{"id":1648,"date":"2025-07-27T00:09:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T00:09:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/galwaycivictrust.ie\/?p=1648"},"modified":"2025-08-04T22:42:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T22:42:14","slug":"galway-exploring-our-foundations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/galwaycivictrust.ie\/index.php\/2025\/07\/27\/galway-exploring-our-foundations\/","title":{"rendered":"Galway, Exploring Our Foundations"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sat 23 Aug 2025 10:00 – 11:00 <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/i> The Mick Lally Theatre, H91 N5X9 <\/span><\/p>\n

Booking Link:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.tickettailor.com\/events\/galwaycivictrustdchasnagaillimhe<\/a><\/p>\n

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Historian and Galway Civic Trust guide Ian Brophy leads an in-depth exploration of the city\u2019s physical and cultural foundations. This presentation traces Galway\u2019s earliest development \u2014 from pre-Norman settlement to its emergence as a fortified medieval town \u2014 with particular emphasis on the critical role of water in shaping the city\u2019s form and function.<\/span><\/p>\n

The River Corrib, one of the shortest and fastest-flowing rivers in Europe, has long been the lifeblood of Galway. Brophy delves into how the river and surrounding waterways influenced settlement patterns, powered mills, enabled trade, and served both practical and strategic purposes. He will explore the evolution of bridges, canals, and harbour infrastructure, illustrating how Galway\u2019s watery geography shaped its identity from the very beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drawing on archaeological findings, historical cartography, and oral tradition, the talk uncovers the layers beneath the modern streetscape, revealing how waterways intertwined with religion, commerce, and daily life. From early monastic influences to the arrival of the Normans and the growth of merchant power, Brophy presents a vivid account of how Galway\u2019s foundations \u2014 both literal and civic \u2014 were laid.<\/span><\/p>\n

This session is ideal for anyone curious about Galway\u2019s origins, the legacy of its waterways, and how natural features have influenced urban design and civic history. A fascinating look at the city beneath the surface \u2014 and the flow of history that still runs through it.<\/span><\/p>\n

This talk forms part of a special day-long programme of heritage events presented by Galway Civic Trust \/ D\u00fachas na Gaillimhe in honour of the late Peadar O\u2019Dowd (1941\u20132024) \u2014 esteemed local historian, author, educator, and founding member of the Trust. Peadar\u2019s lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing Galway\u2019s rich history has left an enduring legacy, and this commemorative series reflects the breadth of his interests, from medieval archaeology to waterways, migration, music, and community memory.<\/p>\n

The full programme includes a range of lectures, performances, tours, and cultural activities at the Mick Lally Theatre and the Hall of the Red Earl, both located on Druid Lane in Galway\u2019s Latin Quarter. The event brings together local historians, artists, and community voices in a shared celebration of Galway\u2019s heritage \u2014 past, present, and evolving.<\/span><\/p>\n

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our sponsors:
\nKavanagh\u2019s SuperValu \u2013 kavanaghgroup.ie\/supervalu<\/a>
\nDruid Theatre \u2013 druid.ie<\/a>
\nGalway City Council \u2013 Local Community Festival Grants \u2013 galwaycity.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

For a full programme of events and booking information, visit: www.galwaycivictrust.ie<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Location<\/h3>\n

The Mick Lally Theatre, H91 N5X9<\/p>\n\n

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