The Galway Races is delighted to announce that Laura Broderick will be the Guest Judge for this year’s Mad Hatters Competition. Taking place on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, Mad Hatters Family Fun Day is once again proudly sponsored by Ireland West Airport, a long-time supporter of this incredible Family Day for nearly 20 years.

Now a much-anticipated tradition, Mad Hatters Family Fun Day has become a highlight of the summer calendar for families across the West of Ireland, blending creativity, fun, and thrilling racing into one unforgettable day.

This year’s theme?
Get the whole family involved and hand-make your very own hat for the races!
We’re looking for hats that are creative, original, and sustainable – so start gathering your recycled materials and let your imaginations run wild!

Speaking about the announcement, Laura Broderick said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be Guest Judge for this year’s Mad Hatters Family Fun Day! I love seeing families come together and create something totally unique – and I’m especially excited to see how people incorporate sustainability into their designs. It’s such an amazing event, and I’m honoured that Ireland West Airport have invited me to be part of it.”

With an incredible line-up of prizes in store for 2025, the competition is sure to be fierce:

  • 1st Prize: A return trip for 2 adults and 2 children to Barcelona Girona, in partnership with KelAir Campotel and Ryanair, including 7 nights’ accommodation in a luxury mobile home in June 2026.
  • 2nd Prize: Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children to Milan Bergamo, plus tickets to Gardaland at Lake Garda.
  • 3rd Prize: Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children to London Heathrow with Aer Lingus, including tickets to LEGOLAND.
  • Adult Prize: A winter sun break for 2 adults with return flights to Malaga with Ryanair, including free parking at Ireland West Airport, complimentary Executive Lounge access, and a €50 ShopWest voucher.

There’s something for everyone at Mad Hatters Family Fun Day, with eight exhilarating races, including the feature Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap.

Whether you’re there to compete, support the creativity, or simply soak in the joyful atmosphere, Mad Hatters Family Fun Day promises exciting racing, fun, laughter, and colour for all the family.

So grab your cardboard, feathers, glitter, ribbons and get crafting. We can’t wait to see what you create.

See you in Ballybrit!