As host city for the Oyster Olympics, Galway is set to welcome national champions from 20 countries, all competing for the ultimate crown of World Oyster Opening Champion on Saturday September 28.
The event takes place in the festival marquee and is a must-see highlight of the 59th Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, September 26-29.
Foodies can feed their passion for fresh local produce in all its glory at the marquee food village where stalls will be brimming with delectable dishes from Artisan Restaurant, Cava Bodega, RAW Sushi, WA Café, West at the Twelve and of course Kelly Oysters serving the freshest Galway native oysters.
Oysters are at their best washed down with champagne and creamy stout while enjoying live entertainment and the festival marquee has a stellar line up from 2pm to 9pm including the Claddagh National School Marching Band, St Patrick’s Brass Band, the Funky Drummers, West Coast Big Band, Glee-esque singers, Reelmasters Irish Dancing Troop, the Amazing Apples and More Cowbell.
Tickets are €70 and include all the entertainment as well as a complimentary drink on arrival, two Food Village tokens and a dozen premium native oysters.
Serious shellfish lovers listen up – in addition to the World Oyster Opening Championships there will be hourly cookery demos including Michelin star chef Kevin Thornton and Imen McDonnell, award winning blogger and producer of ‘Small Green Fields’. Enjoy the seated Siemens kitchen while chefs create culinary magic with Irish ingredients along with the already jam-packed array of entertainment and oyster action - True a’fishy’onados will ensure they make the annual pilgrimage to Galway this year.
They say the world is your Oyster — well on September 28 Galway will be the centre of the Oyster world. For further details, see www.galwayoysterfestival.com or call the festival team directly on (091 ) 575875.
