In pictures - Stylish punters soak up the action on Day One of the Galway Races
It is one of the biggest events on the Irish social and sporting calendar, with thousands of punters flocking to the Ballybrit track on Monday for the week-long festival's curtain-raiser.
Sporting floral dresses and elegant fascinators, women looked the part while men got suited and booted for the occasion.
There is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, but many punters took the opportunity to look their best on the opening day.
The Summer Festival runs from Monday, July 28 to Sunday, August 3 - combining the very best in horse racing and stunning fashion.
The Galway Races has become as much about the atmosphere and entertainment as the racing itself, with live music, food, pop-up events, and the ever-popular Ladies Day all forming part of the experience.
With the sun shining on Monday, punters could be seen wearing their summer wear with sunglasses aplenty on Day One of the festival.
Check out our picture gallery here to get a taste of the action.
Jockey Eoin Kelly tickles young Daire Kelly before riding Ciao Adios in the 2nd race at Galway Races (Image: INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 1 of 17
A view of the first fence in The Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 2 of 17
Oliver Kelly and Grace Kirwan from Galway enjoying the first day of the Galway Races (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 3 of 17
JP McManus arrives via helicopter at Galway Racecourse, Galway, Ireland (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire) 4 of 17
Rosalind Lipsett from Dublin enjoying the first day of the Galway Races (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 5 of 17
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