Oyster Trail 2025

The Hardiman on Eyre Square – The Historic Home of the Oyster Festival

In September 1954, the inaugural Galway International Oyster Festival was conceived by Brian Collins, then General Manager of the Great Southern Hotel—today, our very own Hardiman Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Galway, The Hardiman proudly stands as the birthplace of this world-renowned celebration. Join us throughout this years Galway international Oyster & Seafood Festival and enjoy some fresh Galway bay Oysters and delicious accompaniments, shucked by our head Chef on demand!

On the Rocks – Freshly Shucked Galway Bay Oysters by our Head Chef

• 3 Oysters €9.95
• 6 Oysters €18.95
• 12 Oysters €36.00

Served with accompaniments to elevate every oyster:
Shallots & White Wine Vinegar | Tabasco & Lemon | Sriracha & Lemon | Coriander & Lime | Ponzu Dressing (soy, lemon, ginger, mirin)

Why not pair with the perfect drink

Champagne (glass) €26 | Prosecco (glass) €9 | Guinness (pint) €6.80 | Bloody Mary €13 | Virgin Piña Colada €13

Celebrate Galway’s oyster legacy with us—from where it all began.

 Available daily at The Oyster Bar, Eyre Square
 12 noon–5 pm | 26–28 September

McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant is a Galway institution, known for fresh local seafood, prime Irish steaks, and a warm West of Ireland welcome. This year, McSwiggans will showcase Galway on a plate, celebrating oysters and the best seasonal produce in the heart of the city.

Oyster Offering for Festival Week

• McSwiggans is home to the only Oyster Bar in Galway, where Kelly’s Oysters will be freshly shucked all weekend.
• Signature pairings will include oysters served with McSwiggans’ own house cocktail, as well as options with crisp white wine or a small glass of stout.
• Galway Food Tours will feature McSwiggans as a special stop on their weekend tours, giving visitors the chance to enjoy oysters, seasonal seafood, and the restaurant’s extensive menu.
• The restaurant menu will feature a seafood focus all weekend, highlighting autumnal flavours, seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, and desserts.

Entertainment Schedule

• Live entertainment will take place from 5pm each evening in the front bar.
• Focus on local musicians and creating a lively, authentic Galway atmosphere.
• All performances will be indoors in the front bar area.

Located in the heart of Galway, Kirby’s offers the perfect setting to indulge and celebrate during this year’s Oyster Festival.
Savour gourmet oysters, seafood and seasonal flavours carefully crafted by our chefs. Kirbys provides the perfect blend of style, comfort, and culinary excellence.
Make the Oyster Festival weekend truly memorable – dine at Kirbys Restaurant, where great food and Galway’s festival spirit meet.

Keep an eye on our socials for special themed events throughout the weekend!

3 Kelly’s Oysters & Pint of Guinness/Galway Girl – €15 – profits to Charity for weekend

Guest appearance by a World Oyster Opening Competitor at a pop-up shucking station – stay tuned to our socials for details!

Live Music Friday & Saturday from 8pm, no entry fee. 

Located on the historic Cross Street & Kirwan’s Lane in the heart of Galway, Busker Brownes and Slatehouse Whiskey Bar invite you to celebrate this year’s Oyster Festival in style.

As one of Galway’s most iconic establishments, we’re proud to be your headquarters for a weekend of world-class oysters, creamy pints of Guinness, and unforgettable live music.

Join us as international oyster shuckers showcase their skills and bring the true spirit of the festival to life.

Savour the freshest gourmet oysters, raise a glass, and soak up the lively atmosphere in one of Galway’s oldest and most beloved venues.
Busker Brownes & The Slatehouse Whiskey Bar – where history, flavour, and celebration meet.

Galway Oyster Festival Special:

Trio of Oysters – €9.90

• Micil Poitín & lemon oil
• Ponzu & yuzu dressing
• Mignonette & lime

Celebrate the Oyster Festival at The Quays Galway Girl Restaurant! 

Join us for a deliciously Irish experience with our Oyster Special – 3 fresh oysters + a creamy pint of Guinness for just €15!

Available only from September 26th to 28th – don’t miss it!

Live Music Daily from 6pm in the Bar!

Live in our Upstairs Music Hall:

• Friday 26th – Peter Byrne & The Glass Onion Band
• Saturday 27th – Dakota

Visit The Dáil Bar and you’ll enjoy a welcoming ambiance, delicious food, award-winning cocktails, an exclusive whiskey selection, and live entertainment seven nights a week.

The Dáil Bar is perfectly located in the vibrant Latin Quarter, where both locals and tourists alike socialise. Upstairs you’ll find ‘The Liquor Lounge’ a popular cocktail bar with a vast tequila and spirits selection served.

Serving lunch and dinner, The Dáil Bar menu provides restaurant quality food, using local, seasonal ingredients and really raises the bar on traditional pub grub.

It’s also the perfect perch to enjoy live music nightly from 9.30pm, with a highlight being their Sunday Trad Sessions at 8.30pm weekly. 

From the 26^th – 28^th September to celebrate the festival, you can enjoy a freshly shaken Bloody Mary Cocktail, paired with 3 oysters for only €12.95. The perfect due, served daily. 

For more information visit www.thedailbar.com or connect with The Dail Bar on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Moran’s The Weir dates back more than 300 years and is now run by the 7th generation of the Moran family. The picturesque thatched cottage overlooking the Dunkellin River is situated on one of the many inlets of Galway Bay.

In the 1800’s The Weir was a busy port where boatloads of turf and seaweed from Connemara were traded with local people who arrived by horse and cart. This pub along with two other licensed premises were busy as the thirsty ‘bádoirí’ and farmers needed refreshment. The tradition ended with the advent of road transport during the 1950’s. Moran’s began serving food in 1967 and is now a must for anybody with an interest in sampling the crustaceous delights of Galway Bay.

Locally grown Galway Bay oysters are the speciality of the house. William and his son Michael Moran have held the International and World Titles in Oyster Opening competitions –

‘When was the last time you had lunch served by a world champion!’

Ba mhaith linn Céad Míle Fáilte a chuir romhat. Tá súil againn go mbainfidh tú taitneamh as an am a chaitheann tú anseo linn.

Here at Pádraicíns, you will receive a warm & friendly ‘Failte’ from our staff as soon as you enter.

Pádraicíns Seafood Bar serves excellent fresh food every day. Relax at the water’s edge overlooking Furbo Beach & Galway Bay.

Galway International Oyster Festival:

Serving Fresh Oyster dishes over the festival weekend

Live music from 9.30pm Fri 26th and Sat 27th 

• Friday 26th: ‘Rodrigo & Lauren’
• Saturday 27th: ‘Liz Footloose’

Directions: We are located 10 minutes from Galway City, on the coast road to Connemara. Our Eircode is H91YW68.