Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival 2024 Ireland
Have you ever heard of the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival? This is the 69th edition of the annual event that has been running since 1954. Would you believe it also attracts over half a million visitors to Galway each year.
The festival is one of the biggest events in the Galway food scene. Offering a wide range of activities including seafood trails, oyster opening championships, foodie talks, tasting events, and live music. Some events are ticketed, like the Native Oyster opening championship, whereas others are free.
Brief history of the festival
The 69th Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is one of the longest running food extravaganzas in Europe. Since it’s inception in the Great Southern Hotel back in 1954, the festival has grown to offer a wide variety of activities. From the 34 guests who arrived back almost seven decades ago, to today’s crowd of thousands, the popularity continues to grow. Entrants from all over the globe come to shuck oysters along the Atlantic coast.
The festival has historically always been held on the final weekend of September, as the Irish oyster harvesting season falls between September and April. The oyster opening competition is held on the second night of the show. It is said that there are over 50,000 oysters consumers during the iconic event.
Importance of oysters in Galway
Oysters are a significant product of Ireland, with Hartys, Dooncastle, Flaggy Shore, Kellys and much more all producing some of the tastiest mullouscs in the world. The renowned festival has become an action packed 3-day event which is crucial to Galway’s tourist scene. The streets of the city buzz with joy on the days of events.
Location and setting
What streets of the city you ask? Nimmo’s Pier is across the river from the Latin Quarter. Away from the busy bars of Shop Street and Eyre Square. The Festival tent is located just a 12 minute taxi from the Clybaun Hotel.
This exciting event spills out into the pubs and restaurants around Galway city too. Much like the Galway Races. You will find a range of events and special offers around the city.
Galway City as the backdrop
Galway City has been a the key in this programme of events ever since 1984. As such, it is the 40th year of the city hosting the popular food festival.
Opening Night
The opening day, on September 27th sees the start of the shucking. The evening event welcomes the Irish participants to the contest as they battle for their place in the main event. With Live music and a tonne of seafood on the menu you’re in for a treat. The MC on the night will take care of explaining the rules for you, so all you have to do is enjoy the activities.
The Championship
On Saturday afternoon, this is the main event. The World Oyster Opening Championship takes place, with entrants from Ireland and abroad judged on their speed, technique, presentation and skill to see who comes out on top. You will be given an opportunity to graze on the Irish sea, with oysters, local seafood and smoked salmon all on the table.
When the winner is crowned, then it is time to party. The Party of Champions is exactly as it sounds, and believe me it is an unmissable event. As the marquee over looks the Long Walk, the band fill the dancefloor with their unique sound. There will be some spot prizes on the night and maybe even an oyster shucked in the crowd to pair your wine together. What many may not realise, in Ireland, Guinness would be the most popular pairing of Oysters.
Feile Bia na Mara
On Sunday, as you nurse the joys of the night before come on down to the festival marquee. There is no need for a ticket to join in on the workshops and entertainment. This celebration of all things seafood, takes a certain look at the local produce of Galway. Local chefs and national food heroes take to the stage to encourage the next generation of cooks.
There is free children’s fun all throughout the day too. Ensuring the kids are entertained while the parents enjoy their dining days.
The Wrap Up
The Oyster Festival is a special weekend in Galway Bay each year, the festival calendar always make space for the legendary craic over the 3 days. From shucking the finest Galway Oysters on Friday to the family activities on Sunday, this one is a must in your social calendar.
You can discover the offers in the Clybaun Hotel for the Galway International Oyster Festival today.