A full policing and traffic management plan is in place all this week, as crowds will descend on Galway city each day from today for the Galway Races.
Approximately 130,000 spectators are expected on course for the 7-day event, to enjoy the 54 races, 50 live music acts and a series of style competitions.
The top-tier Flat and National Hunt racing has a massive prize fund of just under €2.2 million.
New facilities this year include a revamp of the bar on the ground floor of the Killanin Stand and a new cocktail bar
Michael Moloney, CEO of Galway Racecourse, says the Galway Festival is a major tradition of the Irish summer that unites locals and visitors alike for seven days
The first race today is at 5.10pm and a reminder that Galway Bay fm will bring you each race live for the seven days.
