Open Up at the Galway Oyster Festival in Ireland

How long does it take you to shuck, or open, an oyster? 20 seconds? 45 seconds? A few minutes?

What about opening 30 oysters in 2 minutes, 39 seconds?

Michael Moran, the overall winner of the Galway International Oyster Festival Committee, holds the 2009 fastest time at the annual Guinness World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland.

Sounds impossible, I know… especially after reading the rules to the competition.

This is just one of the many events at the Galway Oyster Festival. Since 1954, this festival has attracted thousands of vistors young and old from all over the world.

Don’t be misled, though, this festival is jam packed with many events other than just seeing how many oysters can be opened and/or consumed. Events include a Magnificant “Mardi Gras” Party, Oyster Tasting, Oyster Pearl pageant, Oyster Festival Gala Ball and Farewell Party. Plus, the Galway Music & Oyster Trail has many restaurants, pubs and hotels along the way to help absorb the culture of Galway.

Don’t be upset if you can’t open up oysters as fast as Michael. Keep working on your technique and remember, practice makes perfect! You could be a winner at the Festival some day!