Galway Civic Trust will celebrate 30 years next week with a day of talks and events taking place as part of Heritage Week.
The organisation will mark this signficant milestone during Heritage Week on Friday, August 23 with a day of events in the Mick Lally Theatre, just across the lane from the Galway Civic Trust offices.
The day-long series of talks and performances will explore Galway’s rich history and heritage, with a particular emphasis on the role and representation of women.
The day will begin at 10am with a talk by Ian Brophy on Lough Corrib and its environs, exploring the lough and its surrounding countryside from its formation 14,000 years ago to its current development, unearthing some of its fascinating history and hidden secrets.
At 11am, Declan O’Shea will give a talk entitled Revitalizing Ireland’s Heritage: The Case for Funding Traditional Buildings for Community Well-being and Tourism Growth, during which he will explore how grants for preservation of our historic buildings can benefit communities and tourism.
At 2pm, Séagh Mac Siúrdáin will discuss the social history of the seaweed industry in the west of Ireland, from iodine production to farmland fertilization, and its role in state ownership and familial labour traditions.
The excavation of the Hall of the Red Earl will be the focus of a talk at 3pm by Dominic Delaney, who will share the exciting discoveries and historical significance of the Hall of the Red Earl, a medieval archaeological site in Galway, unearthing its rich history and cultural impact.
Orla O’Connor, director of the National Women’s Council, will speak at 4pm on the role of women in preserving cultural heritage. Her presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
Ms O’Connor, named as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019, has been a leading advocate for women’s rights in Ireland, spearheading campaigns on issues ranging from reproductive rights to economic equality. Her presence will bring an insightful perspective on the crucial role of women in preserving cultural heritage.
During her presentation she will address topics such as the contributions of notable Irish women both throughout history and in modern initiatives shaping Ireland’s cultural heritage.
The programme of events will continue into the evening with On Raglan Road – Great Irish Love Songs and the Women Who Inspired Them, taking place at 5pm. This presentation will see Gerry Hanberry explore the stories behind 14 well known Irish love songs, and exploring their impact on Irish music.
An evening of poetry will take place between 6pm and 6.50pm, with poetry performances from Skylight 47, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the west of Ireland through themes of lore, myths, and nature.
The day will conclude with a heritage music event at 7pm, with performances by Cór na dTreabh, Galway Early Music, and Bernard Naughton, offering a rich tapestry of Irish music from medieval to modern styles.
All events are tickets and tickets can be purchased at www.tickettailor.com/events/galwaycivictrustdchasnagaillimhe Tickets for individual talks and performances are €5, with a full-day ticket available for €20.
The Galway Civic Trust 30 Year Anniversary Celebration is supported by Galway City Council’s Local Community Festival Grant 2024.
For more information see galwaycivictrust.ie
