The Galway Races

The Dubliners

About The Galway Races

"The Galway Races" is a traditional Irish song. The song's narrator is attending the eponymous annual event in Galway, a city in the west of Ireland. The song was made famous in the UK in 1967 by The Dubliners.


Year:
1993
3:19
104 

Lyrics currently unavailable…


The Dubliners

The Dubliners are an Irish folk band founded in Dublin in 1962. The band started off as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group, named in honour of its founding member, they subsequently renamed themselves as The Dubliners. The group line-up has seen many changes over their fifty year career. However, the group's success was centred around lead singers Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, both of whom are now deceased. The band garnered international success with their lively Irish folk songs, traditional street ballads and instrumentals. The band were regulars on the folk scenes in both Dublin and London in the early 1960s, until they were signed to the Minor Major label in 1965 after backing from Dominic Behan. They went on to receive extensive airplay on Radio Caroline, and e… more »

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10 facts about this song

Historical Origin
- "The Galway Races" is a traditional Irish folk song that dates back to the late 19th century. Even though it is performed by The Dubliners, the song itself is tied to the culture and tradition of Galway, not Dublin.
Lyrics
- The song's lyrics describe the lively and festive atmosphere at the annual horse races in Galway, Ireland. There’s a strong spirit of revelry, cheerful banter, drinking and merriment, encapsulating the celebratory spirit of the event.
Musical Style
- "The Galway Races" is performed in the distinctive Irish folk style typical of The Dubliners. Their rendition features lively instrumental arrangements with traditional instruments like the banjo, guitar, tin whistle, and fiddle.
Members of The Dubliners
- The Dubliners, known for their powerful folk ballads and Irish music, consisted of several members including Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Ciarán Bourke, and Ronnie Drew. Each one of them contributed to the charm and raw energy of "The Galway Races."
Album
- "The Galway Races" is included in the album "More of The Hard Stuff" released by The Dubliners in 1967.
Cultural Impact
- The song has transcended beyond Ireland, becoming popular at Irish pubs worldwide. It's often played at Irish festivals or Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Cover Versions
- "The Galway Races" has been covered by a number of artists apart from The Dubliners. These include other well-known Irish acts, such as The Clancy Brothers and Paddy Reilly.
Genre
- "The Galway Races" falls into the genre of traditional Irish music, often termed as "trad" in Ireland. The song has clear influences of Irish folk music in its melody and rhythm.
Influence
- The Dubliners' interpretation of "The Galway Races" has inspired later Irish folk bands and shaped the sound of Irish music.
Continuous Tradition
- The horse racing event, which has been celebrated since 1869, still happens annually over a seven-day period in Galway. It is a significant cultural event and has a huge impact on local economy. The song remains a significant part of the celebrations, making "The Galway Races" more than just a song – it's a vibrant piece of Irish tradition.

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