For lovers of good food September is a richly laden month of culinary delights. After the extravaganza of Waterford Harvest Festival in mid-September, two weeks later is the turn of Galway with its annual world renowned Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. Held on the 28-30th September, the festival celebrates Galways rich annual oyster harvest with 3 days and nights dedicated to fine food, good drink and all round festivities for visitors of all ages and interests. Running since 1954 it is worlds longest-running Oyster Festival and the biggest of its kind in Ireland.
This world renowned food extravaganza and festival draws attention to all manner of seafood culinary delights in Galway city and county and has a rich festival atmosphere. Amongst the many activities and events on show throughout the 3 days will be both the National and World Oyster Opening Championships, and a Taste of the Sea/Blas na Mara which will showcase Galway’s seafood heroes. Other food related events include cooking demonstrations, a “Hot Oyster Award” cooking challenge as well as all manner of seafood culinary delights in the Festivals Marquee. But you don’t have to be a food lover to get into a festival spirit for Galway city will spring into colour with a Mardi Gras parade through the streets invoking festival fever. While the Festival Finale will cater to all the family with live music, a children’s fancy dress and a host of family related activities.
So if you are a keen culinary seafood fan or just want to enjoy the unique party atmosphere in the capital of the west, why not head out to Galway on the last few days of September. There one will be rewarded with as many oysters and sumptuous seafood as one could want scattered around the city and in the best restaurants, as well as witnessing and taking part in all manner of festivities both food and non-food related. This is the perfect time to fit Ireland vacations around – whether you’re a food lover or want to enjoy all that Galway has to offer then the Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival is one to watch in late September.