National Heritage Week 2026 in Galway: Top seven events from ancestral tracing to harp performances
National Heritage Week is happening from August 15 to August 23 and events around Galway are inviting participants to reflect on the responsibility of keeping heritage alive.
The theme for the 2026 heritage celebration around Ireland is ‘Heritage at Ris’k – looking at how heritage is slipping from the grips of everyday life and responding how we can respond with “care, creativity, and collective responsibility.”
As Galway is set to host more than 170 events throughout the week, here are some highlights worth keeping in mind.
Forthill Cemetery Guided Tour, Galway City
Join the Galway City Council heritage Officer in family friend walk and talk of Forthill Cemetery on Lough Atalia Road on August 17 and 18 from 11am to 12pm.
It is here that the bodies of 300 sailors from the Spanish Armada murdered by Sir William Fitzwilliam in 1589 lay, marking a significant spot of cultural folklore.
Along with its dark past, it also is home to the family plots of the 14 Tribes of Galway and features unique architectural and genealogical aspects.
Heritage Talk: The Galway Hooker - Ciaran Oliver, Galway City
The Galway Hooker is the original cultural icon of the City of Tribes. The traditional sailing boat known for its black or red sails remains a living maritime tradition.
Ciaran Oliver, director of Galway Hooker Sailing Club and a member of an original Claddagh family, will talk about the boat’s relevance in the early days of the Claddagh people and how it was used as an economic driver and livelihood.
Today, their legacy continues as his organization refurbishes and sails the original Galway hookers.
The event will take place at the Galway City Museum, where a full Hooker boat is on display, on August 15 and August 20 from 11am to 12pm.
Tickets are free but booking is required through irelandwestinfo@failteireland.ie.
Much of heritage begins and ends with the gathering of community of food, stories, and shared love of a place.
The Merlin Woods Community Garden will be hosting a community picninc on August 23 from 2pm to 4pm. All are welcome to connect with nature and engage in some family-friendly games while enjoying lunch.
Wildlife discovery, arts and crafts, and pond dipping will also be earmarked for the afternoon.
Spots are free and can be reserved through Eventbrite.
The Irish Workhouse Centre and Museum will host a series of events looking at the conservation and preservation efforts of the site.
On August 19 from 3pm to 4.30pm, the centre on St Brigid’s Road will host a special tour to look at where conservation efforts are taking the workhouse. It will include plans for future development including large-scale drawings of the proposed future chapel and dining hall.
An exhibition called Broken Lives will be on display featuring artifacts and photo evidence of remnants from the workhouse and the challenges faced by those among them.
A separate talk on the artifacts at the workhouse will be on August 20 from 1pm to 2pm. The discussion will look at the daily life of the inmates who once lived at the workhouse and the medicines and tools found in preservation.
Heritage Walk, Inis Meán (Siúlóid Oidhreachta in Inis Meáin)
Join Páraic Roger on a walking tour around one of Galway’s Aran islands in the Irish language.
On Sunday, August 23 Mr Roger will tour around the island’s church, Dún Conchúir, and Teampaill na Seacht Mac Rí.
The tour will begin at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St John the Baptist at 12pm and conclude by 2pm.
Tracing Your Galway Roots, Galway County Council
On August 19, Heritage Officer Marie Mannion will lead a presentation on the 1926 Census, one of Ireland’s most important resources.
Participants will have an opportunity to research family history and ancestral records with the help of expert genealogists and heritage groups. While uncovering family stories, they will also garner practical research tips and resources to continue uncovering Galway roots.
Sign up is required through Eventbrite.
Harpist Caitriona Moskovskova will play Ostyn Hall at the Kylemore Abbey on August 16 from 1pm to 2pm.
This unique cultural experience will be a selection of relevant pieces that connect with Ireland’s musical heritage. The intimate setting will act as a strong support for the arrangement from one of Ireland’s renowned instruments.
On top of specially held events throughout the County, various historical buildings are hosting “take a peak inside” events allowing participants to see inside buildings normally closed.
Details of more Galway events are available through the Heritage Week website.
National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest cultural celebration, with more than 500,000 people expected to participate in over 2,000 events nationwide.