Heritage Week Events Around Loughrea
Heritage Week Events Around Loughrea
Foundations’, which means we’ll be learning about the important parts of our heritage—not just old buildings, but also the landscapes and traditions that have helped shape our community around Loughrea.
Here’s a list of events happening in and around Loughrea during Heritage Week.
Visit Saint Brendan’s Church (Loughrea Library)
Saturday, 16 August, 10.30am – 5pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62EV61
Heritage Open Doors: Visit St. Brendan’s Church (now Loughrea Library). Explore St. Brendan’s Church, constructed in 1825 as a Church of Ireland building in Loughrea, Co. Galway. This cut-stone cruciform structure is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, named after St. Brendan, patron saint of Clonfert. Inside, visitors can view white marble memorial plaques dedicated to the Clancarty (Trench), Persse, and Burke families.
Restored by Galway County Council and reopened as a public library in 2001, the building beautifully combines heritage and community use.
Tour of Raford House
Saturday, 16 August, 12pm – 2pm
Raford House, Kiltullagh, H65 E529
Built circa 1170, Raford House is a remarkable historic property known for its rare architectural value. The interior showcases exceptional craftsmanship, including original joinery, chimneypieces, and decorative plasterwork, complemented by a terraced garden.
Enjoy a guided tour and brief history of this distinguished house, presented in association with Historic Houses of Ireland as part of the Heritage Open Doors initiative. No booking required.
The Pigeon Houses of County Galway
Saturday, 16 August, 2pm – 4.30pm
The Stables, Woodville Walled Garden, Kilchreest, Loughrea, H91 AVF7
“Fluttering in the Dovecote: The Pigeon Houses of County Galway” Dr Christy Cunniffe, a community archaeologist, presents a study of over 40 dovecotes (pigeon houses) identified in County Galway. The talk explores their historical functions, architectural styles, and social significance as symbols of status and sources of food. The presentation highlights the conserved dovecote at Woodville Walled Garden, the finest example in the county, and aims to identify further examples.
Booking is advised due to limited places. To prebook, email Margarita at woodvillegardens@gmail.com. Admission €10, including light refreshments and walled garden entry.
Talk on Galway Poor Law Unions
Tuesday, 19 August, 1.15pm – 2pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61
Galway County Council Archives holds extensive materials from eight of the ten 19th-century Poor Law Unions in the county, valuable for research into administrative, social, medical, and local history. Historian Mary Clancy will present an overview of the Unions’ roles, the importance of digitised archives, and insights from the Board of Guardians’ minutes. The talk will also include brief biographies of selected Guardians and workhouse personnel.
Currently, the minutes from the Loughrea Poor Law Union (1868–1899) are being digitised, funded by the Heritage Stewardship Fund 2025.
Booking is essential due to limited places. For inquiries, contact archivist@galwaycoco.ie.
Launch of ‘Ploughing in the Moonlight’
Wednesday, 20 August, 7.30pm – 9pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61
Launch of a new book on oral history.
Further Information: Killeenadeema History Society 0861785729 or oluanaighp@gmail.com
Guided Heritage Walk of Loughrea
Thursday, 21 August, 11am – 1pm
Outside St Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street, Loughrea, H62 EH63
Renowned heritage expert Dr Christy Cunniffe leads a fascinating two-hour walking tour through the historic town of Loughrea. Participants will explore the stories, architecture, and cultural treasures that have shaped the town over the centuries.
Suitable footwear and clothing are recommended. This free event is funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council as part of National Heritage Week 2025.
Free Family History Consultations
Thursday, 21 August, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Woodford Heritage Centre, Woodford, Loughrea, H62 HP57
Free one-hour consultations with professional researchers will be available on Thursday, 21 August 2025, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm in celebration of Heritage Week. To book a slot, email galwayroots@gmail.com or call 090 974 9309. Places are limited.
Club Leabhar
Thursday, 21 August, 8pm – 9pm
Oifig Gaeilge Locha Riach, 2 Sráid Uí Cheallaigh, Loughrea, H62 C860
Mar chuid de Sheachtain na hOidhreachta, beidh Gaeilge Locha Riach ag reáchtáil Club Leabhar speisialta ag díriú ar an leabhar Fiche le Colm Ó Ceallacháin – úrscéal grá.Tabharfaidh an ócáid seo deis do léitheoirí teacht le chéile le haghaidh plé oscailte, spraíúil agus suimiúil ar na téamaí atá ag baint leis an scéal. Cuirfear fáilte roimh chainteoirí líofa agus foghlaimeoirí araon. Ní gá an leabhar a bheith críochnaithe agat – roinn linn do thuairimí agus ceisteanna nó suigh siar agus éist leis an gcomhrá. Fáilte roimh chách!
As part of Heritage Week, Gaeilge Locha Riach will be holding a special Book Club focusing on the book Fiche by Colm Ó Ceallacháin.
Further information: Gaeilge Locha Riach 0874065259 or email naoise@gaeilgelochariach.ie
Children’s Burial Grounds – How to Identify
Thursday, 21 August, 8pm – 9pm
Bullaun Hall, Bullaun, Loughrea, H62 NT73
Galway Community Archaeologist will present on Children’s Burial Grounds, including how to identify them and ways to ensure their protection for the future. To date, 481 such sites have been recorded in County Galway. This event welcomes anyone interested in learning more, sharing information, or hearing stories about local burial grounds.
D’Arcy 300: Commemorating Patrick D’Arcy (1725 – 1779)
Friday 22 – Sunday 24 August (times vary)
Kiltullagh Community Hall, Kiltullagh, opposite H65 KC89
Kiltullagh Killimordaly Heritage Society presents D’Arcy 300, a weekend of events from 22 to 24 August 2025, commemorating 300 years since the birth of Patrick D’Arcy (1725–1779), a renowned mathematician, scientist, and military figure. Born at Kiltulla House, Patrick’s early life was influenced by his family’s Catholic faith, their support for the Jacobite cause, and the challenges of the Penal Laws. He left Ireland for France at the age of fourteen, where he made lasting contributions to his fields.
The weekend features engaging lectures, a guided walk and talk to Kiltulla House, a wine and cheese tasting, a pétanque tournament, a primary school art exhibition, a historical display of artefacts, costumes, and weapons, a mathemagical show, design your own Coat of Arms, Lego build, horse shoe throwing, races, traditional games such as Nine Men’s Morris, Fox and Geese, and Chess, plus many activities suitable for all ages.
More details on Facebook: Kiltullagh Killimordaly Heritage Society https://www.facebook.com/KiltullaghKillimordalyHeritageSociety
The Children of Lir Storytelling and Papercrafts
Saturday, 23 August, 11am – 12.30pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61
Children aged 7 and up are invited to Loughrea Library to explore the foundations of the beloved Irish legend, The Children of Lir. The event includes interactive storytelling followed by papercraft activities. Booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve a spot, please phone 091 847220. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.
Conserving our Foundations
23 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61
Galway Community Archaeologist will showcase several community projects, featuring examples of Conservation and Management Plans and their implementation. Story maps, including films, podcasts, and local contributions, will be presented. This event offers an opportunity to explore how local individuals and communities actively contribute to the conservation and promotion of their archaeological heritage.
Conserving our Foundations for the Future
Saturday, 23 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61
The Killogilleen Conservation and Management Plan, prepared by Aegis Archaeology, sets out proposals to conserve the medieval church. Plans are underway to begin implementing key aspects of this work.
Ask the Archaeologist
Saturday, 23 August, 2.30pm – 4pm
Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea, H62 EV61
Meet Galway Community Archaeologist Bernie Doherty and ask her anything! Replica artefacts will be on display, and attendees can create their own monument. Suitable for all ages.
MOUNT CARMEL OPEN DAY – Sunday, 24th AUGUST 2025
To celebrate Heritage Week, the former Mount Carmel Monastery will open its doors to the public on Sunday, 24th August next. Visitors are welcome to register for one of three tours through the day, 10am, 12.30pm, and 3pm. The tour of the Monastery will consist of a short lecture on the history of the Monastery and tour of the former convent building, chapel and extensive gardens.
Limited numbers, so see https://mountcarmelconcerts.ie/#heritage-week to indicate which time suits you best.
Walking Tours of Medieval Loughrea
with Local Historian Ray Gately
Sunday, 24th August 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2 PM – 3:30 PM
Meeting Point: St Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street, Loughrea, Co Galway H62 EH63
FREE EVENT
Explore the rich medieval heritage of Loughrea with engaging stories and historical insights from Ray Gately. Discover ancient landmarks, hidden gems, and the fascinating history of this unique town. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Tour followed by light refreshments.
For further information please contact Ray Gately at (087) 282 9451 or email: raygately@hotmail.com
This event is being organised by Loughrea Medieval Festival Committee. This event is free of charge and is proudly funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council as part of National Heritage Week 2025.
Music Generation Taster Session
Music Generation Galway County is hosting a Taster Session at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa on Sunday, 24th August, with two time slots available: 2–3 PM and 3.30–4.30 PM. Open to young people aged 8–18 years, this engaging music experience offers a chance to explore instruments and performance in a fun, supportive environment.
Free entry, but registration is advance is a must, so don’t miss out – https://form.jotform.com/221414845892360
MUSIC Through the Ages – From Medieval to Modern… Music for all ages
SUNDAY NIGHT 24th AUGUST 2025 | 7pm to 8pm | FREE
Loughrea Hotel & Spa, Athenry Road, Loughrea, Co Galway H62 Y189
Padraig Connaughton and Madeline Fleming will present a captivating one-hour concert titled ‘Music Through the Ages’, showcasing a rich tapestry of musical styles and traditions. Gerry Fahy will be playing keyboards.
Their performance will guide the audience on a journey through time, highlighting the evolution of music across centuries. Food and refreshments will be served after this event.
This free event is being organised by Loughrea Medieval Festival Committee and Galway County Council. This event is free of charge and is proudly funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council as part of National Heritage Week 2025.
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