Galway’s Golden Miles are a valued treasure trove of the county’s heritage
AN exciting new element – The Golden Mile of Galway Talks and Walks – has been added to the Golden Mile of Galway Project this year, with the announcement of nine events open to the public, free of charge, taking place throughout the county in Spring 2014.
The Golden Mile of Galway is a countywide project which encourages rural communities to come together to identify a mile long stretch of road in their local area and to recognise and celebrate the elements that make up our rural roadways, stonewalls, flora and fauna. This initiative is rolled out on an annual basis by Galway Rural Development Company Ltd and Galway County Council in partnership with Comhair na nOileán Teo. and FORUM Connemara.
The launch of the 2014 Golden Mile of Galway competition took place in the Athenry Heritage Centre where details of the upcoming information events, ‘Talks and Walks’, and a newly produced Golden Mile of Galway information pack as well as a supporting programme were announced.
The team directly involved in the organisation of these events and the production of the information pack were Frank Keane, Enterprise Officer, Galway Rural Development Co.; Michael Burke, GRD; Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council; Máirín O’Reilly, Golden Mile of Galway and heritage specialists, Zena Hoctor and Christy Cunniffe.
The Golden Mile of Galway first began in 2004 and has successfully run for 10 years. During that time 149 different communities entered their local Golden Mile – a one mile stretch of roadway. The Golden Mile of Galway Talks and Walks, led by Zena Hoctor and Christy Cunniffe, will take place at the following venues:
Johnston Hall, Kinvara (10am-1pm Sat. 8th Feb.); Lackagh Parish Centre (1pm-4pm Sun. 16th Feb.); Craughwell Community Centre (10am-1pm Sat. 22nd Feb.); Woodford Woodford Youth Club Hall (10am-1pm Sat. 1st March); Solus Resource Centre, Headford (1pm-4pm Sun. 2nd March); Killimor Hall (10am-1pm Sat. 8th March); Tuam Stars GAA Complex (10am-10pm Sat. 22nd March); Glenamaddy Community Centre (10am-1pm Sat. 5th April) and Ballymacward Hall (10am-1pm Sat. 12th April).
Suitable footwear, warm clothing and rain wear is recommended for the 90 minute guided walk on the Golden Miles. A hot ‘cuppa’ will be offered in the centres for all participants. Members of the public, community groups, schools and families of all ages who wish to explore and learn more about the wealth of heritage and natural treasures to be found on the Golden Miles, are invited to register for one of the Golden Mile Talks and Walks.
Mayor of County Galway, Cllr. Liam Carroll commended Frank Keane of GRD and Marie Mannion, Galway County Council for their dedication to this project and continuing to extend its reach and long lasting effects in rural County Galway.
“We have a treasure trove of curiosity in our rural environment, the flora and fauna in our hedgerows and there’s a wealth of stories and history to be shared with local communities through the Golden Mile project,” said Frank Keane, Enterprise Officer with Galway Rural Development Co.
For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.