As much a part of the Irish summer as GAA, dodgy weather and the Rose of Tralee, the Galway Races are here again.

The phrase ‘See Naples and Die’ may be very well known but it really should be ‘Attend the Galway Races or you haven’t lived’. The annual racing jamboree is easily the biggest race meeting of the year and this year’s seven-day feast of racing, craic and music kicks off on Monday, July 29. How do you explain the Galway Races to someone who hasn’t been. Well, it is a bit like an Irish wedding, except it goes on for a week. And there’s more horses. And like the very best wedding DJ sets, there is something for everyone during race week. For the serious turf nut there is a monster race card, and the likes of the Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle will contain some of the best sporting action you’ll see anywhere on this island in August. For the more casual fan you get the buzz of acing (which is always great) but everyone seems to be in a better mood at Galway than any other meeting, especially if the tips you’ve received come good. If you’re not as clued-in as you might be, don’t worry, there are no shortage of folks on hand to lend some advice. What it is all about... And if you have zero interest in the four-legged visitors, there are plenty of distractions if you want to turn your head away from the track for an hour or two. From Ladies Day on Thursday, August 1, with a prize fund of €20,000 this year, to the bands and other attractions on the Ballybrit course, to the bars, you’re never short of entertainment in Galway. And, when the last horse crosses the line, you’re only a short hop into Galway city, simply one of the best places on earth to spend a summer’s evening. It’s not too late to make this year’s party, so head to the GoRacing site, or the GalwayRaces site, for more info. You can get your tickets here too. See you there.