Clarenbridge Oyster festival

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Failte go Droichead an Chláirín …

Welcome Bienvenue Wilkomen Dear Guest,

On behalf of the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Committee it is my great honour to welcome you to the home of the Oyster and the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival. Dates for your 2012 diary are Friday, 14th September through to Sunday, 16th September next.

Our Village nestles on the banks of the Clarin River at the mouth of Dunbulcan Bay, enriching tides flow through the estuary and under the arches of the old stone bridge from which the village takes its name.

The oysters are harvested from the surrounding shallow seas, protected from the worst winter storms and worked on by the Oystermen with generations of expertise. Our festival marks the beginning of the new Oyster season and we invite you to join in the fun, participate in the energy and above all savour the famous Clarenbridge Oyster – a tradition in existence since 1954 when the great Paddy Burke hosted the first Clarenbridge Oyster Festival. A lot has changed since the first festival but the philosophy remains the same.

The Clarenbridge Oyster festival is a celebration of the native Oyster, of the history of this beautiful village and of the energy of a vibrant and modern day community respecting tradition. I am very grateful to the people of Clarenbridge, the voluntary festival committee and our many sponsors and friends.

The success and sustainability of this unique event is a tribute to your commitment and support. It is my hope that you will continue to enjoy this festival and celebrate the great heritage of the Clarenbridge Oyster. I look forward to meeting you at the festival!

Oyster Festival History

Clarenbridge Village is a little piece of heaven – just 10 minutes drive south of Galway City. Tranquil, leafy with a little river bridge sandwiched between the Oyster Manor Hotel and the legendary Paddy Burke’s Pub and Restaurant.

The first Oyster Festival took place in 1954 and since then Clarenbridge has hosted many national and international celebrities.

The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival contributes enormously to the tourist trade in the region.

Clarenbridge Oysters

The beautiful village of Clarenbridge is situated in South Galway on the main route from Galway to Limerick, at the mouth of the Claren River. West of the village is Dunbulcan Bay from where we harvest the world famous Clarenbridge oysters, the best in the world.

Here exists the perfect combination of natural elements required to produce the perfect oyster. Protected in the bay from the full force of the Atlantic storms, the 700 acres of beds also have the ideal mixture of fresh and seawater, so vital for oyster development.