The Galway International Oyster Festival is a food festival held annually in Galway during the month of September. This festival is one of Ireland’s most celebrated festivals and will be celebrating its 55th year this September!

For further details on this wonderful oyster festival please read on…

From Thursday 24th September to Sunday 27th September 2009, Galway City will come even more to life with the famous and world-renowned Galway International Oyster Festival. It is the month of September when oysters are in season and what better way to celebrate these fine delicacies than with a festival!

The Great Southern Hotel manager Mr Brian Collins first established the festival back in 1953. The main aim of the festival was to extend the tourist season into September and it certainly did that. Today the Galway International Oyster festival is one of Ireland’s most celebrated festivals attracting over 10,000 people each year!

During this festival you can sample some of the best mouth-watering gourmet seafood delights in what is considered one of the biggest seafood extravaganzas. Here you will see some of the country’s finest top chefs and fishmongers in action, they will talk you through the fish and cook for you, what better way to try the amazing produce at hand! Lobster, crab, mussels, seafood paella, you name it, the list is endless and don’t forget the oysters!

There is so much more to the Galway International Oyster Festival than the food, with some colourful family entertainment, street entertainers, face painters and lively bands keeping everyone in the festive mood. Why not take a stroll in the amazing City of Galway and explore the sights for yourself. Browse the many shops and boutiques, visit the many tourist attractions, meet the friendly local people or take time out in one of the many cosy little restaurants and cafés throughout the city.

During the festival why not dance the night away to some foot-tapping live music in a local pub and quench that thirst with the best creamy Guinness in town while you soak up the wonderful atmosphere! Just some of the things that make The Galway International Oyster Festival what it is today.

The main events that take place during the festival include ‘The Guinness Irish Oyster Opening Championship’ and the ‘Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship’. Other events include a ‘Mardi-Gras Party’ which kicks off the festivities with a Guinness and Oyster reception, followed by a hot and cold buffet with a great selection of wines, topped off with non-stop entertainment featuring top class artists and cabaret acts.

The official opening of the Galway International Oyster Festival takes place on Saturday where musicians and entertainers will entertain the crowds at Eyre Square at 12.00 noon. The newly crowned Pearl will present the season’s first oyster to Galway’s Mayor - a tradition since 1954. After the ceremony a fun-parade will take place making its way through the streets of Galway.

The Galway International Oyster Festival welcomes a Guests of Honour each year, the Guest of Honour for the 2009 festival has yet to be confirmed. Saturday afternoon the Oyster Tasting will commence, there will also be an ‘Elegant Lady Competition’ followed by the announcement of ‘The Guinness Opening Championships’. Why not finish the day in style at ‘The Oyster Gala Ball’ where you will be treated to a champagne reception and the famous Saturday cabaret, followed by some great entertainment.

Sunday will say farewell to the 55th Galway International Oyster Festival and again this will be a fun-packed day of entertainment with music, song and dance.

For further details on this years Oyster Festival check out the Galway International Festival website.

Please note if you are thinking of visiting this amazing festival you will need to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. Check out our Galway Hotels page and book securely online today!

Have you been to the Galway International Oyster Festival before? Perhaps you have some questions or comments? As always we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comment box below. Thank you.