After the success of last year’s All Shucked Up Guinness, Oyster & Music Festival, the organizers of this popular Howth event will once again bring fans three days of live music, mouthwatering seafood and the iconic taste of Guinness, which will take place between Feb. 27th and March 1st..
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Besides a few ticketed events, most of the entertainment is free in the popular Dublin seaside resort.
A Festival to Savor
The Abbey Tavern, a popular pub and restaurant in Howth, will host two oyster shucking events, including The Howth Oyster Shucking Competition and the East Coast Oyster Shucking Championships.
Restaurants and bars alike will be serving the best-tasting oysters along with their own signature dishes.
In addition, visitors and locals alike can enjoy seven unique music venues that will take place across the village and on the stunning Howth Hill.
Imagine strolling from gig to gig, soaking in the village’s charm, much like going to Ireland’s popular Electric Picnic festival but with no ticket required for most events.
Visitors can avail of Howth’s local accommodation, but camper van parking will also be available at the nearby Suttonians Rugby Club.
Festival to Include Oyster Contests
The Abbey Tavern will host both the Howth Oyster Shucking Competition and the East Coast Oyster Shucking Championships, where festival goers can expect to see plenty of tasty oysters on hand courtesy of roaming oyster shuckers (equipped with hand-crafted oyster belts that hold oysters, condiments and a bucket for discarded shells).
At the free Howth Oyster Shucking Championships, shuckers will compete for speed and skill.
That competition will be a qualifier for the East Coast Oyster Shucking Championships.
The winners of the East Coast Oyster Shucking Championships will participate in the National Oyster Shucking Championships, which will take place later this year.
Marcus O’Laoire, who is best known in Ireland as a dynamic DJ, cook and cultural innovator, will serve as the celebrity emcee for the East Coast Shucking Championships event.
In addition, many of the town’s restaurants and bars will serve the best tasting oysters, while also taking part in the festival’s Best Dressed Oyster competition.
A shucking masterclass with Sarah Browne of Oysome is also included in the lineup of festival events.
Family-friendly events include coastal foraging with Nicole Dunne of Howth Foraging.
Not-to-be-Missed Headline Performers
Three ticketed headline shows, two at the Abbey Tavern, and one at The Summit Inn promise to make this an unforgettable weekend.
The stellar lineup includes 80’s legends Leslie & Flo in their new show Natural Women, Irish singer-songwriter Jack Lukeman, with special guest Ellyd, both performing at the Abbey Tavern, in addition to Betty Boo, playing at the Summit Inn.
Twenty-Five Free Gigs and Sessions to Enjoy
Fans of live music can enjoy a variety of free events across several venues, including the following:
Acoustic Shows on The Garden Stage at The Harbour Bar with Shobsy, The Kickbacks, Seamus Harty, Sam Earlwood, Dogs, and Paul McDonnell.
Rhythm & Blues on the Smokin’ Stage at McNeill’s with Colm Skwirbat, Crazycrow, Lighting Phil and the Sinisters, and the Bree Harris Band.
Jazz at Wrights-Findlater with the Richie Buckley Organ Quartet, Bobby Mc sings Sinatra, the Des Hopkins Dixieland Jazz Band, and the Lee Meehan Organ Trio.
Bluegrass Sessions at O’Connells with the Yum Yum Old Time String Band, Whistle, and The Blue Light Smugglers.
Rock on the Phil Lynott Stage at The Bloody Stream with Martina & The Moons, The Savage Hearts and 4 Bands on the Up featuring Telekura, And He, The Fool, the Taylor Byrne Band, and DC Dolls.
Plus, enjoy performances by The Howth Gospel Choir with special guests, and don’t miss the grand finale, The Last Shuck featuring Paul Byrne, The Guilty Party and friends.
Follow the festival’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for timely updates and to enter The Golden Oyster Hunt challenge. Two lucky winners will get to bring three friends with them for a free Guinness and oyster experience in all seven music venues.
Tickets for festival’s headline shows can be purchased at tickets.ie.