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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Galway Races dress code, bag policy and 'banned' items
Almost 130,000 are set to descend onto Ballybrit racecourse this week for the Galway Races. And while there's cash to be made on the track with over €2.1 million in prize money up for grabs across 53 races, the stakes are also high when it comes to fashion at the Galway venue. Although there is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, smart casual attire is usually a safe option. Thursday and Friday offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and take part in fashion competitions, with exciting prizes to be won in the best-dressed contests. This year, The Ladies Day fashion panel will consist of style insiders Mandy Maher, Marietta Doran, and Lisa McGowan, who won the contest in 2016. Speaking about what she is looking for in style this Thursday, Lisa said: "To be back here as a judge feels like a full circle moment for me. "I'll be keeping an eye out for individuality and confidence - those little touches that make someone stand out." The 2016 best dressed Lady Lisa McGowan from Tullamore, Offaly (Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne) The Best Dressed competition is also getting its own glow-up with skincare brand Ella & Jo named as this year's sponsor. "Ladies Day has always been about expressing your individuality and celebrating personal style," said Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo, who will also serve as a Sponsor Judge. "We're so excited to bring that same sense of fun and confidence to this year's event, and we can't wait to see the incredible outfits on show." On Friday, ladies will have a second chance to nab the most stylish prize at Athlone Town Centre 'Friday's Most Stylish' from 4pm. Celebrity judge Kayleigh Trappe has been named as this year's judge along with Head Judge Marietta Doran. Kayleigh Trappe. The pair will be seeking stand-out style with sustainability in mind from attendees on the day. This year sees the biggest Prize Fund on offer to date for the competition winner with a Shop & Stay Break courtesy of Athlone Town Centre. The lucky winner will leave Galway Racecourse with a €2,500 Athlone Town Centre Gift Card, a luxury two night break in the four star Sheraton Athlone Hotel in a Deluxe Tower Room with dinner and spa treatments and a €500 voucher for Fields The Jewellers, who are one of the many retailers located in Athlone Town Centre. And while ladies will be dressing to impress to nab the impressive prize, punters need to be prepared for Ireland's ever-changing weather. It's wise to check the forecast when planning your outfit for the races. Punters need to be aware though that backpacks, and large bags are not permitted into the course, so ladies, pack lightly. Bags must be under 29.7cm × 21.7cm. If you do need to bring a backpack, there are no bag storage facilities available so please leave it at home. Bags could be searched on the way into the racetrack, so horse racing fans need to give plenty of time in case there are lengthy queues. Patrons should note that the bringing of alcohol, fireworks, smoke canisters, bottles, glasses, cans, flags, banners, poles, distress signals, laser pointers and other similar articles or containers, including anything which could or might be used as a weapon is strictly prohibited. You may also be searched at the entrance to Galway Racecourse which may include a full body pat down and/or use of hand held metal detectors. Any item(s), which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon, or which may cause danger or disruption to any other persons at the event, will be confiscated – and won't be returned. If a person does not wish to give consent for a search to take place, Galway Racecourse have a right to refuse admission. A view of Galway Racecourse (Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie) This racecourse policy is endorsed and supported by An Garda Síochána who will always be in the vicinity of the racecourse's designated search areas. Any complaint or issue should be notified to the Gardaí on the day. Signage is clearly displayed where searches are located and the policy and exact procedure are explained clearly by trained search teams, who are in place on the day before any search commences. Buggies and strollers are welcome – these are subject to searches and if you need to bring a medical bag with you, just let security know in advance. Tickets are still available and can be purchased on the Galway Races website. Punters can choose between different tickets including premium experiences, single day and multi-day tickets, as well as group packages. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Extra.ie
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: The countdown is on for this year's Galway Races
The Galway Races is always a standout highlight in the social calendar. This year's festivities kicked off at the Radisson RED Hotel in Galway. Guests were welcomed by Dr Colm O'Flaherty, newly-appointed chairman of the Galway Races committee and CEO Michael Moloney. Best Dressed judges Mandy Maher, Ella & Jo co-founder Niamh and Lisa McGowan at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy Gemma Ní Chionnaith hosted the launch as attendees were given an exclusive preview of what this year's festival has in store. A highlight of the day was the fashion panel, where experts Mandy Maher, Marietta Doran and Lisa McGowan took to the stage to discuss all things racewear. Marietta Doran, Mandy Maher and Lisa McGowan at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy Lisa McGowan, who was crowned Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races in 2016, will return to this year's festival as a guest judge. Lisa McGowan at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy She will join head judge Mandy Maher and Ella & Jo co-founder Niamh Ryan to judge the Best Dressed Competition. Mandy Maher at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo has been announced as sponsor of the highly coveted competition on Ladies Day. Ella & Jo co-founder Niamh Ryan at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy Speaking about the news, Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo, said: 'Ladies Day has always been about expressing your individuality and celebrating personal style,' Alan Clarke and Kieran O'Malley at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy 'We're so excited to bring that same sense of fun and confidence to this year's event, and we can't wait to see the incredible outfits on show!' Dearbhla Silke, Niamh Donovan and Emily Jean O'Byrne at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy 'To be back here as a judge feels like a full-circle moment for me,' Lisa McGowan added. Leonie Morelli, Hayley Coleman and Simona Va at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy 'I'll be keeping an eye out for individuality and confidence – those little touches that make someone stand out.' Pam Richardson at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy More than 130,000 revellers are expected to descend on Ballybrit between Monday, July 28, and Sunday, August 3. Hayley Doherty at the launch of the Galway Races 2025, at the Radisson RED Galway, which features the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Competition on July 31. Pic: Brian McEvoy Ladies Day at the Galway Races will take place on Thursday, July 31.
Irish Independent
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Galway Races fires starting pistol on festival with stylish launch on hotel rooftop –‘The excitement is unbelievable'
The glamorous event took place at Lena's Rooftop Bar as the glitterati of Galway came out to celebrate the momentous occasion. The evening was expertly MCed by broadcaster Gemma Ní Chionnaith, with special guest appearances from Mandy Maher, head judge of the iconic Ladies Day; Lisa McGowan, this year's Ladies Day Guest Judge; and Marietta Doran, host of Athlone Towncentre's Friday's Most Stylish competition. The event also celebrated key sponsorship milestones, including Diageo's 60th year of partnership with the Galway Races, Tote's 15th year sponsoring the historic Galway Plate, and Chanelle Pharma's 40th year supporting the Leading Trainer Award. Now in its 156th year, Galway Races is all set to fire the starting pistol on another run at Ballybrit with hopes for this turn to be better than ever. 'What we try to do is we build them over what we had here for years,' said Chairman of the Galway Races Committee Dr. Colm O'Flaherty. 'So it'll be fun, always a bit of craic, always superb racing and the excitement is unbelievable. What we always try and do is leave it a bit better every year. 'We've done a few physical changes with the racecourse this year, the enclosure, the parade ring. So it'll be as good as it's always been and hopefully better. As usual, Race Week will begin on Monday July 28 and canters on through until Sunday. With a jam-packed schedule of events, there's plenty to look forward to on each day – but Colm has a soft spot for one. He said: 'When I wasn't on committee, I used to love the Friday. It's the day when the people were always [at their best]. Thursdays is a superb day, but it's a day of its own, it's Ladies' Day and it has a complete life of its own, independent of the horses. Whereas Friday, Friday is a day when a lot of locals would leave maybe a couple of hours early at 3 o'clock and you'd meet them all up at the races. So Friday was a great local day.' No stranger to Galway's style scene, Lisa McGowan won the prestigious Ladies Day Competition in 2016. Originally from Tullamore, since her win she has built one of Ireland's most trusted and successful platforms, racking up 200,000 loyal followers on social media. She said of taking on the judging role: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be invited back to the Galway Races as the Guest Judge for Ladies Day 2025. 'This event holds a very special place in my heart, ever since I won Ladies Day myself in 2016. The style, the atmosphere, and the incredible talent in fashion make it one of the highlights of the Irish social calendar, and I can't wait to celebrate all the amazing looks and creativity on the day.' Lisa will be joining Ladies Day Head Judge Mandy Maher on the day. In her fourth year as head judge, Mandy said she still carries the privilege of winning her award with her: 'It's the one award, particularly in the industry that I'm in, that you would want to win. It was massive. I'd say they thought I'd never stop talking! It was brilliant, it was great, I'm very proud, but I'm carrying that award for people from the country that work extra hard.' Also attending the launch was newly-elected Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard, who was only too delighted to extoll the significance of the event. 'It's massive, I suppose it's the biggest race festival in the world, you ask me. And if you ask anybody around the world, where's the best racing festival, it's Galway' he said. 'It's not just because of the racing, it's the whole package you get. It's for all the family. Again, whether you an average race goer and know your horses inside out, whether you're just somebody going for a small bet, there's something in Ballybrit for everybody.' He added: 'Seven days a week, the entertainment is fantastic. So it's there for everybody to see, all the family to enjoy, it's a massive event and massive for Galway City.'
