Galway Civic Trust: A Celebration of Heritage 2026

Join Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe for a day-long celebration of Galway's heritage as part of National Heritage Week 2026. Reflecting this year's theme, "Heritage at Risk," the event will explore the importance of preserving the places, stories, traditions, archives, monuments, and cultural practices that shape our understanding of Galway's past.

The programme features a series of engaging talks by local historians, archaeologists, storytellers, and heritage professionals. Speakers include John Jennings on the Religious Orders of Galway, Ian Brophy on the Great Famine in Galway, Ronan Harvey on the Hall of the Red Earl, William Henry on the history of Galway Civic Trust, Máirín Mhic Lochlainn on Irish storytelling traditions, Kieran Hoare on preserving personal archives, and archaeologist John Olney of the National Monuments Service on the protection of Galway's archaeological heritage.

Visitors can also enjoy a screening of the acclaimed documentary Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic, telling the remarkable story of former slave and boxer Tom Molineaux, who spent his final days in Galway.

Across the laneway at the Hall of the Red Earl, the Red Earl's Hall Galway Medieval Show will feature living history displays, talks, demonstrations, and costumed interpreters bringing aspects of medieval Galway to life. The adjacent Peadar O'Dowd Gallery will host heritage exhibitions throughout the day.

The celebration concludes with an evening concert featuring traditional music, folk songs, ukulele music, and community choir performances.

Visitors are welcome to attend individual sessions or to enjoy the entire day.

Programme Highlights

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Declan O'Shea
Heritage at Risk: Opening Session & Meet the Trust

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
John Jennings
Religious Orders of Galway

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ian Brophy
An Introduction to the Famine in Galway

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Ronan Harvey
The Hall of the Red Earl

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Film Screening
Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
William Henry
The History of Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Máirín Mhic Lochlainn
Scéalta Fiannaíochta, Folklore and Storytelling Traditions

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Kieran Hoare
Preserving Personal Archives: Photographs, Recordings and Family History

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
John Olney
Balancing Progress with Protection: Planning & the Preservation of Galway's Archaeological Heritage

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Red Earl's Hall Galway Medieval Show
Hall of the Red Earl

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Evening Music Concert
Featuring The Kelly Family, The Vibe Tones, Mick Brown, Dogz Bol Ukes and Cór na dTreabh

Visitors are welcome to attend individual sessions or spend the entire day exploring Galway's heritage in all its forms.

For programme updates and booking information, visit www.galwaycivictrust.ie

Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe
Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane, Galway
☎ 091 564946
✉ bookings@galwaycivictrust.ie

This event is supported by Kavanagh's SuperValu, Druid Theatre and Galway City Council through the Local Community Festival Grants Scheme.