B in our luxurious rooms, a Full Irish Breakfast each morning in the Gaslight Brasserie, and a location that puts you at the centre of it all.
Start your morning with breakfast overlooking Eyre Square before heading out to Ballybrit. On your return, ease into the evening with a pre-dinner cocktail or glass of champagne in the Oyster Bar. Afterwards, head downstairs to MacNeill’s Pub for craft beers, Irish whiskey, and live music, or settle in at the Oyster Room for locally sourced seafood, Galway oysters, and a modern take on Irish classics. Round off the night with a relaxed nightcap as the buzz of Race Week drifts in from the square outside.
Race & Stay Package 2026
Our Race & Stay package is everything you need for a memorable Galway Races experience:
B&B accommodation in luxurious rooms
Full Irish Breakfast each morning in the Gaslight Brasserie
Eyre Square location where coach transfers to Ballybrit Racecourse depart each day to the Ballybrit racecourse.
Live music and big-screen racing at MacNeill’s Pub
Cocktails & Bubbles
Cocktails, Bubbles & Galway Oysters at the Oyster Bar
Kick off your race day in style at The Hardiman’s Oyster Bar. Sip on signature cocktails, a glass of Champagne, or try a classic Espresso Martini before heading to Ballybrit. For something truly Galway, order a round of fresh Galway oysters with a pint of Guinness, a race week tradition. After the races, the Oyster Bar is the perfect spot for a nightcap as Eyre Square buzzes with the evening atmosphere.
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MacNeill's Pub
MacNeill’s is your Race Week local.
Downstairs in The Hardiman, this is where the craic is after the last race, with perfectly poured pints, craft beers, signature cocktails and an extensive Irish whiskey selection. The food is proper gastro-pub fare, from Irish tapas to bigger plates like Irish stew and Galway Bay mussels, plus a weekend brunch menu. Catch all the racing action on the big screens, or settle in for live music as the evening unfolds. It’s the ideal spot for groups during Race Week.
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Afternoon Tea
Before or after a day at the races, gather your group for Afternoon Tea in The Hardiman’s elegant Parlour Lounge. Enjoy tiered sandwiches, freshly baked scones and handcrafted pastries, served with premium teas or barista coffees. Upgrade to Sparkling Afternoon Tea for €48pp with a glass of Prosecco. On weekends, live piano music adds to the atmosphere. A perfect Ladies’ Day treat. Served daily from 1:00–4:30pm. Booking recommended during Race Week.
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Oyster Room Restaurant
The Oyster Room is The Hardiman’s signature restaurant, overlooking Eyre Square. During Galway Race Week, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the races, offering locally sourced dishes and a carefully curated wine list. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended during Race Week. Guests can also enjoy a Full Irish Breakfast each morning at Gaslight Brasserie, served daily from 7:00am.
Oyster RoomWhy Choose The Hardiman for the Galway Races
Eyre Square. The Centre of Race Week. The Hardiman overlooks Eyre Square, the meeting point of Galway during race week. Coach transfers to Ballybrit depart from the square. Galway’s best pubs, late bars, and restaurants are all within walking distance. No taxis needed for the nightlife.
More Than a Hotel. A Race Week Experience. Start with breakfast in the Gaslight Brasserie. Pre-race cocktails in the Oyster Bar. Post-race pints and live music at MacNeill’s. Dinner with Galway oysters and locally sourced seafood. The Hardiman is your race week headquarters.
Our Rooms. All rooms offer stylish interiors, plush bedding, smart TVs, and Nespresso machines. After a long day at the races, you’ll appreciate the luxury.
Historic & Iconic. The Hardiman has stood on Eyre Square since 1852 and has been at the heart of Galway’s race week for over 170 years. This is where race week tradition meets modern luxury.
FAQ
Q: Where to stay for the Galway Races?
The Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square is one of the most popular places to stay during the Galway Races. Located in the heart of Galway City, the hotel is directly beside coach transfers to Ballybrit Racecourse. Guests can enjoy comfortable B&B accommodation with a Full Irish Breakfast, while Galway’s best pubs, restaurants, and late bars are all within walking distance after the races.
Q: What Galway Races packages does The Hardiman offer?
The Hardiman offers a Race & Stay package that includes B&B accommodation in our luxurious rooms and a Full Irish Breakfast each morning in the Gaslight Brasserie. Guests can easily access coach transfers to the racecourse from Eyre Square. Dining options are also available throughout the hotel, from relaxed pub food in MacNeill’s to cocktails in the Oyster Bar.
Q: How far is The Hardiman from Galway Racecourse?
Galway Racecourse at Ballybrit is approximately 4km from The Hardiman, around 10–15 minutes by car or coach. During race week, regular coach transfers run from Eyre Square, and taxis are readily available.
Q: Is there parking at The Hardiman during Race Week?
The Hardiman has a limited number of parking spaces available at Hynes Yard for an overnight fee. As availability is restricted during Race Week, guests are encouraged to use coach transfers from Eyre Square or public transport. The hotel is just a short walk from both the train and bus stations.
Q: Where is Galway Racecourse?
Galway Racecourse is located in Ballybrit, on the eastern outskirts of Galway City, approximately 5km from Eyre Square. During race week, regular coach services and taxis operate from the city centre.
Q: When are the Galway Races 2026?
The Galway Races Summer Festival 2026 takes place from Monday 27th July to Sunday 2nd August at Ballybrit Racecourse. This seven-day festival is one of the highlights of Ireland’s racing calendar.
Q: What food and dining options are available at The Hardiman during Race Week?
The Hardiman offers a range of dining options throughout Race Week. The Gaslight Brasserie serves Full Irish Breakfast each morning. Enjoy evening dining at The Oyster Room with locally sourced Irish ingredients. MacNeill’s Pub offers casual dining, craft beers, and live music, while the Oyster Bar is ideal for cocktails and Galway oysters. Afternoon Tea is also served daily in the Parlour Lounge.
Dining at The Hardiman
Light bites to initimate dining or cocktails before the main event. There is something to suit all tastes at The Hardiman.