The Galway Blazers, also known as the County Galway Hunt, have a rich history dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. Initially, they were private packs of hounds owned by large landowners, who would hunt in a private capacity. The "Blazers" name is said to have originated from either the burning of Dooley's Hotel after a hunt celebration or from the frequent dueling among the hunters. The hunt is one of the most renowned Irish hunts.

W. B. Yeats wrote of one of the Blazer's horsemen Robert Gregory.

When with the Galway foxhounds he would ride
From Castletaylor to the Roxborough side Or Esserkelly plain, few kept his pace, At Moneen he had leaped a pace,
So perilous that half the astonished meet Had shut their eyes; and where was it
He rode a race without a bit?
And yet his mind outran the horse's feet.