Next week, Galway will host a free one-day conference focused on the medieval church sites of Co. Galway, featuring expert presentations and showcasing community-led conservation projects.
Archaeologists and architectural historians from across Ireland are set to convene in Galway next week for a free one-day conference dedicated to exploring the county’s medieval ecclesiastical heritage to mark Culture Night 2024.
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The event, titled “People, Places, Sacred Spaces: Galway’s Medieval Church Heritage”, will be hosted by the Atlantic Technological University – Galway – Heritage Research Group, Galway County Council Heritage Office and the Galway Community Archaeology Project. It will take place at the Mullagh Community Centre, not far from Loughrea town, from 10am to 4pm on Friday, 20 September.
Bernie Doherty, Galway Community Archaeologist, explained:
“The event is open to everyone with an interest in local history and heritage. The conference will provide the public with a great opportunity to delve into Galway’s rich medieval history and learn more about the sacred spaces that have shaped local communities down through the centuries.”
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The conference will feature a series of presentations from leading experts in the field. Dr Tracy Collins, former director of Aegis Archaeology Limited and archaeologist with the National Monuments Service, will offer an in-depth examination of the lives of women in nunneries and other religious communities during the medieval period in Galway. Her publications include Female Monasticism in Medieval Ireland: an archaeology (Cork University Press, 2021) and Brides of Christ: women and monasticism in medieval and early modern Ireland (Four Courts Press, 2023).
Roger Stalley, Fellow Emeritus and former professor of the history of art at Trinity College Dublin, will speak about Tuam and the notion of a “cathedral” church in 12th and 13th-century Ireland.
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Chris Corlett, district archaeologist with the National Monuments Service, will explore the impact of the work of the Strade master craftsman on medieval Connacht’s architectural landscape.
Conleth Manning, former senior archaeologist with the National Monuments Service and past president of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, will focus on early Irish churches, with particular emphasis on those in Galway. Conleth directed excavations at many sites in Ireland, including on Inishmore.
The event will also highlight a number of community-led heritage projects across Galway that have been supported by the Community Monuments Fund and other local and national heritage bodies. These projects demonstrate the dedication of local groups to preserving their heritage for future generations.
This conference forms part of the Galway County Heritage Plan, which is funded by the Galway County Heritage Office and Galway County Council, with additional support from the Heritage Council, the National Monuments Service, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Galway County Community Support Scheme 2024.
While attendance is free, space is limited and pre-registration is required. To secure your spot, register via Eventbrite. For further details or enquiries, email Bernie Doherty at g.c.archaeology@gmail.com.
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