Hillsborough International Oyster Festival

What to Expect

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular annual food events, drawing large crowds to the historic village of Hillsborough. The five-day festival features the World Oyster Eating Championship, live music, artisan food stalls, pub events and the formal Pearl and Oyster Ball. Exact 2026 dates are to be confirmed; the festival typically runs in the last week of August. Hillsborough is within the Lisburn & Castlereagh council area, close to the Antrim border and easily reached from Belfast.

Good to Know

• Annual event, typically last week of August; 2026 exact dates to be confirmed - check Facebook @HIOFestival

• Hillsborough village centre, Co. Down (30 minutes south of Belfast)

• Street events free to attend; ticketed evening events and the Oyster Ball priced separately

• Book accommodation early as the village fills up for the festival weekend

Getting There

Hillsborough is on the A1 Belfast to Dublin road, approximately 20km south of Belfast. Translink buses from Belfast Europa Bus Centre serve Hillsborough. Limited parking in the village; additional car parks signposted during the festival.