Galway Oyster Festival 2007
A few September days in coastal Galway. Sucking oysters and slurping Guinness or champagne ? Traditional music everywhere. Tents with gourmet food and drink. Don’t feel like committing – soak up the buzzing pubs & excellent night life around the town. This vibrant city surpasses expectations every year as the craic grows mightier and mightier.
When Thursday 27- Sunday 30 September 2007
Where The city of Galway in the province of Connaught. The West coast of Ireland. Galway is Ireland’s third largest city. Why The Galway Oyster Festival was born on the back of a promise. In 1953 a local hotel owner swore to bring an Oyster Festival to the people. His agenda to celebrate the beginning of the oyster season. Perhaps to also extend the tourist season slightly ? In 1954 Galway held it’s first Oyster Festival. By the mid 1960’s thousands of people were arriving and in 1968 John Cummins became the first ever World Oyster Opening Champion with a time of 3 mins 34 seconds. With the increase in popularity and numbers, guest of honours became a regular feature. Previous Galway Oyster Festival Guests of honours include rugby legend Brian O Driscoll & politician Charlie Haughey . Possibly the most famous of which was the late legend Bob Hope who sang "thank you for the memories" in 1993. However some may argue he was lost on the way to Ballyconnelley Golf Club. The AA have described this festival as being on a par with Oktoberfest in Munich and the Sunday Times (England) have called it one of the 12 greatest shows on earth. What to wear A lot of dinners are organised see (official website) and people will dress in black tie. If you want to go to the pubs just go casual, it won’t be too cold.
Where to drink There are excellent pubs around Eyre Square and throughout the city. Where to Eat Anywhere there are beautiful stalls and restaurants from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch.
Daytrip Morans Oyster Cottage Moransoystercottage.com just outside Clarenbridge provides good food & great craic. Don't believe me ? previous oyster lovers include Pierce Brosnan, Lee Trevino & Woody Allen. Now those guys have taste ! Where to stay I always stay with friends. I recommend a B&B or a holiday home if there is a number of people in your group. DONT MISS THIS The World Oyster Opening Championship group stages are Thursday 27 September at 8pm. Only takes a few minutes. The winner must open 30 oysters in the quickest possible time. A winner will be taken from each continent and will compete in the Guinness tent on Saturday at 1pm. The atmosphere is amazing. The record for fastest ever is Willie Moran who opened 30 oysters in 1 min 31 seconds in 1977. Entry is free. When they are reintroduced hours later each competitor will be welcomed with music from his own country will be greeted like a king. But remember there can only be one ultimate winner ! Expect Caberet dancing and traditional music (called tra-ceoil in Gaelic) long into the night. 2006 saw Michael Moran follow in his father's footsteps and win the Oyster opening title. can he emulate his father's back to back victories of the late 70's ? have to wait until September 29 to find out. Michael was the first Irish man in ten years to win the title. Also another excellent event is in Ere Square on Saturday. There is live music all day and the Oyster Pearl (loveliest girl) of the Festival will be crowned. There will also be a lot of street parades. Of the nights out the best one is the Farewell Party on Nimo’s Pier on Sundays, entry is €20 and there will be a lot of familiar faces be the end of the festival !
Dangers/Annoyances Sober people, Oyster haters & involuntary Oyster induced arousal. Airports Galway International, Knock is the next closest. Getting There There are lots of buses www.buseireann.ie also great service from trains. Getting Around Walk it. I would suggest going out Connermara for at least a day. Try Ballyconnelly this is regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful places. Internet Try net @ccess Cyber cafe in The Old Malt Arcade
Bank/ATM Availble on Eyre Square. Try to get money out early as ATM’s can run dry at the Galway Oyster Festival. Weather September and May are regarded as Ireland’s best weather month. Sunny & around 15-20 degrees Festival Pig Fact Rare amino acids are responsible for the increase in hormone levels after consumption. It is the inedible feathered oysters which secrete pearls. TV crews flock from the UK, Germany, Sweden and japan to record this immense celebration.
Galway Oyster Festival 2007 Official Website
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