Galway Races

Galway Races

Dublin to Galway - The Road Home

"To racegoers travelling along the Dublin to Galway road, the names on the signposts are a magical incantation: Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Horseleap, Moate, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Aughrim, Kilreekill, Loughrea, and Craughwell. Fields and hedgerows rush by; the distinctive stone walls of Galway begin to appear; and the pulse quickens.

Oranmore at last! Devotees converge from Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, their eyes alert for the heart-warming directional signs to 'The Galway Races'.

Traffic Branch gardai ensure the smooth flow of traffic. You park your car and emerge to the nostalgic scent of freshly mown grass and the familiar echoing sound of the public address system.

The ivied ruins of the Old Norman castle and the distant prospect of the hills of Clare evoke memories of previous Galway Races.

At last! The long wait is over. You're home!"

Gerard McLoughlin