The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival

The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is an annual event hosted in Galway City on the last weekend of September. It is the world's longest-running Oyster Festival and one of the most internationally recognized Irish events, and it is a highlight in the west of Ireland's festival calendar.

Since 1954, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival has welcomed over 500,000 guests and enjoyed over 3 million oysters, all washed down with champagne and stout while listening to some of Ireland's top musicians overlooking the famed Claddagh area by the sea in Galway City.

During this popular food festival, you can expect to enjoy a wide range of tantalizing events, such as seafood trails, oyster hot spots, oyster opening championships such as the Oyster Olympics' or World Oyster Opening Championship, foodie talks & tasting events in some of Galway's finest restaurants, food provenance tours, and sample delights at the food village at The Festival Marquee.

The World Oyster Opening Championship, an annual beauty contest to select the Festival Pearl, a Mardi Gras Party with Champagne, Guinness, and Oyster reception and an electrifying line up of top-class artists, an afternoon Marquee Reception (with more Guinness and Oysters), and the grand finale, the Gala Ball are all held over the three days of the festival.

Time: September

Location: Galway, Ireland