Centuries of Galway culture and heritage, from mediaeval times to the present day, will be celebrated at a special event in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church during Heritage Week.
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church Celebrates Galway’s Culture and Heritage will feature mediaeval circus performance, traditional Irish music and dance, arts and crafts, food, and children’s activities on Saturday August 17 from 11am to 4pm.
Galwegians curious about the combat styles or entertainments from the mediaeval era will be spoiled for choice with what is on offer - which is fitting as St Nicholas’, Galway’s oldest intact building, was founded in 1320 and retains many mediaeval features.
Displays of mediaeval fencing and armour will be given by the Society for Creative Anachronism, which researches and re-creates pre-17th century skills, arts, combat and culture.
Circus performances were often part of market fairs during the Middle Ages, and Galway Community Circus will be in St Nicholas’ to teach young and old circus tricks and tightrope walking.
A highlight will be the display of pages from a 1712 edition of The Book of Common Prayer, translated into Irish.
The Book of Common Prayer has been in use, in various forms, by the Anglican church since 1549. The first edition as Gaeilge was produced in 1608, translated by Uilliam O’Donnnaill, the then Archbishop of Tuam. This 1712 manuscript is courtesy of the Church of Ireland’s RCB Library and is from the collection of the Former Archbishop of Dublin, Donald Caird.
Throughout its early centuries and in its services today, the Irish language has been in use at St Nicholas’. With that tradition in mind, Gaillimh le Gaeilge will attend to encourage use of the cúpla focal.
To complete the mediaeval experience, volunteers from St Nicholas’ will show people around and explain the history of the church; the ‘ladies and knights of the town’ will parade to the Hall of the Red Earl on Druid Lane, in association with Duchas na Gaillimhe; and for fun, you can have your photo taken in mediaeval costume or be placed in the stocks.
Music lovers can enjoy sean nós music and dance, experience the Ysounds of mediaeval music, and take a chance to learn some mediaeval dance moves.
Arts and crafts will be a huge focus of an exhibition of Galway’s culture and heritage, with displays of traditional wool spinning, and a chance to design your own coat of arms. The public will be able to learn the history of Aran stitches and knitting from Anne Ó’Máille and Irish lace making from Colette Kennedy, while Dillons Jewellers will explain the history of the iconic Claddagh ring.
You can also meet St Nicholas’ own chatty crafters and see their wonderful work, and meet members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, an organisation which as kept Irish crafts and food relevant for 114 years.
There will be plenty to keep children happy on the day, including hobby horses made by The Men’s Shed, Shantalla, and face painting by Giselle and Maria, with paints sponsored by Dangan Nurseries.
A great day out for the family, the creatively inclined, or the historically curious, Galway’s Culture and Heritage at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is not to be missed.
Admission and activities are free but donations are welcome. Drinks and treats will be provided by St Nicholas’ and Merlin Woods Girl Guides.
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church gratefully acknowledges the support of Galway City Council.
