A number of free events are taking place across Galway city and county during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17 to Sunday August 25.
Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Galway have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what Galway’s local heritage has to offer.
Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.
Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Galway also include:
Digital Mapping of Galway’s Graveyards, Williamstown Parish Hall (17 August, 1pm to 3pm) –Â Â Discover how technology is being used to preserve and document these important cultural sites. Learn about the process of creating digital maps, the significance of this work for genealogy and hear about the exciting discoveries made through this project.
Pre-human Ireland, the Court House at Oughterard (17 August, 8pm to 10pm) –Archaeologist Bill Daly will offer fascinating insights into the island of Ireland before the arrival of mankind. A selection of new and relevant replica archaeological material will also be on display during the presentation.
Old Irish Customs of Lughnasa, Galway City Museum (17 August, 2pm to 3pm) –Â The ancient festival of Lughnasa was of great importance to our farming ancestors as it marked the start of the harvest season. This illustrated talk will discuss its significance as well as some of the old rituals and superstitions associated with the festival.
Cycle Space – Galway’s Places & Faces by Bike, starting at the Spanish Arch (18 August, 3pm to 5pm, and 21 August 7pm to 9pm) – From past industrial prowess, the rise of Galway as a student town, to social changes in the Claddagh, the evolution of Galway is borne out in the architecture and structures of the city.
Join Michael Scott, Galway City Council’s Architectural Conservation Officer, for a cycle through Galway City’s past and present.
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said: “Browsing through the over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week this year gives a sense of the shear variety and colour of our nation’s heritage – they cover nature, culture, music, traditions, folklore, writing, history, architecture, archaeology, archives and so much more.”
“It is also a sign of the strength of the sector, the depth of knowledge people have and their generosity in sharing that knowledge. Many of the events are volunteer led, organised by dedicated people who seek no recompense or adulation.”
“We must never take these people for granted and I will continue unapologetically to mention them at every opportunity, such is their importance not only to National Hertiage Week, but to the preservation of Irish heritage in general.”
Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Saturday 24 August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality.
On Sunday, 25 August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.
