Galway County Council has invited members of the public to attend “Tracing Your Galway Roots: Discover Your Family History”, a free Heritage Week event taking place on Wednesday, August 19 from 12.00pm to 3.30pm in the Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway.
The event offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in genealogy, local history, and family heritage to learn how to uncover the stories of their Galway ancestors. Participants will hear from experts in archives, genealogy, heritage, and place-name research before taking part in an interactive workshop designed to help them begin or advance their family history journey.
A highlight of the programme is “The Story of Us: Exploring the 1926 Census”, presented by Dr Marie Leoutre of the National Archives of Ireland, who will provide valuable insights into one of Ireland’s most significant genealogical resources.
David Nolan, Heritage Consultant, and Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council, will present on the Digital Mapping of Galway County Graveyards Project, demonstrating how digital technology is helping to preserve and explore the county’s rich burial heritage. David McGinn will also introduce the Baile Beo: Reclaiming Irish Place Names Project 2026.
Following the talks, attendees will have the chance to participate in a hands-on genealogy workshop with expert genealogists and local heritage groups. The workshop will guide participants through researching family histories, locating ancestral records, and making use of key genealogical resources and research methods. It will also provide an opportunity to meet fellow family history enthusiasts and share knowledge, experiences, and research tips.
Whether you are taking your first steps into genealogy or are already researching your family tree, this event promises expert guidance, practical advice, and inspiration. Heritage Week provides the perfect opportunity to connect with Galway’s past and discover the people, places, and stories that have shaped local communities across generations.
The event is an action of the Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024-2030 and is funded by Galway County Council. It is supported by genealogy and heritage groups throughout County Galway and by Galway County Libraries.
