Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day

Get ready to unleash your creativity and join the fun at the Mad Hatters Competition on Family Fun Day, Sunday 2nd August 2026. Whether your hat is colourful, quirky, imaginative or completely over-the-top, this much-loved Galway Races tradition is all about celebrating creativity, family fun and fantastic prizes.

The competition takes place in the Festival Village, where racegoers of all ages can showcase their most spectacular headwear for the chance to win some incredible family travel prizes.

How to Enter

Online entries open at 6:00pm on Saturday, 1st August.

You can enter online using the designated competition link. Entries will also remain open on the day of the event.

If you have not completed the online form before arriving, don’t worry. The judge and competition scouts will ask all potential finalists to complete the online entry form if they have not already done so.

Please note that all entrants must be wearing the same hat as shown in their online entry photograph.

Event Schedule

• Gates Open: 11:30am
• Judging Commences: 12:00pm
• Winners Announced: 3:00pm
• Location: Festival Village

Guest Judge

This year’s special guest judge is:

Hayley Coleman

Hayley and the competition scouts will be on the lookout for the most imaginative, fun and creative hats throughout the day before selecting the lucky winners.

Fantastic Prizes Up for Grabs

With an amazing selection of family travel prizes on offer, competition is sure to be fierce. A special thank you to our partners Ireland’s West Airport for providing all the amazing prizes.

1st Prize
In partnership with KelAir Campotel and Ryanair, the winner will receive a return trip for 2 adults and 2 children to Barcelona Girona, including 7 nights’ accommodation in a luxury mobile home at one of their resorts in June 2027.

2nd Prize
Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children to Milan Bergamo, including 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

Adult Winner Prize
Return flights to Malaga with Ryanair for 2 adults this winter, including:

• Complimentary parking at Ireland West Airport
• Access to the Ireland West Executive Lounge
• A €50 ShopWest retail voucher

Winners

The successful entrants will be called to the stage in the Festival Village for the prize presentation at 3:00pm.

So start designing, decorating and dreaming up your most creative headwear, and join us for a fun-filled day of entertainment, family activities and fantastic prizes at the Galway Races Summer Festival’s Mad Hatters Competition 2026!