Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival – Galway, Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, established in 1954 by Brian Collins of the Great Southern Hotel, is the world’s longest-running oyster festival and Ireland’s most internationally recognized event after St. Patrick’s Day. Held annually on the last weekend of September, it celebrates Galway’s native flat oysters from the wild beds of Galway Bay, a unique feature in Ireland.

The festival, now in its 71st year, has welcomed over half a million visitors and served over 3 million oysters, paired with champagne and stout. Originally organized with Paddy Burke’s Bar in Clarenbridge, it moved to Galway City in the 1980s, hosting events at the Festival Marquee on Nimmo’s Pier. Highlights include the World Oyster Opening Championship, seafood trails, and cultural performances, making it a cornerstone of Galway’s cultural and culinary scene.

Event Highlights

• Opening Night: Live music, DJs, a glass of bubbly, and an oyster taster dish, September 26, 7:00 PM–late.
• World Oyster Opening Championship: Competitive oyster shucking with live music and seafood tastings, September 27, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM.
• Party of Champions: Evening celebration with food, music, and entertainment, September 27, 8:00 PM–late.
• Féile Bia Na Mara – Wild Atlantic Tastes: Free, family-friendly food festival with chef demonstrations and fish stands, September 28, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM.
• Seafood Trail: Local restaurants (e.g., McDonagh’s, Tigh Neachtain) offer Galway oysters and seafood, September 26–28.
• Cultural Events: Mardi Gras-style Gala Event, Best Dressed Lady competition, and live Irish music.
• Workshops & Tastings: Foodie talks, cooking demonstrations, and oyster tastings at the Festival Marquee.

City

• Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland: Events centered at Nimmo’s Pier, with additional activities in the Latin Quarter and West End, known for vibrant culture and seafood.

Main Event Address

• Festival Marquee, Nimmo’s Pier, Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland: Primary venue for main events, overlooking the River Corrib and Claddagh.
• Administrative Contact: Galway International Oyster Festival, Áras Failte, Galway, Ireland (inquiries only, not ticketing).
• Note: Seafood Trail spans restaurants across Galway City (e.g., Quay Street, West End).

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 26–28, 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 3 days.

Venue / Location

• Festival Marquee, Nimmo’s Pier: Main hub for Opening Night, World Oyster Opening Championship, Party of Champions, and Féile Bia Na Mara.
• Seafood Trail Venues: Participating restaurants (e.g., McDonagh’s, Tigh Neachtain, Cava Bodega, The Dáil Bar) across Galway City.
• Additional Venues: Mardi Gras Gala Event through Galway streets; select events at local pubs and restaurants.
• Note: Full venue list and schedule at www.galwayoysterfestival.com.,

Contact Information

• Email: info@galwayoysterfestival.com (general and ticketing inquiries).
• Phone: +353 91 394637 (office hours).
• Website: www.galwayoysterfestival.com
• Social Media: Follow @GalwayOysterFest on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Address: Galway International Oyster Festival, Áras Failte, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland (inquiries only).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.galwayoysterfestival.com; collect tickets at Festival Marquee ticket desk from September 26, 2025 (bring confirmation email). Contact info@galwayoysterfestival.com for group bookings (10+ for 10% discount).

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.galwayoysterfestival.com (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Collect tickets at the Festival Marquee ticket desk from September 26, 2025; bring confirmation email. In-person purchase at the venue (cash/card). Group bookings (10+ for 10% discount) via +353 91 394637 or info@galwayoysterfestival.com. Cancellations accepted until July 31, 2025 (€10 fee, written request with confirmation email). No refunds after July 31. Book early for high-demand events (e.g., World Oyster Opening Championship).
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.1677 USD as of August 12, 2025):
  • Opening Night: €45 (~$52.55 USD, includes bubbly and oyster taster).
  • World Oyster Opening Championship: €90 (~$105.09 USD, includes two courses, six oysters, and one drink).
  • Party of Champions: €55 (~$64.22 USD, includes food and entertainment).
  • Féile Bia Na Mara: Free (reservation required).
  • Weekend Pass: €182.22 (~$212.79 USD, all events, one person, non-transferable).
  • Kids (Under 12): Free for Féile Bia Na Mara with an adult; other events require adult supervision.
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices confirmed per provided data; check www.galwayoysterfestival.com for updates.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Cultural Significance

Launched in 1954, the festival celebrates Galway’s oyster heritage, with native flat oysters unique to its wild beds. It draws global visitors, boosting local businesses like restaurants and hotels, and is a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. Events like the World Oyster Opening Championship and Mardi Gras Gala Event showcase Irish culture through food, music, and community, earning praise as “one of the 12 greatest shows on earth” by The Sunday Times. Its focus on local seafood and traditions reinforces Galway’s status as a culinary and cultural hub.,

Food & Drinks

• Festival Marquee: Oysters, seafood platters, champagne, Guinness (~$5–$15 USD).
• Seafood Trail: Galway oysters and dishes at restaurants like McDonagh’s, Tigh Neachtain, Cava Bodega (~$10–$30 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Ard Bia at Nimmos: Spanish Arch, Galway (seafood, $15–$35 USD, 5-minute walk from Marquee).
  • The Quay Street Kitchen: 2 Quay Street, Galway (vegan-friendly, $10–$20 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Kai Restaurant: 22 Sea Road, Galway (organic Irish, $20–$40 USD, 15-minute walk).
  • The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s: Kirwan’s Lane, Galway (seafood, $15–$40 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Cupán Tae: 8 Quay Lane, Galway (tea, scones, $5–$10 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at Marquee and Seafood Trail venues; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Féile Bia Na Mara (September 28) is free and family-friendly with chef demos and fish stands.
  • Supervision required for kids under 12; limited family activities at ticketed events.
• Accessibility:
  • Festival Marquee is wheelchair-accessible with ramps; temporary setup may have limitations.
  • Contact info@galwayoysterfestival.com for accommodations or ISL-interpreted events (details September 2025).
  • Free Féile Bia Na Mara enhances affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Shannon Airport (SNN, 90 km, 1-hour drive); Dublin Airport (DUB, 215 km, 2.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Citylink or GoBus from Dublin/SNN to Galway Bus Station (10-minute walk to Marquee).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Ceannt Station (10-minute walk to Marquee).
• By Car: Parking at Claddagh Car Park (~€2/hour, $2.33 USD, 5-minute walk) or Q-Park Eyre Square (~$2.33 USD/hour, 15-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from SNN (~$50–$70 USD) or DUB (~$150–$200 USD).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Opening Night: September 26, 7:00 PM–late, Festival Marquee, live music, bubbly, oyster taster (~$52.55 USD).
  • World Oyster Opening Championship: September 27, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM, Festival Marquee, competitive shucking, music, tastings (~$105.09 USD).
  • Party of Champions: September 27, 8:00 PM–late, Festival Marquee, food and entertainment (~$64.22 USD).
  • Féile Bia Na Mara – Wild Atlantic Tastes: September 28, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM, Festival Marquee, free family-friendly food festival (reservation required).
  • Seafood Trail: September 26–28, Galway restaurants (e.g., McDonagh’s, Tigh Neachtain), oysters and seafood (~$10–$30 USD).
• Expected Events:
  • Mardi Gras Gala Event: Street parade with music and champagne, September 26–27 (~$10–$20 USD for related tastings).
  • Best Dressed Lady Competition: September 27, Festival Marquee, included in ticket.
  • Cooking Demonstrations: September 26–28, Festival Marquee, included in ticket or ~$10–$15 USD.
  • Foodie Talks: Tastings and discussions at Marquee or restaurants (~$10–$20 USD).
• Note: Full program at www.galwayoysterfestival.com; some events require advance booking.,

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: World Oyster Opening Championship with international competitors; Seafood Trail with 17 restaurants.
• 2023 Highlights: Mardi Gras Gala Event and Hot Oyster Awards cooking challenge.
• Past Achievements: Over 3 million oysters consumed since 1954; featured in The Sunday Times as a top global event.,

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Sourcing: Galway Bay oysters and seafood from sustainable fisheries.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at Festival Marquee; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Community Support: Boosts local restaurants and hotels, enhancing Galway’s economy.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.galwayoysterfestival.com.

Educational Impact

• Cooking Demonstrations: Learn oyster shucking and seafood preparation, included in select tickets.
• Foodie Talks: Educational tastings on Galway’s seafood heritage (~$10–$20 USD).
• World Oyster Opening Championship: Showcases professional shucking techniques, September 27.
• Community Engagement: Free Féile Bia Na Mara promotes culinary education for families.

Cultural Activities

• Mardi Gras Gala Event: Street parade with music and champagne, September 26–27.
• Best Dressed Lady Competition: Glamour event at Festival Marquee, September 27.
• Seafood Trail: Explore Galway’s culinary scene at 17+ restaurants, September 26–28.
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of Galway’s medieval sites (~$7–$15 USD, book via www.galwayoysterfestival.com).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($52.55–$105.09 USD) may sell out; book via www.galwayoysterfestival.com. Cancellations until July 31, 2025 (€10 fee).
• Weather Prep: September in Galway (50–60°F) is mild but rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Galway City Museum (5-minute walk, free) or Hall of the Red Earl (10-minute walk, free).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for buses/trains.
• Festival Info: Check www.galwayoysterfestival.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Galway City Museum: Spanish Parade, Galway (5-minute walk from Marquee, free, open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM). Features medieval Galway and Galway Hooker displays.
• Hall of the Red Earl: Druid Lane, Galway (10-minute walk, free, open daily). 13th-century archaeological site with interpretive panels.
• Spanish Arch: Long Walk, Galway (5-minute walk, free). Historic landmark near the Marquee.
• Latin Quarter: Quay Street, Galway (10-minute walk, free). Vibrant area with shops and nightlife.
• Eyre Square: Galway City Centre (15-minute walk, free). Central public space.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Galmont Hotel: Lough Atalia Road, Galway ($100–$200 USD/night, 15-minute walk).
  • Hardiman Hotel: Eyre Square, Galway ($90–$180 USD/night, 15-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Sea Breeze Lodge, 9 Cashelmara, Galway ($70–$140 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Hostels: Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Galway ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Galway city apartments ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the September peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Festival Marquee; nearest hospital is University Hospital Galway (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at Marquee; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor areas.
• Weather Preparedness: Marquee is weatherproof; bring umbrellas for outdoor transitions.