Tag: co council

From Townlands to Tablets: Galway Heritage Gets a Digital Makeover

Six of Galway’s historic civil parishes are stepping into the digital age with the launch of an innovative project that turns local heritage into interactive online StoryMaps.

In a major collaboration between Galway County Council, University of Galway, Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council, and community heritage groups, the rich histories of Stradbally (Clarinbridge), Monivea, Moylough, Moycullen, Gort, and Loughrea have been meticulously researched and digitally transformed.

Officially launched this week at a special event in Áras an Chontae, the project brings together traditional townland research and historical records in a newly digitised format. Drawing on rich sources such as O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffith’s Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, the initiative makes these valuable archives more accessible than ever.

The initiative is powered by the work of University of Galway students Carlos Grace, Giada Solito, Liam Flaherty, and Laura Daly. Over the past year, they have worked in close partnership with local communities and Galway County Council’s Heritage Office and GIS Department, unearthing stories, local lore, and forgotten histories that now live on through this accessible and engaging digital format.

The research has been digitised for townlands in the six parishes, while immersive digital StoryMaps have been created for Loughrea, Moylough, Moycullen, and Gort. Combining the latest mapping technology with text, images, and multimedia content, the StoryMaps tell powerful location-based stories accessible from any internet-enabled device with a web browser, including tablets and phones.

Cllr Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “The launch marks a significant milestone in how local history is preserved and shared. With an eye on Galway’s global diaspora and future generations, the project is a powerful example of how technology and tradition can converge to deepen our understanding of place.”

“As we navigate the digital landscape, we honour the traditions of the past while embracing the opportunities of the future,” she added. “Through these StoryMaps, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the essence of our townlands, towns, and villages, to witness the evolution of time reflected in the fields, roads, and streets we walk, and the buildings, landscapes, and structures we admire.”

Dr. Lisa Walshe, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway, commended the students’ efforts: “It has been a privilege for our university to collaborate with Galway County Council on this initiative, which highlights the rich heritage of Galway County through innovative student research. This partnership exemplifies the value of academic and civic engagement, and I commend our students for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to preserving and sharing our local history. Together, we are helping to deepen public appreciation of Galway’s unique cultural landscape.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said: “The accomplishments of these outstanding students and their significant contributions to preserving and promoting the heritage of Galway County are immense. Their efforts exemplify the power of collaboration and the necessity of investing in future generations.”

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer of Galway County Council, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in our future generations. The dedication and passion of the students, combined with the support of our local communities and the expertise of the Heritage Office and GIS Department, have brought this initiative to life.”

There are over 64,000 townlands in Ireland of which there are in the region of 4,556 in County Galway, Ireland’s second largest county. Almost half of the County’s townlands have so far been digitised as part of the ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ project.

The Townland Research is available at www.tinyurl.com/townland, while the StoryMaps may be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/StoryMapGalway.

International Rugby Experience to be Gifted to People of Limerick

One of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions, the state-of-the-art International Rugby Experience (IRE) on O’Connell Street, Limerick, will be donated by JP McManus and his family to the people of Limerick.
The IRE, initially funded through a €30 million investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, is a fully immersive, hands on, multi-sensory experience designed to engage and inspire families and individuals alike. Inspired by World Rugby’s values of Passion, Discipline, Integrity, Solidarity and Respect, visitors hear the stories, feel the passion and test their own skills as they move through six, awe-inspiring stages inside the ‘Home of Legends’.
Following a process of due diligence, the 30,000 square foot centre will be owned and operated by Limerick City & County Council. It is envisaged that Discover Limerick DAC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Limerick City and County Council, will oversee the day-to-day operations, while the IRE will continue to be managed by the existing team appointed on opening last year.
Heads of Terms have been signed by both parties and the transition process will commence once due diligence is completed. This transaction will enhance the current offering of Discover Limerick DAC particularly for visitors also travelling to their other attractions, such as King John’s Castle, Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Adare Heritage Centre.
Designed by renowned architect, Níall McLaughlin, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) announced the IRE as the winner of the Public Choice category at the Irish Architecture Awards 2023 and the building has since been recognised internationally for its world class design and structure. The ground floor retail space, first floor café and event spaces will also come under the remit of the local authority.
It has been an eventful first year in operation for the IRE, with a star-studded launch last May featuring legends of the game such as Jonathan Sexton, Martin Johnson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Bryan Habana, Joy Neville, Matt Dawson, Danielle Waterman and Francois Pienaar.
International Rugby Experience CEO, Barry Hannon said: “Over the course of the first year in operation, we have seen our corner of O’Connell Street revitalised by the International Rugby Experience with visitors to the building from far and wide to partake in the AV experience, for our local food offering or to support one of the many local artists who are displaying in our gift shop. We would like to recognise Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood for their incredible insight and expertise to ensure the successful outcome of the project. The IRE has truly become the public and civic building we sought to create and this next stage of the journey in public ownership will protect the buildings legacy, outlasting us all for generations.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Limerick City & County Council, Gordon Daly added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Council to add International Rugby Experience to our existing successful tourist attractions; King Johns Castle, Lough Gur, Limerick Greenway and Adare Heritage Centre and build stronger synergies to drive tourism development and promotion in Limerick. We are working closely with IRE to advance the due diligence process and commence the transition.”
For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.internationalrugbyexperience.com