Horse racing fans are preparing to descend on Galway racecourse in Ireland this weekend for the start of the popular festival.
The annual event begins on Monday (July 28th) and is expected to attract around 200,000 visitors keen to have a drink and a flutter.
Track manager John Maloney, whose team is now applying the final touches to preparations, expects the week to be a roaring success.
He said: "Preparations have been going very well. The ground is in good condition and we watered it on Tuesday and the going is 'good' at the moment.
"The deliveries of food and Guinness and drinks are beginning to arrive and John Sherry and his team at Lydon House who are doing the catering have done a great job to get everything organised."
Hostels in the area are set to be buzzing as the week gets into its stride, while some hardy fans will be showing up in caravans after missing out on bookings for accommodation.
The first race commences at 17:10 on Monday and the festival will run until the following Sunday (August 3rd).
