Galway International Oyster Festival – 2021
We all have a list of things that we should try out before dying. According to “The Rough Guide” visiting Galway International Oyster Festival is one of the 50 things you must try before your last day on Earth. Galway International Oyster Festival is the oldest oyster festival in the world. It is also remarked as the most internationally recognized Irish festival after St Patrick’s Day. Considered as one of Europe’s longest-running food extravaganzas, an oyster lover should definitely hit this grand event someday. If you are ready to dream about it till you make it to Galway one day, keep reading.
CONTENT
1. The history of Galway International Oyster Festival.
4. Events at Galway International Oyster Festival
1. The history of Galway International Oyster Festival.
The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival had its first step in September 1954 with the immense support of Brian Collins, the manager of the Great Southern Hotel (now called Hotel Meyrick).
For the first event which was called the Oyster Festival Banquet at that time 34 guests attended and feasted on several dozen oysters each. At present, it has become one of the most celebrated events on Ireland’s social calendar. Thousands of visitors make this the opportunity to savor the famous native Galway Oysters at the end of September each year. After years from the beginning, now the Galway International Oyster Festival attracts more than 20 competitors, representing countries from all over the world to Galway to compete for the World Championship title.
During the past 64 years, Galway International Oyster Festival has featured in famous channels of the media including Bon Appétit Magazine, BBC Good Food, Food & Wine magazine, Easy Food Magazine, Time Magazine, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Conde Nast, The New York Times, The Sunday Times, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Image Magazine, Fodors, The Lonely Planet Guide, and The Rough Guide and many more.
2. Date
The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is held on the final weekend in September to celebrate Galway’s rich annual oyster harvest. The next event is scheduled to be held starting from the 25th of September 2021.
3. Tickets
You can purchase the tickets from the official site www.galwayoysterfestival.com
- OYSTER OPENING COMPETITIONS Saturday, September 25th, 2021 - €80.00
- MASQUERADE GALA DINNER Saturday, September 25th, 2021 - €120.00
4. Events at Galway International Oyster Festival
- OYSTER OPENING COMPETITIONS
Seasoned oyster shuckers from many countries around the world to show off their skills. You will get a drink, an oyster serving of a dozen, and two seafood plates of fresh, locally sourced seafood from the West of Ireland, such as the Native Oysters, organic smoked salmon, or succulent lobster rolls to keep your company while you watch the competitors shuck oysters in a matter of seconds. Shout out loud your cheering to your favorite competitor or stare at how fast and carefully their fingers move while sipping your drink.
Venue - Hardiman Hotel, Eyre Square Galway
- MARDI GRAS GALA DINNER
The Mardi Gras Gala dinner is a fancy evening of the best locally sourced food and entertainment. Over the years, it has been a highlight in the Galway International Oyster Festival because of its luxury dining opportunity with fellow oyster lovers from different cultures. Dress as extravagant as you can and enjoy your three-course meal offered with a glass of bubbles and a serving of oysters. There will be live music to entertain you till you leave the hotel with both your heart and tummy full.
Venue: Hardiman Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway
5. Accommodations
There are many places to stay close to the festival in a wide range of prices to match your budget. But all the places get booked out fast during the few days in which the Galway International Oyster Festival is held. If you book a place as earlier as possible, you can avoid the trouble. The official website www.galwayoysterfestival.com has a list of recommended places to stay.
