In 2014, David acquired and started restoring the oyster farm at Ballinakill Bay. With the help of his hard working staff, they have successfully reignited the magical taste of Connemara oysters which have been grown in the area since 1893. Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way are renowned for its delicious seafood delights and the oysters from David’s farm lives up to this reputation! Their oysters are a pacific oyster (Crassostrea Gigas) and are available all year round. They are even served in local hotels, restaurants and are exported worldwide as well.
Food can evoke all our five senses – smell, hearing, sight, touch and taste. A tour of David’s oyster farm truly does reach all these senses. Smell the fresh wild Atlantic air and hear the soothing sounds of the sea. See the farm crew working hard in the water to grow the most perfect, meaty oysters. Touch the oysters when you shuck your own and finish your tour with the taste of a beautiful fresh oyster.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Food tour: (1-10 guests) Meet David at his oyster farm which is one of the oldest in Ireland, dating back to 1893. The oyster farm is a working sea farm and the experience is very rural and informative, giving you an introduction to the world of oysters! The oysters thrive in the pristine waters of Ballinakill Bay, which is surrounded by the Connemara hills and the Connemara National Park, making for some spectacular views!
During this oyster tour and tasting, you will learn about the history of the farm, life cycle of the oyster from seed to plate and how they take the taste from the region they are grown in. Then walk on the seashore to the oyster beds (during spring tides only), pick oyster’s fresh from the waters of Ballinakill Bay, learn how to shuck them, before you enjoy them. Please note that this is not a private experience. There may be others present during your oyster tour.
Notes: The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and goes through the whole process of how the farm brings the oysters from seed right through to your plate. During spring tides, they run longer tours as you get to experience a seashore walk and see the different stages of growth in the water. The tours are suitable for anyone aged 6 years and up. We recommend that you wear water-proof and slip-proof footwear and dress for the weather of the day. Please note that this is NOT a private tour.
First published on travelingspoon.com