OUR MOST POPULAR HOTEL
CONNACHT HOTEL
From 196 per person
The Connacht Hotel is located just outside of Galway City Centre only 10 minutes from Galway Racecourse. One of the best places to stay for the Galway Festival, recently renovated to a high standard. The En-Suite guest rooms are very comfotable with plenty of hanging space and all the amenities one would expect from a luxury Hotel. Guests can avail of the Free WiFi and use of the Spa and extensive leisure facilities on offer. The Connacht Hotel has a warm and friendly atmosphere and an apres racing drink in the bar will always be most enjoyable with entertainment on all nights.
One of the most popular hotels for guests racing at Galway you can enjoy use of the fabulous Spa and Leisure Centre and after a great workout or treatment why not enjoy a hearty meal in the Bar or the Restaurant. If you are not racing, a coffee in the very comfortable guest lobby is very pleasant too. Galway City is the social hub of the area with many great local bars, restaurants and entertainment each night, all within 15 minutes walking distance or a short taxi ride from the Hotel.
Your booking is safe and secure with us, online or over the phone or by email for any number of guests, with just one fully refundable €100 deposit backed up by our 100% refund guarantee. If you do not see exactly what you want please do contact us, one of our expert staff will be delighted to help.
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WHATS INCLUDED
Our Race and Stay Packages include all you need for a great stay for the Galway Festival
Racing takes place each day at Galway from Monday 27th July to Sunday 2nd August 2026
WHEN YOU BOOK
Over 80,000 happy guests have booked with Race and Stay and when you book with us you can chose to pay a €100 deposit or Pay In Full. Either way your payment to us is fully refundable anytime up until 10/06/26. When you book you will be automatically emailed a BOOKING CONFIRMATION which contains all the details of your requested booking.
AFTER YOU BOOK
Our booking terms are very fair and easy to understand, for both you and us. After you have booked you can email us to change anything, add extras or cancel your booking in full and receive a full refund anytime up until 31 days before you arrive. From 31 days through event no refunds are possible but you may be able to change some minor details.
ARRIVING BY CAR
Parking for hotel guests at Connacht Hotel, Galway is available free of charge to residents. The car park is located outside and underneath the hotel. The car park is accessible by elevator to the Hotel lobby and then all floors. Driving Directions are available HERE.
PRIVATE TRANSPORT
Private Transfers are available to and from any location to Galway with our travel partner, Platinum Driving Services. You can enquire and book direct HERE. For Groups of 7 or more guests we can offer Private return coach transport from €250 each way.
CHECKING IN
Please go to Hotel reception and check in. If you arrive before check in time (3:30pm) you may not have access to your room. In this case the Hotel will store your luggage for you until your room is ready. The Hotel will be 100% full during this event so please be prepared for a longer check in time than normal.
OUR GUEST DESK
Our Race and Stay guest desk is located a short distance from Hotel reception. Our staff are based there from early each day and this is where you will collect your race tickets from each day. We are there to help you have the best time possible. Please check our screens for the latest information.
YOUR ROOM AND COMFORT
The Connacht rooms are all en-suite are very comfortable and feature signature Beds and Pillows. You'll have plenty of hanging space for your clothes, with in room safe, tea and coffee station, hairdryer, flat screen TV and channels, iron and board, fluffy towels and all you need for your stay.
EATING AND DRINKING
There are 3 main food options at the Connacht. The Ruebens restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Atrium and Lobby for casual dining and Bar Solo, serving cocktails, Beers and Spirits with entertainment each evening. Bookings are essential for all meals: Call + 353 91 381200
ENTERTANMENT
The Connacht Hotel put on evening entertainment all nights in Bar Solo, always great fun. If you'd rather take a trip into the City Centre then taxis are in the rank outside the Hotel or you can book at recpetion or alternatively you can use taxi app's Uber or Free Now. The cost will be about €10 each way.
HOTEL LEISURE
The Connacht Fitness & Leisure centre, features a 20-metre laned indoor pool designed for both fitness and relaxation. Our 24 Hour Galway Gym offers an array of facilities and a team of friendly, professional staff who are on hand to advise and assist. Also available is a Sauna, Steam Room and Jacuzzi.
THE CONNACHT
The Connacht Hotel have been long standing sponsors of the Galway Races with the Connacht Handicap being one of the valuable and feature races of the festival week. You'll be surrounded by like minded guests who are all going racing during your stay. Many Jocks, Trainers, TV presenters and our staff stay here.
THE RACES
Key races feature on each day of the week Monday and Tuesday are evening meetings. Wednesday is a premier day featuring the Tote Galway Plate. Thursday is Ladies Day, which features the Guinness Galway Hurdle. Friday is an evening meeting. Saturday and Sunday are afternoon meetings.
RACE TRANSPORT
Our coaches depart between 15:15 and 15:30 to Galway Racecourse on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 12:00 on Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Where the coach drops you off is where you'll catch the coach back. Our return coach departs 40 minutes after the last race each day.
TICKETS & HOSPITALITY
Please collect your race tickets from our Guest Desk no later than 30 minutes before departure. When you arrive at the racecourse entrance you will have your ticket scanned and you are free to enjoy your day. Premier Lounge and Hospitality guests will be escorted by our staff to the area they are booked into.
AT THE RACES
All days will be very busy but great fun. At the races there are several food and drinks outlets outside and inside the grandstands. Entertainment will be on during the afternoon and after racing and if you'd prefer to stay on for the evening just let us know, transport back to Galway is available at the entrance.
WHAT TO WEAR
There is no formal dress code on Irish Racecourses but no sportswear or anything offensive. For the Ladies, if you want to “glam up for the day” please do so, but do also dress for the weather. For the Gents, smart casual always works in all areas but the main rule is to be comfortable and warm in what you are wearng.
PARADE RING LOUNGE
From €50 pp
Designed by us for the guests who want a fun and comfortable experience. Join us in the exclusive Race and Stay Parade Ring Lounge on Wednesday & Thursday you can enjoy our Racing Previews with Dave Jennings, Daryl Jacob and Patrick Mullins.
RESEREVED SEATING
From €35 pp
Located on the first floor of the grandstand the Reserved seating section of the grandstand also allows access to the Winning Line Bar, located immediately behind the seating blocks. All seats are numbered and the seat you have been allocated is yours for the day.
PANORAMIC HOSPITALITY
From €320 pp
Located in the Millenium or Killanin Grandstand with panoramic windows with great views. You also have access to all other facilities. 4 Course Lunch with Complimentary Bar for the afternnon, race card and reserved restaurant seat for the day.
Please note that all information is given "as is" at the time of publication. Your full guest information will be emailed to you during the first week of July which will contain all you'll need to know about your stay with us. If you have any questions about the Galway Festival please do email us HERE
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
" Once again I would like to thank you and your team for another wonderful festival experience, with a special thank you to Amanda, the way we are treated from arrival to departure is second to none & speaks volumes for your professionalism & dedication to your guests. " Brynn
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