Ireland & Oysters 2026 - The Gourmet Vacation X ShuckerPaddy

Join Paddy & tour like a Shucker on a mission - The Galway Oyster Festival

When Paddy travels, he’s on a mission. To experience as much as possible with the time we have there. Food, Bevvies, Locations, History, Environment, The Craic.

The Oysters of Ireland are exquisite and this time - the quest is a behind the scenes trip to The Galway Oyster Festival.

Chef Richard Gruica - The Gourmet Vacation - is the Organizing co-ordination. Of all things travel, stays and stories…Details of this trip - coming soon!

The Gourmet Vacation

World Championships of Oyster Opening - the Galway Oyster Festival

Galway has been home to the Oyster festival - and World Championships of Oyster Opening since 1954. Celebrating the Oyster - only one Shucker per Nation can qualify for the contest of 30 Native Galway oysters. Oyster shuckers are times for speed, and the oyster are judged for perfection. Paddy won the championships in 2002, but his first trip was 1996 - 30 years ago!

3 Days in Galway - The Festival Experience

The Middle of the trip will be in Galway.

Friday - Oyster Farm Tour, Moran’s Oyster Cottage and the “unofficial” Luncheon with the Shuckers.

The Irish National Championships Friday night.

Saturday - Behind the scenes Practice session Shucking Oysters with the Champs 8am-11am

12noon - the Parade

2pm the Competition

Gala Dinner Saturday Night

Sunday morning - The Shucker’s Shoot - Trap Shooting in Connamara

Depart

Galway Oyster Festival

First we have to get there - Trip 1 Dublin - Cork - Galway

Meet up in Dublin and end off at the Festival - Paddy’s choice tour

South to Cork - Glengalough, Dungarvan, Middleton, Cork. Castles, Sea Spa, Food, Bevvies & Oysters!

Cork - The English Market, Yellowman Fish & Chips, Cheese Class Rossmore Oyster Farm Tour, Trad Session at Sin E

Up to Galway - Killarney, Cromane Oyster flats, Castles, Doolin, The Burren & Cliffs - Galway

On the way home - Trip 2 - Galway, TheNorth, Belfast

Winding down from the Oyster Festival, we start Trip 2, heading north through Connemara - Turf Cutting & Poitin

Seaweed Baths, Surfing Sligo, Castle stays and of course - Oysters!

Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Carrick-a-Reed Bridge - Oystering in the North

Belfast - Where the McMurray’s came from…Paddy’s Choice Tour, Black Cab, White’s Tavern, and taste of the North Departure Supper.

Three Trips in One visit

Paddy will be hosting this Oysterlicious trip around Ireland - and we will discover the magic along the way. Food, Photos, Family

Join us for one or all three…

Dublin to Galway

The Galway Oyster Festival

Galway North

Details for the trips are in development - but feel free to drop me a line to extend your interest

Ireland & Oysters Tour 2026 - email sign up

Spring 2023

South Beach Wine Food Fest - Miami - Feb.24

Oyster party of the season first one in spring n\ delicious South Beach i’m bringing 11 Prince Edward Island oysters with me come on down and let

South Beach Wine Food Fest - Oyster Bash

Dibba Bay Oyster Festival - Dubai - March 4-5

Full on oyster festival and shucking contest in the UAE nothing like getting hot and shuckin’

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

Dibba Bay Oyster Festival

Swissmar 40th - Inspired Home Show - Chicago - March 5

If you’re in the retail trade and want to Dr. Scholl’s with some fantastic, oyster knives and gear, head on over to the inspired home show in Chicago.If you’re in the retail trade and want to Dr. Scholl’s with some fantastic, oyster knives and gear, head on over to the inspired home show in Chicago.

The Inspired Home Show - NA Retail Trade show - With Swissmar & my Oyster Gear

Seafood Expo North America - Boston - March 12-14

North America’s largest seafood trade show come on down and check out the oysters, shellfish and seafood available across North America. And yes there’s a Shuckin contest.

Seafood Expo North America