Open house to showcase refurbished Galway courthouse as arts and community centre
An open house at Portumna’s newly refurbished courthouse will showcase the reimagined building as an arts, enterprise, and community centre.
The event will take place on August 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving the public an opportunity to view the renovations, which feature new spaces and facilities. A public meeting will follow until 7:00 p.m., inviting community members to share ideas on how the space might be used.
The courthouse’s transformation marks a milestone in efforts to revitalise Portumna’s arts community.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins said: “The reopening of this historic courthouse as a vibrant hub for arts, enterprise, and community is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and commitment to rural regeneration. This space will not only honour our past but inspire our future, empowering creativity, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.”
The €3 million project, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, preserved much of the courthouse’s original architecture, which dates back to 1847. Historic features such as the flagstone flooring, stone staircase, and iron railings remain intact.
While these details maintain the authenticity of the building’s heritage, modern refurbishments have transformed it into a versatile venue, both a cultural hub and a professional working environment for local entrepreneurs fit with a fully equipped boardroom.
“This transformation is the result of extraordinary vision, dedication, and partnership. Every detail of the building reflects the care and commitment of those who brought it back to life.” Director of Services, Liam Hanrahan said.
Shorelines Aerts Festival will be the first event to kick off the buildings new purpose and will run from September 11-14, 2025. The festival, under a parent organisation called the Portumna Arts Group, will feature a variety of events surrounding, literature, visual arts, drama, and music with shows, conversations, and workshops through the week.
Highlighted performacnes include Karen Underwood: The Music of Nina Simone, Paul Noonan, and KING with Pat Kinevane.