Treehouse Guinness, Oyster and Whiskey Festival
North Sydney it getting its first Guinness and Oyster festival this month — with proceeds going to Irish Support Agency.
Overview
If you missed last month's Guinness & Oyster Festival in The Rocks, you're in luck. The first annual Treehouse Guinness, Oyster and Whisky Festival is heading to the North Shore on Saturday, September 23.
Inspired by the famous annual Galway International Oyster Festival back in the motherland, The Treehouse Hotel in North Sydney is hosting a day celebrating Irish culture, led by its general manager and Irishman Colm O'Neill.
The festival is split into two parts. The day part goes from 12–4pm and entry is free. Tokens can be purchased on the day to redeem for food and drinks. Doors open and the live music begins at 12pm. Punters can peruse pop-up bars serving Guinness, award-winning Waterford Irish Whisky (among other standout whisky brands), Howard Park sparkling wine and Sydney Rock oysters from East 33.
Stick around for the oyster shucking and Guinness pouring competitions, with prizes up for grabs. There will be a traditional Irish dancing performance courtesy of the Dwyer-Whelan Academy of Irish Dance, face-painting, hurling (a traditional Irish sport) and a whole roast pig if you get peckish and oysters aren't your thing.
For those wanting to kick on and support a good cause, the second part of the festival will kick off from 6pm with an Irish-inspired feast. The dinner begins with oysters (of course). This will be followed by your choice of prawn cocktail (made with Queensland tiger prawns), seared scallops with traditional black pudding from The Irish Butcher or creamy chicken vol-au-vents. For mains, guests can enjoy beef cheeks braised in Guinness for 18 hours or king salmon glazed with Waterford Irish Whisky.
To finish the feast, diners can choose between a dark chocolate and Guinness cake or a classic Irish dessert: baked apple crumble pie with cinnamon anglaise and vanilla ice cream. Drinks will include beer, wine, Guinness and Waterford Irish Whisky.
Punters will also enjoy live music from special guests Rebecca Harkin and Marcus Holden, premiering their new show, Celtic Grá (grá translates to love). Tickets to the fundraising dinner are $130pp, with proceeds going towards the Irish Support Agency. This not-for-profit organisation supports the extended Irish community in NSW with regular community events, health services information, employment help, and accommodation crises.
Entry to the day festival is free. Reserve your spot on the website now. Tickets to the fundraising dinner are $130pp and include a four-course meal and a beverage package. Buy your tickets for the dinner on the website. All proceeds go towards the Irish Support Agency.
