University of Galway students Carlos Grace, Laura Daly, Giada Solito, and Liam Flaherty pictured at the launch of a new digital StoryMap project in Áras an Chontae. Credit Seán Lydon.
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 (FF), 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.
