The Galway Cup is now regarded as one of the leading underage tournaments in Europe. Played in Drom Soccer Park on immaculately manicured pitches, teams are provided with the stage to showcase their talents to coaches, scouts and an appreciative audience.

Galway is the capital of the West of Ireland, a thriving, modern University city situated on the banks of the River Corrib. A friendly, safe and uniquely cosmopolitan city with something for everyone, it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The popular seaside resort of Salthill lies just 2km west of the city.During your visit to Galway you can experience its unique atmosphere and delight in its festivals, music, theatre, restaurants, cafés, shops and most of all, its friendly people. It is also an important centre for promoting Arts, Crafts and Culture.

Some of the previous participants include: 

The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Leeds united (Eng), Manchester City (Eng), Dynamo Moscow (Rus), Malaga (Spa), Fulham (Eng), Sunderland (Eng), Glasgow Celtic (Sco), MSK Zilina (Slo), Ipswich Touwn (Eng), Leicester City (Eng), Aberdeen (Sco), Valeranga (Nor), Cruz Asul (Mex), Maccabi Haifa (Isr), Charlton Athletic (Eng), Shamrock Rovers (Ire), Colorado Rapids (USA), Chicago Fire (USA) & Shrewsbury Town (Eng).

Tournament Detail:

• The tournament is limited to 58 teams over numerous age groups

• One location - all games are played on the 4 superb pitches at Drom Soccer Park

• All teams are guaranteed a min of 4 games in 4 days or 5 in 5 depending on the tournament format

• Girls event runs Thur thru Sat with friendly game opportunities beforehand

• FAI affiliated games

• Full sized pitches

• All games are 25 minute halves

• Medical assistance available during all games
  Physio facilities available on demand/pre-booking

• All day shuttle buses for players from the Univ of Galway

• Food and beverage village onsite

Off the pitch, teams can explore West Ireland's wonders, from the iconic Connemara landscape and beach to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. The region's natural beauty and cultural heritage offer unforgettable experiences alongside the tournament's competitive excitement.

For more Information on the event check out https://www.galwaycup.com/

At GSE we offer international sports experiences that expand your horizons. Our unique sports trips combine competitive play with a deep immersion into the local culture. 

Our international experiences take you to the heart of some of the world's most exciting and beautiful sports events and cultural locations. You can immerse yourself in a culture and play on a level and style of game that you've never seen before, giving you a true sense of what it means to be part of the local sports community.

GALWAY CUP 2026

Fri, July 31st - Sun, Aug 9th 2026

Fri, Jul 31st

Dep Chicago

Own flight!

Sat, Aug 1st

Arr in Dublin (no later than 9:45am)

Transfer to Dublin City center

Lunch (own)

Afternoon guided tour of Dublin’s main sights

(Grafton Street - St Stephen’s Green - Trinity College)

Check in Hotel

Evening Meal @ Hotel

Sun, Aug 2nd

B’fast @ Hotel

Players - Coaching session

Parent - Free time in Dublin city center

Lunch (own)

Afternoon - Free time in Dublin City center/own sightseeing

Friendly Game versus St Kevin’s FC

Evening Meal @ Hotel

Mon, Aug 3rd

B’fast @ Hotel

Free morning in Dublin

Lunch (own)

1:00pm: Transfer to Galway (2.5-3hrs)

Check in University of Galway Accommodation:

Players & Coaches: Goldcrest Village (Full Board)

Parents: Dunlin Village (Bed & Breakfast)

Evening training session/Galway & Salhill orientation for parents

Tue, Aug 4th

B’fast @ University

Transfer to matches

Play Game 1 - subject to T’ment schedule

Lunch @ University (players)

Galway city center (free time - Latin Quarter)

Girls friendly game

Dinner @ University (players)

Wed, Aug 5th

B’fast @ University

Transfer to matches/Girls training session

Play Game 2 - subject to T’ment schedule

Lunch @ University (players)

Excursion: Cliffs of Moher & Doolin

Dinner @ University (players)

Thur, Aug 6th

B’fast @ University

Transfer to matches

Play Game 3 - subject to T’ment schedule

Girls T’ment starts (Salthill Devon FC, Liverpool, Everton, Man Utd & Chelsea have played in the event in the past and looking to return)

Lunch @ University (players)

Excursion: Connemara & Clifton loop

Dinner @ University (players)

Fri, Aug 7th

B’fast @ University

Transfer to matches

Play Game 4 - subject to T’ment schedule

Girls ‘T’ment continues

Lunch @ University (players)

Galway city center/Spidal beach/Spanish Arch 

Dinner @ University (players)

Sat, Aug 8th

B’fast @ University

Transfer to Final & consolation matches

Transfer back to Dublin

Check into Hotel

Dinner @ Hotel

Sun, Aug 9th

B’fast @ Hotel

Transfer to DUB 

Return flight (Own) to Chicago to depart no later than 12:30pm