The world’s oldest oyster festival held over three days. Enjoy 30 bands, a Masquerade Mardi Gras through the streets, 100,000 Galway oysters, fringe events in 20 city venues and the World Oyster Opening Champs.
This September, Galway City on the West Coast of Ireland, will come alive with seafood and oysters as it celebrates the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. It is Ireland’s oldest food festival and the world’s longest running oyster festival.

Established in 1954, The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival has welcomed over half a million visitors, consumed more than 3 million oysters – washed down with champagne and stout whilst listening to some of the best musicians in Ireland. It has played host to over 300 international contenders vying for the World Oyster Opening title in the Oyster Olympics, which will be held this year on Saturday, 27 September.

Throughout the three day annual festival, a host of tantalising events take place, including a seafood trail in the city restaurants, oyster hot spots in local bars; the National Oyster Opening Championship on Friday night; the food village at the Festival Marquee with an intimate selection of Galway’s finest restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients and seafood; the World Oyster Opening Championship on Saturday; a Gala Masquerade Mardi Gras style event through the streets of Galway; live music, cooking demonstrations; the hot oyster cooking challenge and guest chefs.