Ballybrit has been once again lit up with dazzling outfits as racegoers descended on town today for one of the most glamorous dates in the Irish social calendar: the crowning of Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races.
Now in its 156th year, the Galway Races Summer Festival is a highlight of the year for fans of the racing as well as fashion, with plenty to thrill onlookers - not least Ladies Day, which takes place on the Thursday of the races.
One of the biggest days in the Irish Racing calendar, this event always delivers showstopping looks as attendees dress to the nines in an effort to land the coveted title and cash prize.
This year also marks the first in a three-year partnership between the Galway Races and multi-award-winning Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo, a powerhouse brand led by two female co-founders that is known for championing real skin, real women, and real confidence.
The judging panel for ladies day this year is led by trusted voices in Irish fashion and beauty, with Galway Races icon Mandy Maher returning as Head Judge for the fourth year running, joined for the first time by Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo and Lisa McGowan, founder of Lisa & Co and Lisa's Lust List
Best Dressed Lady
Taking home the coveted €10,000 prize for Best Dressed Lady was Megan Cunniss from Newcastle Co Galway, whose look embodied the Ella & Jo ethos - bold, original, and completely her own.
"I just can't believe it I am ecstatic. I'm from Galway so this means so much to me."
Cuniss, who is a regular at Ladies Days throughout the year, wowed in a striking monochrome ensemble, stepping out in a sleeveless white dress white contrasting black trim and black buttons. She paired this with a black and white clutch bag hired from Mála Hire, sheer black gloves and black and white stiletto heels.
She topped off her look with an elegant white wide-brimmed hat with a black trim, created by Millinery By Mairéad.
Best Hat
The prize for Best Hat went to Bride Butler from Thurles Co Tipperary, who was awarded the €3,000 prize for a standout piece by Michelle Kearns. The judges applauded the design for its originality, craftsmanship, and sheer presence.
The Judges
The stylish judges were just as impressively dressed, leading the charge for the Ladies.
Head Judge Mandy Maher stepped out in a chic and summery ensemble, wearing a white jumpsuit paired with a woven belt to cinch the waist, a shimmering pale gold long jacket and gold pointed toed heels. She finished her look with a sculptural gold headpiece that swirled elegantly around her head.
Niamh Ryan also opted for summer whites, wearing a stunning white dress with voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves and floral embroidery at the hem in shades of pale pink and beige. She paired this with a wide-brimmed straw hat and gold heels.
Guest guest Lisa McGowan, meanwhile, went bold and turned heads in a scarlet gown with a slashed high neck and an A-line skirt. She paired this with a red clutch bag, nude heeled sandals and a feathered red headpiece.
Speaking about the winning look, McGowan said: "Ladies Day holds such a special place in my heart. The standard this year was phenomenal, not just in terms of fashion, but in the presence behind the outfits. Our winner had that rare magic. She didn't just wear the look, she owned it."
Click through the gallery at the top of the page to see this year's judges and contenders. All photos courtesy of Brian McEvoy.
