Discover Connemara’s Flavours & Views
26th September

Ready for a day of oysters, ocean air and postcard-worthy scenery? Join our Galway Oyster Festival Experience on Friday, 26 September for a guided journey from Galway city to the heart of Connemara — including an on-farm tour and tasting at DK Connemara Oysters on Ballinakill Bay, followed by a relaxed lunch at the Abbey, and a scenic return via the Wild Atlantic Way.

Why this day is special

Oyster season has begun, Connemara is glowing in early autumn light, and festival energy is in the air. This curated day trip blends hands-on food culture (learn how oysters are grown and shucked) with the dramatic landscapes that make the west of Ireland unforgettable.

The day at a glance

  • 10:00 — Depart Galway
    Board your coach in central Galway (meeting point pick up point outside the Hardiman Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway H91 NFD2). Sit back as we trace the Wild Atlantic Way through lakes, mountains and bogland.
  • 11:30 — DK Connemara Oysters: Guided Farm Tour & Tasting
    Arrive at Ballinakill Bay for a shore-side tour of our working oyster farm. Walk the beds (tide-dependent), hear how we grow oysters from seed to shell using our oyster baskets & flip farm methods, and taste our award-winning oysters “au naturel” with shucking tips from the team.
  • 13:00 — Lunch at the Abbey
    Continue to the iconic Abbey for a delicious lunch in a spectacular lakeside setting. (Lunch is purchased on the day at the venue; see your ticket details for any package variations.)
  • 16:30 — Return to Galway
    A leisurely coach journey back through Connemara’s breathtaking landscapes, arriving in Galway in the late afternoon.
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Photo: Philip Doyle.

What’s included

  • Return coach transport from Galway
  • Guided oyster farm tour at DK Connemara Oysters
  • Oyster tasting at the farm

Not included: Lunch at the Abbey (purchased on the day).

Good to know (please read)

  • Footwear & clothing: Wear sturdy boots/shoes with good grip and bring a light waterproof layer — Connemara weather can change quickly.
  • Accessibility: Shore access is tide- and terrain-dependent; surfaces can be uneven. If mobility is a concern, please contact us in advance so we can advise.
  • Weather policy: Tours run rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or unsafe tides, elements may be adjusted for your comfort and safety.

Who will love this experience?

Food lovers, festival-goers, curious travellers, families with older children, and anyone keen to taste Ireland’s seafood heritage at the source — with the bonus of one of the West’s most photogenic lunch settings.

How to book

Seats are limited for this one-day festival experience. Click here to secure your place, choose the 26thSeptember tour and we will be in touch with you regarding your Galway pickup point and final itinerary.

Come taste creamy, sea-fresh oysters, breathe in the Atlantic, and see why Connemara’s flavours and views are the perfect festival pairing.

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Photo: Philip Doyle.