City guides · Galway · Updated November 2026
Galway match day guide: Pearse Stadium and Ballybrit
By the Irish Sports Betting Sites team
In short: Galway’s GAA home is Pearse Stadium in Salthill, and Ballybrit racecourse hosts the famous Galway Races every summer. Connacht Rugby also play in the city.
The venues
| Venue | Sport | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pearse Stadium | GAA | Galway’s GAA home in Salthill, near the seafront. |
| Ballybrit | Horse racing | Home of the Galway Races, a seven-day festival from the last Monday of July. |
| Connacht Rugby’s ground | Rugby | Connacht play their home games in the city, close to the centre. |
Getting around on match day
Pearse Stadium is a walk or short bus ride along the coast road from the city centre. On Galway Races days, shuttle buses run to Ballybrit from the city.
Before and after the game
Shop Street, Quay Street and the Latin Quarter are the heart of Galway’s pubs, and Salthill has bars close to Pearse Stadium.
Match day tips
- Check the venue’s website for ticket, bag and travel rules before you travel.
- Plan your journey home, as taxis and buses are busy straight after big games.
- If you have a bet, decide your budget before the day and keep it small.
FAQs
Where is Pearse Stadium?
In Salthill, on the western edge of Galway city.
When are the Galway Races?
The festival starts on the last Monday of July. See our Galway Races week guide.
Related guides
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