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Advice requested--Galway for 4 nights during Race Week with young child

Hello-

My wife and I rather spontaneously decided to travel to West Ireland for about a week in August, and we're bringing our young daughter (6 years) along. Because of the spontaneous nature of our trip, we decided to use Galway as a base and take day trips (County Clare, Connemara) and of course explore Galway. However, only now are we developing a fuller understanding of Race Week. As of now we're staying in Galway for 4 nights in an apartment and a night on the Aran Islands. We have reserved a rental car, but may elect to use other options.

Here are my concerns: for a family who prefers some solitude, is Race Week too chaotic/inconvenient/crowded for traveling in and around Galway with a young child? Assuming we can change our accommodations without penalty, would it be advisable to reduce the amount of nights in Galway? Finally, if we stay in Galway for all 4 nights, would it be more convenient/enjoyable to rent a car for day trips or register for tours?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Posted by
4 posts

Your description of 'chaotic/inconvenient/crowded ' are spot on. If you like solitude I'd stay far away from Galway that week. It's a great spot but if you're not into horse racing or socialising in very crowded bars and restaurants then visit another time. If you like solitude there are plenty of places further west - in Connemara for example which would be much quieter.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks, Aileen. We will limit our time in Galway.

Posted by
1172 posts

We pulled into to Galway on the last day if race week last year and..... never again. It was crazy, chaos. People hung over and still drunk all over. Got woken up all through the night in our hotel. Stay away is my advice