By Ian Brophy On this day, 4 August, 1818, Thomas Molineaux, a black African- American bare-knuckle boxer and ex-slave, died in the Band Hall in the Shambles Barracks in Galway city. Molineaux was born into slavery in the state of Virginia in the USA in 1784,before securing his freedom Read more…
Balancing Progress with Protection: Planning & the Preservation of Galway’s Archaeological Heritage John Olney Saturday 22 August 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway As Galway continues to grow and develop, how do we ensure that the archaeological remains of its past are protected Read more…
Preserving Personal Archives: Protecting Your Family History Kieran Hoare Saturday 22 August 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway Every family has a story to tell. Photographs, letters, diaries, home movies, audio recordings, and digital files are invaluable records of our personal and community Read more…
Scéalta Fiannaíochta, Folklore and Storytelling Traditions Máirín Mhic Lochlainn Saturday 22 August 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway Experience one of Ireland’s oldest living traditions with award-winning seanchaí Máirín Mhic Lochlainn, one of the country’s most respected traditional storytellers. Originally from Rós Read more…
The Famine: Galway’s Darkest Days William Henry Saturday 22 August 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway Join renowned Galway historian, author, and storyteller William Henry for a compelling exploration of one of the most tragic chapters in the city’s history. Drawing on the Read more…
Film Screening: Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic Saturday 22 August 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway Join Galway Civic Trust for a special screening of the acclaimed 2017 documentary by Des Kilbane; Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing Read more…
The Hall of the Red Earl Ronan Harvey Saturday 22 August 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway Discover the remarkable story of one of Galway’s most important medieval monuments in this fascinating talk by archaeologist and Galway Civic Trust guide Ronan Harvey. The Read more…
An Introduction to the Famine in Galway Ian Brophy Saturday 22 August 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway The Great Famine (1845–1852) transformed Ireland forever, leaving a profound impact on its people, landscape, and history. In this insightful talk, Galway Civic Trust guide Read more…
Religious Orders of Galway John Jennings Saturday 22 August 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway For almost eight centuries, religious communities have played a central role in shaping the history, culture, education, and architecture of Galway. In this fascinating illustrated talk, Galway Civic Read more…
Join Galway Civic Trust for an informal and welcoming introduction to our flagship Heritage Week event – Galway Civic Trust: A Celebration of Heritage 2026. Hosted by Declan O’Shea, archaeologist, tour guide, and administrator with Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe, this opening session explores this year’s National Heritage Week Read more…