The traditional Murrisk Pattern and the Murrisk Oyster festivals have joined ranks to become the Murrisk Pattern and Oyster Festival, running from Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3. It is hoped the combination of the two traditions is set to bring thousands of visitors to the small seaside village.
The Murrisk Pattern and Oyster Festival will be a fabulous weekend for all the family with lots of attractions and activities, live music and a food and craft market. There will be walks and tours, an oyster opening competition and the Mayo round of the national Chowder Competition. Add in the traditional Pattern Sheep Show and Mass as well as the Oyster Ball finale on Sunday night and it’s quite a weekend for Murrisk.
The Murrisk Pattern and Oyster Festival will host the county finals of the All-Ireland Chowder Competition on Sunday afternoon. The winner will go to Kinsale in Cork next April to represent Mayo and the national champion goes on to compete in Rhode Island in the USA. The Tavern were the Mayo representatives in 2015 and 2016. The competition is open to pubs, restaurants and cafes who are proud of their chowder. It is limited to eight entrants and two slots are still available (contact Myles in The Tavern to enter 098 64060). The local winner receives a commemorative plaque and prize money. The history of the traditional Murrisk Pattern at the foot of Croagh Patrick goes back many generations. The word ‘pattern’ comes from ‘patron’ as in patron saint. At one time almost every parish in the country celebrated a Pattern but now only a small number survive and Murrisk is proud to be one of those. The event has evolved to become a wonderful family day out and a celebration of the life and history of the village.
The Pattern and Sheep Show take place on Sunday afternoon (September 3). Beginning with a Mass in Murrisk Abbey at 12.30pm, the afternoon continues in Murrisk Car Park with a food market and craft stalls, family entertainment, a petting zoo, children’s races, games and competitions as well as the Oyster and Chowder competitions. Details are on the website www.murrisk.ie. Oyster and seafood specials will be available all weekend at Campbell’s at the Reek, and The Tavern Bar & Restaurant.
MORE www.murrisk.ie. Some of the festival’s events need to be booked in advance.
