Galway Civic Trust: A Celebration of Heritage 2026

Saturday 22 August 2026 | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Mick Lally Theatre, Hall of the Red Earl & Peadar O’Dowd Gallery, Druid Lane, Galway

Join Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe for a day-long celebration of Galway’s rich and diverse heritage as part of National Heritage Week 2026. Taking place across the Mick Lally Theatre, the Hall of the Red Earl, and the newly named Peadar O’Dowd Gallery, this special programme brings together historians, archaeologists, storytellers, musicians, and heritage professionals for a full day of talks, exhibitions, living history displays, film, music, and community engagement.

Reflecting this year’s Heritage Week theme, “Heritage at Risk,” the event will explore the importance of protecting and preserving the places, stories, traditions, archives, monuments, and cultural practices that shape our understanding of Galway’s past. Whether your interest lies in archaeology, local history, folklore, architecture, genealogy, music, or community heritage, there will be something for everyone to discover.

The day begins with an informal welcome session hosted by Declan O’Shea, introducing the theme of Heritage at Risk and providing an opportunity for visitors to meet members of Galway Civic Trust, learn about the organisation’s work, ask questions, and receive advice on local heritage matters.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a fascinating programme of presentations including John Jennings on the Religious Orders of Galway; Ian Brophy on the Great Famine in Galway; Ronan Harvey on the remarkable history of the Hall of the Red Earl; William Henry on ‘The Famine: Galway’s Darkest Days’, and the history and achievements of Galway Civic Trust; award-winning storyteller Máirín Mhic Lochlainn sharing traditional Irish tales and folklore; Kieran Hoare discussing the preservation of personal and community archives; and archaeologist John Olney of the National Monuments Service exploring the challenges of balancing development with the protection of Galway’s archaeological heritage.

A special afternoon screening of the acclaimed documentary Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic will tell the extraordinary story of Tom Molineaux, a former slave who rose to international fame as a bare-knuckle boxing champion before spending his final days in Galway.

Across the laneway at the Hall of the Red Earl, visitors can experience the Red Earl’s Hall Galway Medieval Show, featuring living history displays, talks, demonstrations, and costumed interpreters who will bring aspects of medieval Galway to life through public interaction and storytelling. The adjacent Peadar O’Dowd Gallery will host exhibitions celebrating Galway’s history, heritage, and community memory.

The celebration concludes with a lively Evening Music Concert featuring traditional and contemporary performances by The Kelly Family, The Vibe Tones, Mick Brown, Dogz Bol Ukes, and Cór na dTreabh. Finger food and refreshments will be available, providing an opportunity to relax and enjoy an evening of music and community spirit in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter.