The 150 free events across Galway city and county for Heritage Week

It is important to note that advance booking is required for many of the events listed here – and more detailed information on all of the activities, including contact details where booking is necessary, is available online at www.heritageweek.ie.

SATURDAY, AUG 15

GALWAY CITY:

Heritage Talk: The Galway Hooker-Ciaran Oliver

11am-12pm, Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade.

Guided Heritage Walk of Rahoon

11am-1pm, from Millers Lane Pitch, Rahoon Road.

Exploring Ground Flora: Guided tour

11am-1pm, Merlin Woods Community Garden, Merlin Park Woods, Doughiska Rd.

Digitising a Unique Heritage Collection

12pm-1pm, illustrated talk on the digitisation of recordings by William Henry and the late John Monahan of approximately 180 historical and cultural lectures delivered to members of the Old Galway Society and Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, Galway City Museum.

Heritage at Risk-Beach and Dune Biodiversity Walk

1pm-2pm, Grattan Beach, Salthill.

Galway and the Cultural Revolution Guided Walking Tour

2pm-3.30pm, meet outside Tigh Neachtain Pub, 17 Cross Street Upper.

Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland – guided visit.

2pm-4pm, 1st Floor, Data Science Institute, IDA Business Park, Lower Dangan, Galway, H91 AEX4.

The Rev. Daniel J. Murphy Song Manuscripts: illustrated talk.

3pm-4pm, Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade.

GALWAY COUNTY:

Visit Ross Castle Gardens & Grounds

*Daily until August 23, 10am-3pm. Ross Castle, Ross Demesne. Rosscahill, H91 K25N.

Hidden Ireland Exhibition at Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower

*Daily until August 23, 11am-5pm, Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower Ballylee, Gort, H91 D8F2.

Kylemore Abbey Heritage Trail

*Daily until August 23, 10am-6pm, Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, Connemara, H91 VR90.

Topographical Survey Maps of Kylemore Abbey Model Farm

*Daily until August 23, 10am-6pm Kylemore Abbey Castle, Staircase Hall. H91 VR90

Memories of Kylemore

*Daily until August 23, 10am-6pm, Visitors are invited to record and share their own memories, stories and connections to Kylemore. Bus Shelter, Kylemore Estate. H91 VR90.

Tours of Raford House, Kiltullagh, Athenry.

2pm-4pm, in association with Historic Houses of Ireland. H65 E529.

Excavations at Barrack Street, Gort, by Fiona Rooney

1pm-2.30pm, Gort Town Hall, Church Street, Gort, H91 E0C8.

Gort Library: Take a Peek inside

11.15am-4.30pm, Gort Library, Church Road, Gort. H91 F5P8.

Ask the Archaeologist

11am-12.30pm. Display of replica artefacts and make a model monument. Gort Town Hall, H91 E0C8.

Podcast Launch: Inniú agus Inné- The lifecycle of Ballinasloe Library

11.30am-12.30pm, Ballinasloe Library, Society St., Ballinasloe, H53T320.

Heritage Open Door Loughrea Library

11am-5pm, Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61.

Heritage Open Door Ballinasloe Library

10am-5pm, Ballinasloe Library, Society St., Ballinasloe, H53T320.

Echoes of the Past, Sounds of Today: A History Of The Irish Harp

2.30pm-4pm, with renowned Irish harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin, Ballinasloe Library, Society St., H53T320.

Heritage Open Door, Oranmore Library

10am-5pm, Oranmore Library, Main Street, Oranmore, H91 PC59.

Tour of The Irish Workhouse Centre

2pm-3.15pm, Irish Workhouse Centre, St. Brigid's Road, Portumna, H53 EK74.

Book Launch: The Townland of Lackaghbeg

8.15pm-9.15pm, Carnoneen Parish Centre, Lackagh Village, H65 H578.

Hedgerow Healing-Exploring Traditional Herbal Uses of our Hedgerows

11am-12pm, Mad Yolk Farm, Srah, Craughwell, H91 YDT2.

Flora and fauna within Orchard Wall at the Castlekelly estate, Aghrane Forest, Ballygar

2pm-4.30pm, Gazebo, Aghrane Forest, Ballygar.

Am Scéalaíochta agus Ealaíne, An Cheathrú Rua (Storytime and Art as Gaeilge, Carraroe)

12pm-1pm, Leabharlann na Ceathrún Rua, H91HY76.

Mass at Ross Errilly Friary

2.30pm-3pm, celebrating the 675th anniversary of the friary's foundation in 1351, Ross Errilly Friary, Ross. Headford. Shuttle bus from Carey’s Funeral Home carpark from 2pm.

Athenry Castle-Archery

2pm-5pm, Athenry Castle, Court Lane, Athenry, H65 WP93.

Entering the Grey Zone; Thinking about Ireland’s Great Famine with Breandán MacSuibhne

7.30pm-10pm, talk, publication relaunch and refreshments,Áras Uilinn Ballyquirke West, Maigh Cuilinn, H91 DHW0.

Trad Session, Kylemore Abbey

1pm-2pm, Kylemore Abbey, Fordham Hall, H91 VR90.

SUNDAY, AUG 16

GALWAY CITY:

Collecting Native Wildlife Seeds

11am-1pm, Merlin Woods Community Garden, Merlin Park Woods, Doughiska Rd, Galway.

GALWAY COUNTY:

Old Abbey in Ruins Claregalway Update

7pm-8.30pm, Cairdeas Meeting Room, Claregalway Church, H91XH02.

Walking tour of Medieval Athenry

1.30pm-2.30pm and 3.30pm-4.30pm, with local historian Gerry Burke, starts front of Athenry Castle, Court Lane, Athenry, H65 WP93.

Athenry Walled Town Day

1pm-5pm. Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and stories of medieval Athenry. Athenry Castle, Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre and Athenry Community Park.

Aughrim Battlefield Tour

11am-1pm, guided tour of the site of the 1691 battle, The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre, Aughrim, Ballinasloe, H53 KH51.

Nature restoration in action at Brigit’s Garden

11am-12.45pm, guided walk, Brigit's Garden Visitor Centre, Roscahill, H91 CC90.

Wonderful Wildflowers: Guided Walk at Brigit’s Garden

2pm-3.45pm, Brigit's Garden Visitor Centre, Roscahill.

Wildlife Gardening Workshop at Brigit's Garden

2pm-4pm, Brigit's Garden, Roscahill.

Evening Bat Walk at Brigit's Garden

9.15pm-10.45pm, Brigit's Garden,Roscahill.

Talk by Rory O'Shaughnessy on Noble Alliances, Heraldic Achievements and Marriage Stones

6pm-8pm, Ardrahan Church of Ireland, Ardrahan, H91 CT82.

Nature Walk in Cregduff Woods

2pm-4pm, from entrance gate to Cregduff Woods, Cregduff, Cloonboo.

Clontuskert Heritage Orchard Mapping Project-Our Living Heritage

5pm-6.45pm, Clontuskert Community Hub, Crossconnell, Clontuskert, Ballinasloe, H53 D602.

Storylines-Storytelling Tour of the River Shannon

2.30pm-3.30pm and 4pm-5pm, Portumna Castle, H53 YK27.

Milltown Community Museum Open Day & Heritage Exhibition

11am-1pm, Milltown Community Museum, Milltown Community Centre, H54 D579.

Milltown: Celebrating Our History and Heritage

11am-1pm, Milltown Community Centre.

Irish Harp-Caitriona Moskovskova

1pm-2pm, afternoon of music at Kylemore Abbey’s Ostyn Hall. H91 VR90

MONDAY, AUG 17

GALWAY CITY:

Walking Tour of Medieval Galway

*Also on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2.30pm-4pm, starting from Browne Doorway, Eyre Square.

The Corrib Soundscape: A Galway Waterway Soundwalk

11am-12pm, O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, University Rd, H91 T8WR.

St Patrick’s Garrison Church & Renmore Military Museum Tour

*Also on Wed Aug 19 and Fri Aug 21, 2pm-4pm, St Patrick’s Garrison Church, Renmore Road, H91 E22C.

History of the James Hardiman Library in 100 Objects

*Daily until Friday, August 21, 9am-5pm, Hardiman Building Foyer, University of Galway, H91 REW4.

Tour of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Museum

*Also on Wed Aug 19 and Fri Aug 21, 1pm-2.30pm, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa (Mellows Barracks) Renmore Road,

Traditional Woodcarving Workshop

10am-5.15pm, St Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Lombard St.

Forthill Cemetery Guided Tour

*Also on Tuesday, Aug 18, 11am-12pm, Forthill Cemetery, Lough Atalia Road.

GALWAY COUNTY:

Talk on the 1926 Irish Census

7.30pm-8.45pm, Oughterard Courthouse, Main St, Oughterard, H91 CC96.

TUESDAY, AUG 18

GALWAY CITY:

Tour of the Franciscan Abbey Church Graveyard

2pm-4pm, Front Door, Franciscan Abbey Church, St Francis Street.

Ireland’s Culture and Landscape

2pm-5pm, talks at the Library training room, Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

Urban Fossil Walk

10am-11am, highlighting fossils in the building stones of places that we walk by every day, starting from Galway Cathedral, main entrance.

Census Records of the 20th Century

10.30am-1.30pm, talk followed by one-to-one advice sessions, Galway City Library, St. Augustine Street.

GALWAY COUNTY:

The Holy Wells of the County of Galway Project 2026

12.30pm-1.30pm, Dunmore MacHales GAA Centre, Dublin Road, Dunmore, H54XC53.

Transport and Travel in the 18th Century/South Galway Milestones Conservation Project

7.30pm-9.30pm, Loughnane and Quinn Memorial Hall, Labane, Ardrahan, H91W9E4.

Free Family History Research Consultations

1.30pm-4.30pm, Free one-hour family history research consultations with professional researchers for Galway City and County (booking essential) Woodford Heritage Centre,Woodford, H62 HP57.

Frass Bog Walk-Glenamaddy

11am-1pm, guided stroll through the Glenamaddy/Frass Greenway, meet at Creggs Road Cemetery Car Park, Glenamaddy.

Meet Our Architectural Conservation Officer

2.15pm-3.15pm, discover the vital role of the Architectural Conservation Officer in protecting Galway’s historic buildings and places, Ballinasloe Library, Society St., Ballinasloe, H53T320.

Talk on Earl Grey Scheme

12.45pm-1.45pm, how 4,175 Girls left Ireland for South Africa and Australia over a two year period in 1848 to 1850 under a British Government emigration funded scheme, Irish Workhouse Centre, St. Brigid's Road, Portumna, H53 EK74.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 19

GALWAY CITY:

The Peadar O’Dowd Memorial Waterways Tour

2pm-3pm, meeting point outside the Hall of the Red Earl (Custom House, Druid Lane).

Tour of the Quadrangle Building, University of Galway

1pm-2pm, Quadrangle Building, South Campus, University of Galway.

Batwalk

9.30pm-11pm, Merlin Woods Community Garden, Merlin Park Woods, Doughiska RD.

Vernacular Heritage Survey Walking Tour

7pm-9pm, Fahy's Farm, Ballindooley.

Latin Quarter Walking Tour with Brendan

2pm-3pm, Galway Tourist Information Centre, Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade.

Irish Lacemaking Demonstration-Corrib Lacemakers

10am-2pm, Galway City Museum.

Tracing Your Galway Roots

12pm-3.30pm, talks followed by an interactive genealogy workshop, Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill.

GALWAY COUNTY

Mountbellew Heritage Discovery Day

11am-3.30pm, free day of heritage, nature, history, and vintage displays, Galway’s Living Bog Interpretive Centre, Mountbellew, H53TN67.

Ask the Archaeologist

10am-12pm, Meet Galway Community Archaeologist, Tuam Library, High Street, Tuam, H54 F627.

The Curlew: A Wader at Risk

6pm-7pm, talk at Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61.

Children’s activities at Oranmore Library

2.30pm-3.30pm, Arts & Crafts session for children, Oranmore Library, Main Street, Oranmore, H91 PC59.

If Hazel Could Talk-Sharing Traveller Heritage

11am-1pm, explore the rich cultural heritage of the Traveller community through stories, traditional knowledge and shared experience, Ballinasloe Library, Society St, Ballinasloe, H53 T320.

Medicine in the 19th Century

1pm-2pm, Irish Workhouse Centre, St. Brigid's Road, Portumna, H53 EK74.

Kilskeagh Church and The Witches' Castle: Reconstructing a Lost History

7pm-8.15pm, Lackagh Parish Centre, Lackagh, H65 EK52.

"From Preservation to Progress, 20 years behind us, 20 years ahead"

3pm-4.30pm, tour and discussion of previous conservation works undertaken at the Irish Workhouse Centre and plans for the future, The Irish Workhouse Centre, St Brigid's Road, Portumna, H53 EK74.

1924 Aveling Porter F-Type Steam Roller Display

10am-6pm, Mountbellew Walled Garden, The Demesne, Mountbellew, H53 N803.

Talk-Our Native Irish Bees

7.30pm-8.30pm, Oughterard Courthouse, Main St, Oughterard, H91 CC96.

Discover Kylemore Abbey's Historic Model Farm

1pm-1.30pm, Kylemore Abbey Castle, Staircase Hall, H91 VR90.

THURSDAY, AUG 20

GALWAY CITY:

Galway Georgian Architecture

1pm-2pm, Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street Lower.

Researching Local History & Genealogy with Galway Public Libraries

3pm-4pm, Galway City Library, Hynes Building, Saint Augustine Street.

Hidden Wonders: Visit to the Zoology & Geology Museums

2pm-4pm, meet at Archway of The Quadrangle, University of Galway, University Road.

Gathering Stories: Past, Present and Future

1pm-4pm, explore the rich cultural, historical and natural heritage of Galway’s treasured woodland, Merlin Woods Community Garden, Merlin Park Woods, Doughiska Rd.

Cuairt na Cearnóige, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe

1pm-2pm, Áirse Chearnógach, Foirgneamh Cearnógach, Campas Theas, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe,, H91 TK33.

Heritage Talk: The Galway Hooker-Ciaran Oliver

Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, 11am-12pm.

GALWAY COUNTY:

20th Century Census Records

2.30pm-3.30pm, Woodford Heritage Centre, Woodford, H62 HP57.

The Curlew: A Wader at Risk

5pm-6pm, Ballinasloe Library, Society St., Ballinasloe, H53T320.

Curlew Lino Print Workshop

6pm-7pm, Ballinasloe Library.

Artefacts in the Workhouse Museum

1pm-2pm, Irish Workhouse Centre Portumna, H53 EK74.

Mass and Grave Blessing at the Old Kilskeagh Graveyard

7pm-8pm, Old Kilskeagh Church and Graveyard, Kilskeagh, Rathfee, Lackagh, H65X290.

FRIDAY, AUG 21

GALWAY CITY:

Tour of the Quadrangle & James Mitchell Geology Museum University of Galway

10am-12.30pm, meet at Quadrangle Building, South Campus.

Menlo Castle Walking Tour

10am-12pm, meet at the entrance gate to Menlo Castle.

Vernacular Heritage Iron Walk

2.30pm-3.30pm, guided walk through the grounds of Menlo Castle and the surrounding landscape, meet at entrance gate.

GALWAY COUNTY:

Old Kilchreest Graveyard Heritage Talk

7.30pm-8.45pm, The Village Inn, Kilchreest, H62DX63.

The Medieval Architecture of Loughrea Parish

12pm-1.15pm, Loughrea Public Library, Church St., Loughrea, H62 EV61.

History of Aughinish and Parkmore Church

7.30pm-9.30pm, Doorus NS, Doorus, Kinvara, H91DFH7.

Launch of Moylough Heritage Society Podcact Series

8pm-10pm, Moylough Community Centre, H53D981.

Walking Tour of Gort Inse Guaire (Gort)

11am-12pm, starting from Weigh House, Market Square, Gort.

SATURDAY, AUG 22

GALWAY CITY:

Galway Civic Trust: A Celebration of Heritage 2026

9am-9.30pm, join Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe for a day-long celebration of Galway's heritage, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, H91 N5X9.

Heritage at Risk: Opening Session & Meet the Trust

9am-10am, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

Religious Orders of Galway

10am-11am, illustrated talk, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

An Introduction to the Famine in Galway

11am-12pm, talk by historian Ian Brophy, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

The Hall of the Red Earl

12pm-1pm, talk at The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

Film Screening: Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic

1pm-2pm, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

The Famine: Galway's Darkest Days

2pm-3pm, talk by historian, author, and storyteller William Henry, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

Scéalta Fiannaíochta, Folklore and Storytelling Traditions-Máirín Mhic Lochlainn

3pm-4pm, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

Preserving Personal Archives: Protecting Your Family History

4pm-5pm, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

Balancing Progress with Protection: Planning & the Preservation of Galway's Archaeological Heritage

5pm-6pm, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

A Celebration of Heritage-Evening Music Concert

7pm-9.30pm, The Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

Red Earl’s Hall Galway Medieval Show

11am-4pm, with living-history displays, demonstrations, talks and costumed interpreters, Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane, H91 XV2C.

Skylight 47 Poetry Reading & Open Mic

4pm-6pm, Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane.

History of Bushypark Church and Graveyard

3pm-4pm, talk at Saint James' Church, Bushypark.

Wild Child

12pm-2pm, an adventure exploring the natural world of bugs, butterflies and other creatures of Merlin Woods (children must be accompanied by an adult), Merlin Woods Community Garden, Merlin Park Woods, Doughiska Rd.

GALWAY COUNTY:

Voices Across Time: County Galway Through Recorded Memory

11.30am-12.30pm, Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61.

Guided Heritage Walk of Loughrea

12pm-2pm, starting at St Brendan's Cathedral, Barrack Street, H62 EH63.

Ask the Archaeologist

2pm-3.15pm, meet Galway Community Archaeologist and ask her anything, Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea.

Lego building at Oranmore Library

10am-1pm, LEGO session with the theme of building your favourite Galway landmark, Oranmore Library, Main Street, Oranmore, H91 PC59.

Lackagh Museum & Heritage Oral History Project

8.15pm-9.30pm, launch of the voices from the Lackagh Museum and Heritage Oral History Project 2006, Carnonneen Parish Centre, Lackagh, Turloughmore, H65 H578.

Remembering Dr. Tony Claffey. Tuam Historian and Mill Trustee

11.30am-12.45pm, Little Mill Grounds, Chapel Lane, Tuam, H54N963.

Turas Treoraithe trí Ghaeilge

12pm-1pm, Portumna Castle & Gardens, H53 YK27.

The Unbroken Line: Connemara Music, Song, and Dance

12.30pm-1.30pm, music, song and dance at Kylemore Abbey, Ostyn Hall.

Creating a Plan for Oranmore Medieval Church & Graveyard

3pm-4.30pm, Oranmore Medieval Church and Graveyard (behind Oranmore Centra/Texaco, Main Street).

SUNDAY, AUG 23

GALWAY CITY:

Waterways of Galway: Cultural History and Biodiversity

2pm-4pm, guided walking tour of Claddagh Basin, Eglinton Canal, Middle River, Meeting point Opposite St. Mary’s Church, Claddagh.

Galway to The Gambia-Common Terns in Lough Atalia

7pm-8pm, meet at GRETB Outdoor Education Centre, Lakeshore Drive (opposite Dept of Defence) Renmore.

Picnic in the Garden

2pm-4pm, Merlin Woods Community Garden, Merlin Park Woods, Doughiska Rd.

GALWAY COUNTY:

Lough Corrib Environmental Clean-Up

10am-12pm, meet at Oughterard pier.

Open Day at Templetogher Heritage Area

1pm-4pm, explore the countless artefacts, exhibitions, slideshows, farm machinery of yesteryear, and demonstrations on display, Templetogher Heritage Area, Williamstown, F45PH32.

Echoes of Ireland and Europe: Music Through the Ages

7pm-8pm, free concert at Loughrea Hotel & Spa, Athenry Rd, Loughrea, H62 Y189.

The Life & Times of Pavel Strzelecki

1pm-2pm, Irish Workhouse Centre, St. Brigid's Road, Portumna, H53 EK74.

Trees and Mythology, Guided Walk at Brigit's Garden

11am-1pm, Brigit's Garden, Roscahill, H91 CC90.

Family Storytelling Workshop in the Woods at Brigit’s Garden

2pm-3.45pm, Brigit's Garden, Roscahill.

Exploring Ballinderreen's Past: Heritage, Memories and Place

11.30am-1pm, Ballinderreen Community Centre,H91TC65.

Discover the History of Corofin Castle

6.30pm-7.30pm, Corofin GAA clubhouse, H54 DK51.

Display of classic and vintage cars and tractors and bikes

12pm-4pm, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, H91 AH5K.

20th Century Census Records with Monica Hynes MA

2pm-3pm, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack.

Digital Mapping of Local Graveyards Abbeyknockmoy

10am-11am, Abbeyknockmoy Community Centre, H54 FC98.

Oranmore Castle Heritage Market

12pm-4pm, Oranmore Castle, H91TFT6.

Conservation|Letterfrack Open Workshop

11am-4pm, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack.

ICONS 26

11am-4pm, furniture and design exhibition, ATU Connemara, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, H91 AH5K.

Barn Owl talk with John Carrig

2.30pm-4.30pm, Portumna Castle and Gardens, H53 N7D0.

Visiting the 1926 census in Kilshanvey

3pm-6pm, Kilshanvey Church ruins, Kilshanvey, Kilconly, Tuam.

Market & Craft Fair

11am-4pm, Portumna Castle & Gardens, H53 YK27.

Saving Natural Heritage in our Gardens

11.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-4pm, Portumna Castle & Gardens.

Ballinasloe Stories-A Walk Through Ballinasloe's History & Heritage

1pm-2.30pm, guided walk starting at Ballinasloe Library, Society Street, H53 T320.

Siúlóid Oidhreachta in Inis Meáin

12pm-2pm, ag tosnú ag Séipéal Mhuire gan Smál agus Naomh Eoin Baiste, Inis Meáin.

Scéalaíocht sa gCoill Mhór (Storytelling in Kylemore)

2pm-3pm, lively and interactive Irish-language storytelling session for children, Kylemore Abbey, Ostyn Hall.

Tobar Maoile Ballymacward-Land of the Thousand Springs

4pm-7pm, Ballymacward Community Centre, H53 A3H1.

Seoladh labhrán: Cladaí Inis Meáin

12.30pm-2pm, Ionad Pobail, Inis Meáin.