Oysters and all things seafood are the name of the game in Murrisk from today, Friday September 2 to Sunday September 4 during the first Murrisk Oyster Festival. There will be something for everyone, oyster tours, oyster opening competitions, oyster jazz, and a seafood shindig. All the oysters are local and supplied by Sean O’Grady of Murrisk Shellfish.
The weekend kicks off on Friday night in Campbell’s Pub with an oyster opening competition starting at 8pm. The challenge is to open a dozen oysters successfully and present them perfectly to the panel of judges. Lots of fun and entertainment is promised, the compere is Kevin Groden and there will be live music to follow, so it could be a late one.
Saturday afternoon offers a rare opportunity for a guided tour of a local oyster farm and oyster beds. Everyone gets to try an oyster straight from the sea – you could not get fresher anywhere on the planet. Booking is essential – contact The Tavern to reserve your place. The meeting point on Saturday is Murrisk Community Centre and don’t forget to bring the wellies.
On Saturday night, it will be time to put on the glad rags and head for the Seafood Shindig at The Tavern Bar and Restaurant. It is a gala seafood buffet (with some oysters of course ) and the price includes a welcome glass of prosecco or Guinness. It is in aid of Murrisk playground and €10 from the €25 ticket price goes to the playground. Tickets are available at The Tavern, Campbells, Murrisk Community Centre, and Gannon’s Garage. Live music is by up and coming Westport band, TGI.
Sunday is all about relaxing and enjoying a great jazz session at The Tavern. The Hip Pocket Trio will perform in their own inimitable style and a lazy Sunday laid back atmosphere is guaranteed.
Oysters are a low fat, high protein, seafood choice with an above average amount of trace elements such as selenium, zinc, iron, and magnesium and B vitamins. Most people seem to have strong feelings one way or the other about them and they are pretty much guaranteed to get either a surge of enthusiasm or a resounding thumbs down. Do not worry though, there will be plenty more on offer all weekend as well as the renowned bivalve aphrodisiacs. Oyster and seafood specials will be available all weekend at Campbell’s at the Reek, and The Tavern Bar & Restaurant.
