Open days, lectures and book launches for Heritage Week
TOWNS and parishes in County Galway are getting ready to mark National Heritage Week with a range of informative events.
National Heritage Week 2026 runs from Saturday August 15 to Sunday 23, with the theme of ‘Heritage at Risk’. First started in 2005 by The Heritage Council, the initiative has grown into one of Ireland’s largest annual cultural celebrations, featuring close to 2,000 events nationwide.
There are dozens of events, talks, workshops and family fun activities planned throughout the week in County Galway, from town walks and book launches to graveyard mapping. The Tuam Herald have provided an overview of some of the events taking place in the North and East Galway region, while a full list is available at www.heritageweek.ie.
ABBEYKNOCKMOY
DIGITAL MAPPING OF LOCAL GRAVEYARDS
An informative presentation on the digital mapping of graveyards in the area will be held on Sunday, August 23 at Abbeyknockmoy Cemetery. It will display how modern technology is being used to record grave locations, preserve historical information, and make burial records more accessible.
Topics include an explanation on what digital graveyard mapping is, how graves are surveyed and recorded, benefits for families and local history research, how to access online maps and records, and future plans for preserving our heritage.
When: August 23, from 10am, Abbeyknockmoy Cemetery, Old Road.
ATHENRY
ATHENRY CASTLE ARCHERY
Paul Burke will be giving archery demonstrations, talks and instructions to visitors. The event will showcase how powerful the weapon was and within the castle. Visitors can view the medieval shield which was the main protection from the arrows, view the arrow slits in the castle and on the grounds, and see the vantage points of both the defender and attacker of the castle.
When: August 15, from 2-5pm, at Athenry Castle, Court Lane, Athenry.
WALLED TOWN DAY
A free family friendly event celebrating Athenry’s rich heritage, medieval legacy and European connections. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Heritage to Protect, Europe to Connect’. It is an opportunity to explore one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval towns and its links with historic towns across Europe.
The event features activities like medieval battle re-enactments, living history encampments, guided walking tours, archery, and workshops. As part of the event, local historian Gerry Burke will also give a walking tour of Athenry. A special feature of this year’s tour will be an overview of the 2026 Capital Works Programme on the Athenry Town Walls, providing insight into the conservation works currently taking place.
When: August 16, from 1-5pm, Athenry Community Park and Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre.
TOURS OF RAFORD HOUSE
This free event is a rare opportunity to visit one of Galway’s most beautiful historic houses and get a brief history of it along with its owner. Built in 1770, Raford House is considered to be of unique architectural value.
When: August 15, from 2-4pm, Raford House, Kiltullagh, Athenry.
BALLYGAR
HERITAGE WEEK
This free event focuses on the flora and fauna that exists within the confines of the Orchard Wall at the Castlekelly estate, Aghrane Forest, Ballygar. It will include a walk to the site with an overview of what is currently on the site and the potential to help the overall biodiversity project in the location.
When: August 15, from 2-4.30pm, Gazebo, Aghrane Forest, Ballygar.
BALLYMACWARD
LAND OF THE THOUSAND SPRINGS
This event at Ballymacward Community Centre will showcase the Holy Well of Tobar Maoile in the parish of Ballymacward in ‘the land of the thousand springs’. The free event will take visitors through the cultural significance of the site, the local traditions, folklore and it's forgotten location.
When: August 23, from 4-7pm, Ballymacward Community Centre.
COROFIN
COROFIN CASTLE LECTURE
Members of the public are invited to attend a free lecture exploring the history and significance of Corofin Castle. The lecture will be presented by Dr. Enda O'Flaherty, archaeologist and heritage specialist with Lir Archaeology Heritage and Planning Consultancy.
The lecture will examine the origins, development and importance of one of Corofin's most recognisable historic landmarks.
When: August 23, at 6.30pm, Corofin GAA clubhouse.
LACKAGH
BOOK LAUNCH
The Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association will launch their latest publication 'The Townland of Lackaghbeg' to coincide with Heritage Week. The 184-page book written by Museum Committee member Michael J. Hurley, features detailed information of land ownership by the Bodkin family and its eventual transfer to the local residents.
When: August 15, from 8.15-9.15pm, Carnoneen Parish Centre, Lackagh.
MOUNTBELLEW
VINTAGE MACHINERY DISPLAY
A 1924 Aveling Porter F-Type steam roller will be on show at the Mountbellew Walled Garden along with other vintage items, tractors, cars and machinery. Hosted by the Mountbellew Vintage Club, visitors will also have a chance to meet with the group tasked with conserving this unique engine and learn about its history and contribution to Galway's industrial heritage. Booking is essential. To book email: gtcomountbellew@gmail.com.
When: August 19, from 3pm, Mountbellew Walled Garden, The Demesne, Mountbellew.
WALLED GARDEN VISIT
An information talk and viewing will be held at Mountbellew's historical Walled Garden will be held next Wednesday afternoon. Booking is essential. To book email: gtcomountbellew@gmail.com.
When: August 19, from 2pm, Mountbellew Walled Garden, The Demesne, Mountbellew.
LIVING BOG WALK
A guided walk of Carrownagappul Bog ('Galway’s Living Bog') takes place at 1pm next Wednesday. Booking is essential. To book email: gtcomountbellew@gmail.com.
When: August 19, from 1pm, Carrownagappul Bog, Mountbellew.
MILLTOWN
MUSEUM OPEN DAY
An open day taking place at the Milltown Community Museum will allow patrons to view see the recently restored John Birmingham telescope, along with the newly conserved magic lantern and lantern slides.
It will provide people with an opportunity to explore a range of heritage displays, including the famine stories exhibition. This exhibition features the Welch Letters and the Dawros Famine Relief Road, along with a display of two short films - ‘A Look Through the Census’ and ‘The Great Famine’ - which were developed by students from Milltown National School and Belmont National School in partnership with the National Museum of Ireland's Dead Zoo Lab.
The open day also includes a presentation by Dr. Deirdre Ní Chonghaile and Dr. Oksana Dereza on Curraghaderry native Mícheál Ó Lócháin and An Gaodhal, the world's first Irish-language newspaper.
When: August 16, from 11am-1pm, Milltown Community Museum, Milltown Community Centre.
MOYLOUGH
PODCAST SERIES
The Moylough Heritage Society will launch ‘Voices of Moylough’, a new podcast series documenting the heritage, memories and lived experiences of people from the East Galway community.
The six-part podcast to be launched by David Burke, former Editor of The Tuam Herald, preserves invaluable local knowledge and personal stories to ensure that the voices of Moylough are recorded and shared with future generations.
When: August 21, at 8pm, Moylough Commyunity Centre.
SKEHANA
FAMINE COMMEMORATION
Hosted by the Skehana and District Heritage Group, a memorial mass will be held at Garbally Castle next Thursday, August 20, in the memory of Ellen McDermott, who died at the site in 1850, and the Famine victims who were laid to rest at the famine burial ground in Esker and elsewhere.
Fr. Pat Donnellan will celebrate the mass, which will be followed by a consecration at the famine burial ground at 8pm.
When: August 20, from 7pm, Skehana.
TUAM
ASK THE ARCHAEOLOGIST
This family friendly event is open to all age categories. It will provide people the opportunity to meet with the Galway Community Archaeologist, Bernie Doherty. Visitors can also look at replica artefacts and monuments, explore how people lived long ago, and create their own monument.
When: August 19, from 10am – 12pm, Tuam Library.
TUAM MILL
A free event hosted by the Tuam Mill Committee will honour Dr. Tony Claffey’s lifelong contribution to the Tuam Mill Museum. The members of the committee will also share progress on the renovation of the Miller’s House, along with the ongoing efforts to preserve the original mill building and water wheel. Friends of Tuam Heritage will also launch a heritage walking map of Tuam featuring the miniature red chairs places around the town.
When: August 22, from 11.30am to 12.45pm, Tuam Mill Grounds.
WILLIAMSTOWN
OPEN DAY
An Day at the Templetogher Heritage Area will have artefacts, exhibitions, slideshows, farm machines of yesteryear, and demonstrations on display. The focus will be on various aspects of heritage which would be at risk were it not for actions taken by certain people. The event will also feature Irish traditional music, mill wheel turning, and local Irish poems.
When: August 23, from 1-4pm, Templetogher Heritage Area, Williamstown.