The 71st Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival runs from today to Sunday, featuring representatives from 15 countries in the World Oyster Opening Championship on 27 September at 3 p.m. on Lower Cross Street.
The event includes a parade of flags from Eyre Square led by Mayor Mike Cubbard and town crier Liam Silke, with St Patricks Brass Band and Drumadore.
Hosted by 2002 champion Patrick McMurray from Toronto, who holds records for 39 oysters in one minute, 8,840 in an hour with Team Canada, and 1,114 individually in an hour.
The Irish Oyster Opening Championship occurs at the King’s Head on 26 September at 8 p.m., with the winner receiving the John O’Dowd Memorial Trophy.
Top three finalists in both championships receive An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, with the world winner getting a Connemara Blue glass trophy from Clifden, and all world competitors receiving a framed native oyster shell and festival apron.
