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24th Sep 2019

All You Need To Know About The Galway International Oyster Festival 2019

Sarah Finnan

Galway, perched on Ireland’s west coast right where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean, is the place to go for all your seafoodie needs. Especially your oyster needs as the world’s longest-running oyster festival is back once again.

The annual four-day event graces Galway’s shores on the last weekend of September each year. The most internationally recognised Irish festival, it draws flocks of seafood enthusiasts out west and with a line-up as jam-packed as this one, it’s not hard to see why.

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The award-winning Cava Bodega on Middle Street showcases the very best of Spanish food and wine, in particular the global phenomena of tapas. Part of our Seafood Trail during #galwayoysterfest19, @cava_tapas_bar is a great example of the international trend for good ethical casual food in a shared environment – with tapas, food is passed around the table, communal style, the dishes breed discussion and provide an alternative approach to eating. It’s easy to see why locals, tourists and food critics sing its praise. #tapas #seafoodlove #galwaybay #wildatlanticway #waw #foodie #foodphotography #thisisirishfood #getinmybelly #eeeeeats #onmyplate #foodgasm #oysterfestival #seafoodlove #seafoodtrail #galway #mussels

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Activities include everything from live music and cooking demonstrations, to tasting events and the highly entertaining ‘Oyster Olympics’ (an oyster shucking championship).

Take part in an oyster-eating competition, compete for the ‘Hot Oyster Awards’ in the cooking competition or get gussied up to in the hopes of being crowned the Festival Pearl in the beauty contest.

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Ruíbín Bar and Restaurant is located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and are part of our Seafood Trail. Located in the heart of Galway, Ruíbín overlooks the city’s historic Docklands. The building is also the birthplace of Pàdraic O’ Conaire. Run by Alice and Richard, the ethos in the kitchen focuses on local, seasonal Irish ingredients with influences from around the world. For some of the best views of the city, stop by @ruibingalway during #galwayoysterfest19 and try some @flaggyshoreoysters with Yuzu Chilli dressing. #nomnomnom #galwayoysters #galwayoysterfestival #discovergalway #lovegalway #oysterart #oysterlove #seafoodtrail #seafoodlovers #galwaylife #wildatlanticway #waw #tastetheisland #oyster #chilli #yuzu

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The Mardi Gras style Gala is another definite highlight. Complete with champagne, Guinness and an oyster reception, it sees the cobblestones come alive with colour and fun. The Seafood Trail is the latest addition to the festival and hits up some of Galway’s best restaurants for a sampling of their finest locally sourced seafood.

Running since 1954, the festival has welcomed more than half a million visitors who have consumed over three million oysters amongst them.

Find this year’s programme here.

 

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