There is no better way to experience oysters that at an oyster farm like Carlingford Oyster Company in Ireland, especially when there’s a sunset.
While in Dublin, I had the unique opportunity to visit Carlingford Oyster Company’s oyster farm and sample oysters directly from the sea. It was an educational yet tasty experience that I will long remember.
The Carlingford Oyster Company is situated on the Carlingford Lough near the charming village of the same name, about 60 miles north of Dublin. I arrived at twilight, under pillowy pink clouds and the setting Irish sun.
The family-owned operation produces enough oysters to supply many top restaurants in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Greeted by owner Kian Louet-Feisser, we were shown the intriguing process of how the farm raises the luscious bivalves.
Oyster Farm Process
In a nutshell, or oyster shell, the farm buys seeds from Normandy, France and then spends three years growing the itty bitty seeds into plump, delicious oysters. It’s quite an involved process that includes harvesting and filtering, but it’s time well spent based on the end result.
Tasting Oysters at the Carlingford Oyster Farm
For me, the best part of the visit was tasting the oysters. Kian expertly shucked several oysters for us, each one gloriously full of salty ocean water.
The oysters were fresh and firm with a clean taste. I ate the first one au naturel so that I could appreciate the pure mineral taste. I ate a few more with splashes of tabasco as suggested.
The tabasco complemented the briny flavor, and all of my taste buds tingled. Kian’s wife Mary poured some Prosecco to go with the oysters. My taste buds soon became even happier.
The sun set as we slurped and sipped.
They say that the world is your oyster. On a recent Saturday in Ireland just by the Carlingford Lough, the world was in my hand. And the world tasted good.
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About the Author
Mindi Hirsch
Mindi Hirsch left corporate America to embark on a never-ending quest for the next great meal. The award-winning Food & Travel writer lives in Lisbon with her partner Daryl.
Original Publication Date: November 17, 2013
Kirsty
Sunday 5th of July 2015
I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of oysters! But oysters with tobacco just sounds a bit weird! ..... Think you might have a typo there! ;-)
Mindi Hirsch
Sunday 5th of July 2015
That would definitely be weird. However, eating oysters with tabasco is quite tasty.
Nick
Saturday 9th of August 2014
Mmmm...oysters and prosecco. Sounds like a great afternoon!
Susan
Thursday 7th of August 2014
Next time I am coming with you! Yum....great photos too!
Francesca
Wednesday 6th of August 2014
What am I missing about oysters? I've tried them a few times over the years and just can't handle it. Looks like this was a great experience for you, though. And you ate some of the oysters with tobacco??
Mindi Hirsch
Wednesday 6th of August 2014
You haven't eaten oysters until you eat them right out of the ocean. And the tabasco gives the oysters an extra kick. So delicious!
mags
Sunday 17th of November 2013
Gorgeous photos! What a great experience! Who would think those baby oysters would grow into something so delicious?