History of the Festival

The Galway Oyster Festival was started by Brian Collins in 1953, and it revolves around Guninness and fresh oysters captured from the bay.

Brian, while discussing menus with the head chef, suggested that oysters should be on the menu as they had just come into season. An idea came into Brian’s head “why not celebrate the opening of the oyster season with a festival?” “In September 1954 we will have an oyster festival!”

True to his word with help from local businessmen and Guinness, the first festival took place the following September with 34 guests attending the first Oyster Festival Banquet and from such humble beginnings grew what is now regarded as one of the most celebrated and longest running festivals in the world.