For anyone who's making their first pilgrimage to Ballybrit this summer.
Congratulations! You're heading to Ballybrit for the first time this summer, lucky you.
The Galway Races is an institution of craic, fun and frolics but a person can never be too prepared.
This being the case we've compiled an idiot's guide to the Galway Races:
1. Thou shalt choose footwear wisely
Footwear is a key decision, particularly for the ladies. Expect to cover a serious amount of ground between the parade ring, the bar and not forgetting the queues for the loo. Without sounding like a nag, wearing comfy shoes is essential. You don't want to fall at the first fence.
2. Thou shalt befriend the Auld Lads
Source: Youtube (TheBradley91)
There's a particular brand of aul lad that only surface at the country's race tracks. They're usually recognisable by their light coloured jackets and fedoras and a wad of 50's in their top pocket. These guys know their stuff inside and out and are usually good for a tip or two.
3. Thou shall be wary of the 'blazers'
Source: Louis Copeland
'Blazers' is the collective noun for groups of lads at the race course. You know them, you've seen them, hell - you might even BE them. They usually linger around the tote with their jazzy ties and a race programme rolled into a ball in their arse pockets. Bonus points awarded if they're not wearing socks. These lads don't know their furlongs from their fingernails and will spend the whole week chasing tail.
4. Thou shalt not underestimate Galway weather
Source: YouTube (@lbarnard86)
Galway is synonymous with poor weather and the races are no exception. Your mother definitely wouldn't want you leaving the house without a jacket. Living on the Western Front, we're well used to it and believe us when we say the few drops certainly won't dampen the craic.
5. Thou shall attend the after party
Source: Youtube (@OlivierThuibauld)
If you're still mad for the jump after all the races, head to the Latin Quarter for the after party. The atmosphere is electric and you won't be able to move for lads in suits and girls in gúnaí deasa.. It's essentially like 3D Tinder.
Now that you're prepared there's only on thing left to do... go forth and have fun!
