Organizers of the Howth Guinness, Oyster & Music Festival are turning up the volume with the launch of a new culinary/musical festival that will take place in the coastal fishing village located outside of Dublin.
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The vibrant (mostly free) “All Shucked Up” festival, which will take place between Feb. 28th and March 2nd, offers a mix of live music, mouthwatering seafood, and the iconic taste of Guinness.
A Festival to Savor
Howth, famous for its seafood bars and restaurants, will host an event that celebrates local residents' love of Guinness, oysters and music.
Seven unique venues with seven different vibes will be held across the village and on the stunning Howth Hill.
With four ticketed headline shows at the historic Abbey Tavern and three exclusive shows at The Summit Inn, the festival promises to be an unforgettable weekend for music and oyster lovers.
“Imagine strolling from gig to gig, soaking in the village’s charm, much like going to Electric Picnic but with no ticket required for most events,” says festival organizer Paul Byrne of the band In Tua Nua.
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 Dublin Oyster Shucking Championships
The popular Abbey Tavern will host The Dublin 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).
The championships will be a qualifier for the National Oyster Shucking Championships to 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.
The event will be free for anyone who wants to go and watch.
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.
It is scheduled to take place in the Sky Bar at Wrights-Findlater on Sunday, March 2nd. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.ie at a cost of €45 per person.
Not-to-be-Missed Headline Performers
Festival goers can expect a stellar lineup featuring 80s' legends The Frank & Walters unplugged; Sisters in harmony from Donegal, The Henry Girls, and folk icons Scullion, all playing at The Abbey Tavern, in addition to multi-platinum artist Ryan Sheridan at The Summit Inn.
Four bands on the up are also performing at The Summit Inn. They include ”Really Good Time,” “Last Apollo,” “Blue Slate,” and “Martina & The Moons.”
A Sunday funk double bill featuring Zaska and Toby Corton will also perform at the same venue.
A special performance by Leslie Dowdall (In Tua Nua) and Mark Caplice will take place at The Abbey Tavern.
Over 20 Free Gigs and Sessions to Enjoy
For fans of live music, there are several free events lined up. They include the following:
Acoustic Shows at The Harbour Bar with Dogs (Nick Kelly & Sean Millar), Colm Skwirbat, The Macks, Allied Irish Bandits, and Sam Earlwood.
Reggae and Ska at McNeill’s with The Rebel Souls, The Skalps, and 2B40.
Jazz at Wrights-Findlater with Hugh Buckley, The Jazzabelles, Lulu’s Jazz Club, and Luke Howard.
Trad Sessions at O’Connells with Ispíní Na hÉireann, members of The Bonny Men, Mursheen Durken, the Howth Trad Collective, and Er & Oz.
Performances by The Howth Gospel Choir and special guests are also in the line-up, as well as the grand finale, The Last Shuck featuring Paul Byrne and friends.
“This is more than a festival — it’s an experience.” adds Byrne. “Whether you’re here for the music, the oysters, or a pint of the black stuff, “ALL SHUCKED UP” is set to become a must-visit event in Howth’s cultural calendar.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic. See you in Howth for an unforgettable weekend!”
Since ticketed shows are limited, booking early is advised.
Win Free Guinness and Oysters
One week before the show, festival's organizers will hide two golden oyster shells, one in the Summit Car Park area and the other around Howth Harbour.
While strolling, visitors and locals should keep an eye out for the hidden shells. Once found, contest participants are being asked to bring it to the collection point at The Abbey Tavern to claim their prize.
Two lucky winners will get to tour Howth's pubs and venues, enjoying music along the way, together with complimentary Guinness, Guinness Zero and fresh oysters throughout the weekend.
The competition is open to over 18s only.
Tickets for festival's headline shows can be purchased at tickets.ie. Follow the festival's Facebook and Instagram accounts for timely updates.