31st January – 1st February 2026
Corrib Oil Galway International Rally
The Galway International Rally is always one of the biggest events of the year and it’s a brilliant way to start the rally season. This rally takes place over two exciting days and is known as the traditional opener for the Irish rally championship, bringing some of the best rally cars and drivers to the roads of Galway every year.
For me, this rally was a really special one because it kicked off my photography season for the year — and there’s nothing quite like the sound of rally cars flying past while trying to capture the perfect photo.
The Galway International Rally is one of the oldest rallies in Ireland, with a history going all the way back to 1971. Every year, drivers and fans from across Ireland and beyond travel to Galway to be part of the action.
The rally usually includes:
This year’s rally took place on Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026, making it the perfect winter motorsport event.
Heading to Galway early in the morning was exciting — rally days always start early! The atmosphere at the stages was brilliant, with spectators wrapped up warm and waiting to see the cars come through.
As a young photographer, this rally gave me loads of chances to practise:
Some cars were sliding sideways through corners, kicking up dirt and gravel — those are always my favourite moments to photograph.
One of the best things about rally photography is that every stage is different. Some locations have tight corners, others have long straights, and some have jumps where cars lift off the ground.
At the Galway Rally, I focused on:
Each rally helps me improve my photography skills and learn more about motorsport.
The Galway International Rally is famous because it combines:
It’s also one of the biggest motorsport events held in Ireland each year, attracting competitors from many different countries.
For rally fans and photographers, it’s one of the must-see events on the calendar.
My favourite part of the rally was definitely capturing the cars sliding through muddy corners. It’s always exciting trying to time the shot perfectly — sometimes you only get one chance!
Another highlight was seeing so many different rally cars together. Some were modern rally machines, while others were classic rally cars that looked amazing on the stages.
I captured lots of photos during the Galway International Rally 2026, and many of them are now available to view and purchase in my gallery.
If you competed, supported a team, or just enjoyed the rally, you might spot yourself or your favourite car.
👉 Check out the Galway Rally Photo Gallery on HughsRallying.com
(Prints and digital downloads available.)
