Flavor Profile
Finish
Lingering mineral, crisp and clean
Expert Notes
Kelly Native oysters are traditional European Flat oysters grown in the mineral-rich estuarine waters where Galway Bay meets the Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan rivers. Sourced from sustainable wild fisheries along Ireland's West Coast and on-grown for 3-5 years, these oysters develop a smooth, buttery-rich texture with pronounced brininess and subtle iodine notes. The unique terroir from limestone hills of The Burren and boggy Connemara creates a meaty, firm oyster with delicate succulence and a lingering mineral finish that gourmets and chefs treasure. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Ostrea edulis
- Native to
- Ireland
- Grown in
- Galway Bay, County Galway, Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan River Estuary
- Size
- Medium (3-4 inches)
- Shell Color
- Gray-brown with concentric rings
- Meat Color
- Cream to beige
What Experts Say
Across 5 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: wild grasses, crystal freshness, symphony of salt
"The Kelly Native Oyster tasted just like how I remembered it being. Maybe even better, given the conditions. The sharp, unmistakable mineral quality of the Native."
mineralsharp
"Sought after for their smooth, buttery-rich flavour. If the ocean is a taste, this is it."
butterysmoothocean-forwardrich
"The Native Flat Oyster offers up a stronger flavour – a symphony of salt, wild grasses and crystal freshness."
saltygrassyfreshstrong
"They are considered the best tasting oysters in the world and are juicy, buttery and succulently strong. Their flavour is unique and due to their environment where the ocean's tide blends with the rich, fresh water."
butterystrongjuicy
"Our clean, clear waters provide ideal conditions for growing: the freshness of the surrounding rivers of Connemara and the Burren blend with Atlantic tide. Like a thumbprint, the taste of our oysters is completely unique."
cleanfresh
About the Farm
Kelly Oysters
Est. 1960Founded over 60 years ago by Michael Kelly in Kilcolgan, Galway Bay. His father and grandfather had fished for oysters before him. The family business has grown through three generations, with sons Diarmuid and Michéal joining, and now welcoming Michael Jnr, representing a true multi-generational Irish oyster farming tradition.
- Cultivation Method
- wild harvest
History & Background
The Kelly Native is the European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis), the species originally farmed during Kelly Oysters' early days beginning over 60 years ago. Ireland is now one of the few European countries where there are still wild, self-sustaining oyster beds. The oysters have been part of the Galway Bay community for more than four thousand years.
The Kelly family traces their lineage back to Ireland's High King and the first kings of Connacht: the O'Kellys were a sept of Uí Máine who migrated from the North of Ireland and settled in the region. The oysters are featured at the renowned Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival and are exported to prestigious restaurants worldwide.
Did You Know?
- Each oyster is hand-packed in traditional blonde wooden baskets cushioned with seaweed
- The oysters filter up to 11 litres of water every hour over 3-5 years
- Much of the world-renowned Gillardeau oysters from France are actually grown out in Ireland before being finished in French claires
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 5 sources.
- Oysters of Ireland: Merroir (Part 1 of 3) — In A Half Shell
- Kelly Native Oyster — Kelly Oysters
- Discover the Kelly Oyster Difference — Kelly Oysters
- Kelly's Native Oysters (Ostrea Edulis) 1 dozen — Sustainable Seafood Ireland
- Kelly Gigas Oyster — Kelly Oysters
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