The official launch of the Murphy’s Cork Oyster and Seafood Festival 2019, in association with Failte Ireland and “Taste the Island” will take place today (Friday, 23rd Aug). This is the biggest ever Murphy’s Cork Oyster and Seafood Festival. Murphy’s are the title sponsor for the third consecutive year of the festival. To celebrate, each one of the partner pubs and restaurants will have a Murphy’s and food special on for the duration of the festival.
The Festival is expected to provide a major economic boost to the local economy with hundreds of visitors expected from across Cork, Ireland and internationally. The Festival will take place from Friday 20th September until Sunday 22nd September and will involve close to 60 venues across Cork city and county.
One of the most hotly anticipated events this year is the second annual “All Ireland Oyster Shucking Competition”. In addition there will be music from Paddy Casey and The Frank and Walters.
Claire Gavin of Murphy’s said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Cork Oyster and Seafood Festival, which is fast becoming one of Ireland’s leading events. This is a very important and impactful event in Cork and will have a strong impact on the local economy. Last year’s event was a huge success and we expect this one to be even bigger and better. It is great to see people attend the festival from all over Cork and indeed the world. Murphy’s is very proud of it’s Cork connections and a perfect way to celebrate that is as title sponsors of one of Cork’s top events. Murphy’s is an internationally recognised Irish stout, brewed since 1856 in the iconic Lady’s Well Brewery in the heart of Cork.”
Festival organiser, Sandra Murphy of Trigon Hotels said: “Murphy’s is the perfect fit for us as a partner for this festival. We believe that a pint of stout and a dozen oysters is one of life’s little luxuries. Murphy’s is silky smooth, irresistibly creamy and with undertones of chocolate and coffee, making it the perfect match for pairing with oysters and seafood.”
“Taste the Island” is a new initiative to promote the island of Ireland’s extensive catalogue of food and drink experiences to domestic and international visitors, creating opportunities for Irish businesses to attract higher numbers of visitors outside of the already busy summer months.
On Friday 20th September, festival-goers can enjoy “A Jameson Experience” with Head Cooper, Ger Buckley as well as “A History of Prosecco” masterclass. Throughout the weekend, the Guinness Book of Records fastest Oyster shucker, Paddy the Shucker and The Lazy Chef, Simon Lamont will be on hand.
On Saturday 21st September, the hugely popular and now sold out Cork Gourmet Trail will take place from 12 noon. The day will start with a drinks reception at the Metropole Hotel before taking off on a culinary tour of Cork’s best restaurants. Also that evening the Metropole will host a very special evening with music from the Frank and Walters.
Tickets for all events are on sale on Eventbrite and more details on www.corkoysterfestival.com
The Metropole Hotel is part of the Trigon Hotel Group, which has 334 guest rooms across three hotels in Cork. The group comprises of the Cork International Hotel, The Metropole Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel.