Celebrating Peadar O’Dowd

Join Galway Civic Trust for a special all-day event on Druid Lane, celebrating the life and legacy of local historian, waterways advocate, and founding member of Galway Civic Trust, Peadar O’Dowd (1941–2024).

In honour of Peadar’s tireless work in preserving Galway’s heritage, Galway Civic Trust present a full programme of thought-provoking talks, cultural insights, a film screening, and a vibrant evening concert featuring local musicians and performers.

All are welcome to this community celebration of Galway’s past, present, and enduring cultural spirit.

Programme of Events

• 9:00 AM – Galway from a Polish Perspective – Marek Sztendel
• 10:00 AM – Galway: Exploring Our Foundations – Ian Brophy
• 11:00 AM – Our Irish Roots: Celts to Monks – Declan O’Shea
• 12:00 PM – Encastellated Galway in a Wider European Context – Ronan Harvey
• 1:00 PM – FILM SCREENING: Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic
• 2:00 PM – A Talk in Memory of Peadar O’Dowd – William Henry
• 3:00 PM – The Deserted Anglo-Norman Town and Castle at Rindoon, Co. Roscommon – Kieran O’Conor
• 4:00 PM – Galway Through Time: A Topographical Exploration – Paul Walsh
• 5:00 PM – The Hall of the Red Earl – Archaeological Excavations – Dominic Delany
• 6:00 PM – On Raglan Road: Great Irish Love Songs and the Women Who Inspired Them – Gerard Hanberry
• 7:00 – 9:30 PM – Evening Concert featuring:
  The Kelly family
  Bernard Naughton’s Band
  Mick Brown – Folk Singer
  Galway Ukulele Group
  Cór na dTreabh

Finger food and light refreshments will be provided for all attendees.

Peadar O’Dowd
Peadar was instrumental in preserving Galway’s waterways and historical integrity. In 1967, he formed the Galway Waterways Preservation Society, successfully halting developments that threatened the Eglinton Canal and Claddagh Basin. His passion and legacy live on through the work of Galway Civic Trust.