On 26th-29th September 2013, 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 most internationally recognised food festival and the world's oldest recorded 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 and are currently proud hosts of the Irish National Oyster Opening Champion, the European Oyster Opening Champion AND the World Oyster Opening Champion – all in one man – Michael Moran of Moran's Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan, Co. Galway.
Throughout the 3 day annual festival, a host of tantalising events will 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 a selection of Galway's finest restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients & seafood; the World Oyster Opening Championship on Saturday; a Gala Masquerade Mardi Gras style event through the streets of Galway; and the Tribal Oyster Feast Off event on Sunday in association with The Gathering Ireland 2013 including family activities, live music, cooking demonstrations; the Hot oyster cooking challenge; and jive & jazz.
