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Galway Community Archaeologist

A wide range of built, natural and cultural heritage events take place throughout the county each year.  The aim of these events is to raise awareness and knowledge of various aspects of our heritage. Many events take place during National Biodiversity Week, Heritage Week, National Tree Week and Culture night to name but a few.  The Heritage Office actively encourages those holding such events to forward information that can be disseminated via their mailing list, website and social media.

As part of the strategy of the Heritage Office is increasing awareness of heritage, the dissemination of news of heritage events, publications, new findings, resources etc is actively encouraged. 

Community Monuments Fund 2021

Applications due 12th April 2021

Galway County Council in conjunction with the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are inviting applications for the Community Monuments Fund 2021. The grant scheme offers funding for the conservation, maintenance, protection and presentation of archaeological monuments.

The Community Monuments Fund will invest essential capital to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public. Proposed projects shall

• enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support;
• encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation;
• build resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change.

The Department encourages project promoters to incorporate a traditional skills training element.

Who Can Apply?

Private applicants or community groups who are the owners or custodians of monuments may apply.

(State-funded organisations working in the heritage area may apply directly to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit.)

Up to 100% of project costs may be funded.

How to Apply?

Applications from landowners, custodians and community groups within the County of Galway must be completed and forwarded in Word Format to mmannion@galwaycoco.ie, Subject Line CMF2021(+Project Name) by Friday 12th April 2021.

Further information and CMF-A application form for individuals and community groups may be downloaded below.

A link to a recorded information evening on funding for community groups is available HERE. 

A link to information on how to identify Recorded Monuments in your area is available HERE

For further information or queries regarding applications contact

Marie Mannion, The Heritage Officer, Galway County Council   mmannion@galwaycoco.ie 087 908 8387

Bernie Doherty, Galway County Community Archaeologist       g.c.archaeology@gmail.com 086 1003888.

CMF-A-Application Form

Explanatory Memorandum CMF2021

County of Galway Virtual Tidy Towns Project 

Tidy Towns groups throughout the County of Galway are coming together virtually to stay connected while staying safe and at home during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Williamstown Tidy Towns led the way by starting a Virtual Tidy Towns Facebook group for their area to provide a platform for people to show what they are doing in their own place in these challenging times for their family, community and the environment, and to celebrate their local heritage and biodiversity. 
While everyone is staying at home and maintaining social distancing many people are still doing things such as cutting the grass (remembering to leave areas uncut for pollinators!), planting bee-friendly flowers in the garden, feeding the birds, preventing, reducing and segregating their waste, composting etc. Williamstown Virtual Tidy Towns are encouraging people to send in a photo or description of what they are doing to share with others in their village and stay connected. 
If people are out for a short walk near their homes while maintaining social distancing, they may hear or see some beautiful nature and wildlife, maybe a robin or blackthorn in blossom, or encounter built heritage of interest such as a holy well, milestone or old graveyard. Consider sending a photo, poem, story or picture to your local Tidy Towns group Facebook page to share with others. 
There are many active Tidy Towns groups in the county of Galway with a strong record of supporting their community and working to enhance their towns and villages. Galway County Council are encouraging them to stay connected while staying safe and at home following HSE Guidance. 
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Jimmy McClearn said “Anyone can set up a ‘Virtual Tidy Towns Group’ for their area or keep connected using an existing Tidy Towns Facebook page to post photos of what they are doing in their own gardens and homes while staying safe.”
For tips and ideas check out the County of Galway Virtual Tidy Towns Facebook page or email Galwayvirtualtt@gmail.com.

County of Galway Virtual Tidy Towns Project‌

Galway BEO! Connecting with Our Heritage

Our heritage is everywhere around us in old buildings and graveyards, streets and country lanes, rivers and coastlines, hedgerows and gardens, stories and songs. Let’s highlight and share the rich heritage of the County of Galway. 
Please send in a photograph, drawing, poem or story to help celebrate the wonderful heritage of the County of Galway. We will upload as much as possible to www.heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org and Galway Beo Facebook page to share with all.
Email your contribution to Galwaybeo@gmail.com
An initiative of the Heritage Office, Galway County Council and the communities of the County of Galway.

Link: 
https://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/category/places/galway-beo-project and Facebook Galway BEO

Galway Beo‌