The Galway Races is delighted to announce that Hayley Coleman will be the Guest Judge for this year’s Mad Hatters Competition.
Taking place on Sunday, 2nd August 2026, Mad Hatters Family Fun Day is once again proudly sponsored by Ireland West Airport, a long-time supporter of this much-loved family event for almost 20 years.
This year is particularly special as Ireland West Airport celebrates 40 years since opening its doors in 1986, marking four decades of connecting the West of Ireland with destinations across Europe and beyond.
The airport’s continued support of the Mad Hatters Competition reflects its long-standing commitment to community, family experiences and tourism across the region.
A proud Mayo native, Hayley Coleman is renowned for her vibrant sense of style and strong connection to the West of Ireland, making her the perfect choice to judge one of the most colourful and creative competitions of the Galway Festival.
Now a much-anticipated tradition, Mad Hatters Family Fun Day has become a highlight of the summer calendar for families throughout the West of Ireland, combining creativity, family fun and thrilling racing action into one unforgettable day.
Get the whole family involved and hand-make your very own hat for the races! We're looking for hats that are creative, original and sustainable, so start collecting your recycled materials and let your imagination run wild. Whether it's cardboard, fabric scraps, ribbons, feathers or recyclable household items, the possibilities are endless.
Speaking about her appointment as Guest Judge, Hayley Coleman said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be Guest Judge for the Mad Hatters Competition at the Galway Races. As someone from the West of Ireland, I know how special this event is for families. I can't wait to see the creativity on display and the unique ways people incorporate sustainability into their designs. It’s a wonderful day out, and I’m honoured that Ireland West Airport has invited me to be part of it.”
Fantastic Prizes Up for Grabs
With a spectacular line-up of prizes on offer, competition is sure to be fierce. A huge thank you to KelAir Campotel for sponsoring such an amazing first place prize!
1st Prize: Partnering with KelAir Campotel and Ryanair to offer a return trip for 2 adults and 2 children to Barcelona Girona, including 7 nights’ accommodation in a luxury mobile home in one of their resorts in June 2027.
2nd Prize: Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children to Milan Bergamo, including tickets to Gardaland at Lake Garda.
3rd Prize: Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children to London Heathrow with Aer Lingus, including tickets to LEGOLAND.
Adult Prize: Return flights to Malaga with Ryanair for 2 adults this winter, including free parking at Ireland West Airport during your stay, complimentary use of the Ireland West Executive Lounge, and a €50 Shop West retail voucher.
Commenting on Ireland West Airport’s continued sponsorship of the event, Donal Healy, Head of Marketing & Communications at Ireland West Airport, said: “As we celebrate 40 years since Ireland West Airport first opened, we're delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the Galway Races and support one of the most enjoyable family events of the summer. The Mad Hatters Competition brings together imagination, creativity and community spirit, and we're proud to offer fantastic travel prizes that will create lasting memories for the winning families. We look forward to seeing the incredible designs on display this year.”
Olivia Lynch Ward, Commercial Marketing Manager at Galway Races, added: “Mad Hatters Family Fun Day continues to grow in popularity every year and has become a cherished tradition for so many families. We are delighted to welcome Hayley Coleman as our Guest Judge for 2026, a previous Ladies Day Winner! We are grateful to Ireland West Airport for their ongoing support, particularly during this milestone year as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. The creativity, enthusiasm and sustainability shown by participants never fail to impress, and we look forward to another colourful and memorable day at Ballybrit.”
There’s something for everyone at Mad Hatters Family Fun Day, with a thrilling afternoon of racing and entertainment for all ages. Whether you're competing for one of the fantastic prizes, cheering on family and friends, or simply enjoying the colourful atmosphere, Mad Hatters Family Fun Day promises excitement, creativity, laughter and unforgettable memories for the whole family.
So gather your cardboard, feathers, glitter and ribbons, get crafting, and prepare to impress Hayley with your creations.
See you in Ballybrit.
