The type of oyster grown in Dungarvan is the gigas or pacific oyster, also known as the rock oyster. The industry is relatively young here, the first commercial production of oysters started about 10 years ago. From modest beginning the bay now produces between 800-1000 tonnes per annum. The entire production for Ireland is approximately 3500 tonnes. Dungarvan is therefore a significant producer of oysters.

The Bay of Dungarvan is tailor made for oyster growing. The bottom is flat and sandy and all ongrowing areas are easily accessible by tractor.

The oysters can only be worked at the low tides with the best working times being the spring low tides. As Dungarvan is an open type of bay there is an excellent water exchange, resulting in strong growth, a clean shell and  a good meat content in the oysters.

At low water the trestles are clearly visible along low water line, but at high tide there is no sign of them at all.

In a warm Summer the water temperature rises significantly, resulting in spawning of the oysters. This temperature is not sustained long enough for the spat to settle and grow and therfore oyster seed has to be imported to the bay.

On arrival they measure only 4-8mm in length and over their growth period of 2-3 years the attain a weight of 60-120 grams. It is at this size that they are brought in and prepared for market.