{"id":1653,"date":"2025-07-27T00:38:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T00:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/galwaycivictrust.ie\/?p=1653"},"modified":"2025-08-04T22:41:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T22:41:19","slug":"our-irish-roots-celts-to-monks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/galwaycivictrust.ie\/index.php\/2025\/07\/27\/our-irish-roots-celts-to-monks\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Irish Roots: Celts to Monks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sat 23 Aug 2025 11:00 – 12:00 <\/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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In this engaging and visually rich talk, Declan O\u2019Shea explores Ireland\u2019s early cultural and spiritual evolution \u2014 from its Celtic tribal societies to the transformative influence of early Christianity. Drawing on mythology, archaeology, and historical sources, Declan traces how the beliefs, customs, and art of the Celts laid the groundwork for a society that would eventually produce a flourishing monastic culture. He examines the transition from oral traditions and warrior aristocracies to the literacy, learning, and spiritual life that shaped Ireland\u2019s Golden Age. Special attention is given to how this transformation played out in the west of Ireland, with references to sites, stories, and artefacts from the region. O\u2019Shea\u2019s talk offers an accessible and compelling account of how Ireland\u2019s indigenous culture adapted to \u2014 and reshaped \u2014 Christian ideals, producing a distinctive synthesis that left an enduring mark on European culture. A perfect session for anyone interested in Irish origins, spirituality, or the foundations of national identity.<\/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.<\/span><\/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.<\/p>\n

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><\/span><\/p>\n

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