The Menu: National Oyster Opening

High jinks in Galway

A convivial sort, The Menu greatly enjoys encouraging those of a shy disposition to emerge from their shells, most especially if he can introduce them to his equally welcoming gullet, so Neidín shall be pointed due West over the next few days, in the direction of the 59th Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. Unsurprisingly, in a town that invented the word, ‘party’, there is all manner of musical and theatrical high jinks afoot including the local ‘Mardi Gras’ but The Menu, as ever, shall be guided by his sagacious belly. Aside from the ever-popular National Oyster Opening competition featuring competitors from over 20 countries, there are celebrity cook offs, wine tastings, chef demos and a food village brought to you by Artisan Restaurant, Cava Bodega, RAW Sushi Restaurant, WA Café in association with La Ditta, WEST at The Twelve and Kelly Oysters serving premium native Galway Oysters. www.galwayoysterfestival.com

Munch your way around Macroom