Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival
This year marks the 60th annual Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival held from September 26th through 28th. For anyone who loves a “shucking” good time, this is the event for you! The festival boasts Oyster ‘Olympics’, foodie talks and tasting events, food producer tours, and even a Festival Marquee (a Mardi Gras-style Gala Event with live music, cooking challenge, and family activities).
Friday night on the 26th of this month, will be the kick-off of the festival at 7pm where guests can enjoy an opening ceremony with live music, awesome seafood, and the National Oyster Opening Championship held at the Festival Marquee Galway City Centre. The newly crowned Oyster Pearl will also present the season’s first oyster to Galway’s Mayor… another 60 year tradition.
Saturday the 27th, will have non-stop afternoon entertainment including food, live music, guest chefs, and the World Oyster Opening Championship from 2pm til 9pm at the Galway Harbour. The Festival Marquee Masquerade will also be held on this day starting at 8pm and going late into the night. This is a moveable feast where a carnival of masked revelers are led by a lively band beginning at the Galway City Museum and through the streets of Galway.
Sunday the 28th runs from noon until 7pm and will be the wrap up of the event at the Spanish Arch with a seafood showcase, chef demonstrations and family fun (kids under 12 are FREE).
Each day and evening has its own excitement to offer and tickets for each day can be purchased separately. Making it easy to mix and match the days/events to attend. Other than St. Paddy’s, this is the event Ireland is known for! So, join in on the monumental mollusk merriment at this 60th year celebration!
Local pubs along the city’s “Oyster Trail” will be selling pints of Guinness (naturally) to combat the saltiness of these shelled creatures. There are also other fringe activities happening for those who get their fill of seafood. Check out Connemara or the Burren to tour smokehouses, visit the Galway Museum to brush up on some Celtic history, or explore Galway’s coasts and beaches on a guided hike.
The Shannon Airport is only a 20 minute drive from Galway. If you’re looking for flights to the emerald isle, check out Alpha Flight Guru for business and first class airfare at great rates!