Tour showcases hidden heritage treasures

Visits to Athenry, Dunmore, Williamstown and Glinsk

A BUS full of heritage enthusiasts, together with additional visitors joining at locations along the route, enjoyed a memorable journey through the rich history, landscapes and community heritage of East Galway last week.

The Explore the Treasures of East Galway Heritage Week Bus Tour visited a range of remarkable heritage sites including Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre, Dunmore MacHales GAA Centre, Templetogher Mill in Williamstown, and Ballinakill Abbey in Glinsk. Each stop showcased the outstanding voluntary work being undertaken to preserve and promote heritage across the region.

The day began at Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre where visitors were treated to an engaging and highly interactive heritage re-enactment exploring the fascinating history of medieval Athenry. Participants embraced the experience by dressing in medieval costume and trying their hand at archery, bringing the stories of one of Ireland's finest walled towns vividly to life.

The group then travelled to Dunmore MacHales GAA Centre, where they were welcomed by local community representative Albert Comer. Zena Hoctor, Heritage Consultant provided an introduction to the Holy Wells of Galway project before the premiere screening of the specially commissioned short film, Tobar an Croise Naomha, Cappagh. The film celebrates one of East Galway's treasured pilgrimage sites and highlighted the importance of recording and protecting local traditions and spiritual heritage.

The tour continued to Templetogher Mill Heritage Complex, Williamstown, where visitors received a fascinating insight into one of East Galway's most impressive community-led conservation projects.

Leo and Eileen Finnegan, Oliver Lennon and members of Williamstown Heritage Group, together with Noel Finnegan of Williamstown Tidy Towns, outlined the extensive restoration and conservation work completed at the mill complex and its associated buildings. They also showcased a range of other heritage initiatives being undertaken in the area. Visitors were amazed by both the scale of the restoration and the dedication of the volunteers who have transformed the site. The project recently received national recognition when it featured on RTÉ's Nationwide, demonstrating the significance of this remarkable heritage achievement.

The final stop of the day was Ballinakill Abbey, Glinsk, one of East Galway's most important medieval ecclesiastical sites. Community volunteer Marty Ward guided participants through the history of the abbey, outlining the extensive Conservation Management Plan completed for the site and the conservation works undertaken to date. As a special memento of the visit, each participant received a copy of a specially commissioned book on Ballinakill Abbey written by Marty, ensuring that the story of this remarkable monument could be shared more widely.

The tour highlighted the hidden heritage treasures of East Galway and, most importantly, the extraordinary commitment of local communities and volunteers who continue to preserve and celebrate their heritage for future generations. From medieval history and sacred landscapes to industrial heritage and conservation projects, the tour demonstrated the depth and diversity of East Galway's cultural heritage.

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council praised the enthusiasm of participants and the generosity of the local groups who shared their knowledge and passion throughout the day. The bus tour proved to be a fitting celebration of National Heritage Week, showcasing not only East Galway's remarkable heritage assets but also the vibrant communities working tirelessly to protect them.

The Heritage Office of Galway County Council would like to thank all of the community groups, speakers, guides and volunteers who helped make the event such a success and provided visitors with an unforgettable journey through the treasures of East Galway.