January to June 2014
Events Guide
Wednesday 19 February, 12pm – 12.45pm WORKSHOP: Music, Travel & the Sea Galway has long been renowned for its music and musicians. Join Fidelma Sheridan, from C-Sidesound, for this infant and toddler’s music workshop as she inspires a new generation of musical children through themes of the music, travel and the sea. Family / Age 18 months – 3 years (with accompanying adult) Wednesday 19 February, 2.30pm – 3.15pm WORKSHOP: Music & Irish Legends Galway has long been renowned for its music and musicians. Join Fidelma Sheridan, from C-Sidesound, for this junior music workshop as she inspires a new generation of musical children through theme of Irish Legends. Family / Age 4 – 6 years (with accompanying adult)
Friday 21 February, 11am – 12pm WORKSHOP: Tribal Arms Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, to look at the history and development of coats-ofarms and examine some belonging to the Tribes of Galway. Afterwards have a go at making your own individual coat-of-arms. Age 8 – 12 Saturday 22 February, 11am – 12:30pm WORKSHOP: The Science of Sound Acoustics is the science of sound. Join Diarmuid Keaney, of ICAN Acoustics, as he explains the basics of sound, how it is created, how it is amplified, how it is measured and conducts a series acoustic experiments using everyday household items. Age 7 – 12
Saturday 15 March, 2pm – 3pm WORKSHOP: Claddagh Collage The Claddagh was once a vibrant and colourful fishing village of thatched cottages at the mouth of the River Corrib. Taking inspiration from old images of the village create a mixed-media collage, using different cutting and ripping techniques, with artist Sinéad McKiernan. Age 7 – 12 Saturday 22 March, 11am – 12.30pm ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: Get to know ... Neolithic Farmers How did Ireland’s first farmers live? Local archaeologist Anne Carey tells the story of life in Neolithic Ireland with activities including pottery production and grain grinding. Age 7 – 12 Saturday 5 April, 11am – 12.30pm ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: Get to know ... Early Christian Monks Local archaeologist Anne Carey tells the story of the earliest monasteries in Ireland, showing how the monks lived and the beautifully illustrated manuscripts they produced, with activities including calligraphy and a closer look at the amazing goldwork of the period. Age 7 – 12 Wednesday 16 April, 12pm – 12.45pm WORKSHOP: Music, Travel & the Sea Galway has long been renowned for its music and musicians. Join Fidelma Sheridan, from C-Sidesound, for this infant and toddler’s music workshop as she inspires a new generation of musical children through themes of the music, travel and the sea. Family / Age 18 months – 3 years (with accompanying adult)
Saturday 26 April, 1pm – 2pm WORKSHOP: Film Scratching SUPER8 SHOTS presents a film-making workshop for children using film scratching and experimental drawings with markers on 8mm film. Afterwards, sit back and enjoy the colourful animations. Age 7 – 12
Wednesday 16 April, 2.30pm – 3.15pm WORKSHOP: Music & Irish Legends Galway has long been renowned for its music and musicians. Join Fidelma Sheridan, from C-Sidesound, for this junior music workshop as she inspires a new generation of musical children through theme of Irish Legends. Family / Age 4 – 6 years (with accompanying adult) Thursday 17 April, 2pm – 3pm WORKSHOP: Tribal Arms Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, to look at the history and development of coats-ofarms and examine some belonging to the Tribes of Galway. Afterwards have a go at making your own individual coat-of-arms. Age 8 – 12 Wednesday 23 April, 2pm – 3pm STORYTELLING: World Tales In the days before the television invaded the home, the seanachaí, or storyteller, would enchant audiences with short stories and tall tales of legend and lore. Join acclaimed storyteller Rab Fulton to be regaled by tales from all around the world. Family / Age 7+ Thursday 24 April, 2pm – 3pm STORYTELLING: Celtic Tales Acclaimed storyteller and author, Rab Fulton is a master at retelling Irish and Scottish myths, folklore and urban legends. Join him for tales of ancient magic and mythical creatures. Age 10+ Thursday 24 April, 11am – 1pm WORKSHOP: Bird Watching for Children Join Tom Cuffe to learn about birdlife on the Corrib river and estuary. Afterwards, take a walk and along Nimmo’s Pier to bird watch (weather dependent). Family / Age 7+ (with parent/guardian)
Saturday 3 May, 11am – 12.30pm ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: Get to know ... Vikings The Vikings were feared warriors, but they were also skilled sailors and traders. Join local archaeologist Anne Carey to learn about the Vikings and have a go at making a Norse shield and a post and wattle fence. Age 7 – 12 Saturday 24 May, 11am – 12.30pm ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: Get to know ... AngloNormans Galway City was founded by the Anglo-Norman de Burgh family. Join local archaeologist Anne Carey to learn about the Anglo-Normans and have a go at making a coats-of-arms and a medieval map of Galway. Age 7 – 12 Saturday 31 May, 2pm – 3pm DANCE WORKSHOP: Sean Nós Dance Join award-winning sean-nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan from Connemara for an introduction to the skills and techniques needed to perform this traditional solo Irish dance. Emma will also demonstrate the brush and barrel dances. Age 7 – 12
Emma O’Sullivan, sean-nós dancer.
Thursday 20 February, 11am – 12pm WORKSHOP: Family History for Children Join Tom Cuffe to learn about family history and how make a family tree. Afterwards make a start on your own tree with the help of a family member. Family / Age 10 – 12 (with parent/guardian)
Postcard of the Claddagh, c. 1900.
Saturday 1 February, 11am – 12pm TALK & WORKSHOP: St. Brigid’s Crosses Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, to learn about some of the folklore and traditions associated with St. Brigid and her feast day, and afterwards have a go at making the various types of Brigid’s crosses. Family / Age 8+
Arms of Martin Browne & Marie Lynch, 1627.
Children’s Events
Self-portrait by Stephen Lawlor. Courtesy of University of Limerick.
Festival Events
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2014
Bealtaine Festival 2014 Saturday 3 May, 2pm – 3pm DANCE WORKSHOP: Sean Nós Dance (beginners) Join award-winning sean-nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan from Connemara for an introduction to the skills and techniques needed to perform this traditional solo Irish dance. Emma will also demonstrate the brush and barrel dances. Adult
Brian McGrath. Courtesy of Con Kelleher.
Saturday 3 May, 3.30pm – 4.30pm DANCE WORKSHOP: Sean Nós Dance (intermediate) Join award-winning sean-nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan from Connemara for an introduction to the skills and techniques needed to perform this traditional solo Irish dance. Emma will also demonstrate the brush and barrel dances. Adult
Drawing Day 2014
Saturday 1 March, 2pm – 3pm ILLUSTRATED TALK: A History of Hurling A game resembling the modern sport of hurling has been played in Ireland for more than 1,000 years. Join Dr. Paul Rouse, University College Dublin, for a photographic history of the sport as he examines why it is played uniquely by the Irish. Age 12+
Saturday 17 May, 11am – 12.30pm GALLERY ART CLASS: Family Drawing Session Celebrate Drawing Day 2014 by taking part in our family drawing session led by artist Bernadine Burke. Drawing Day was initiated by the National Gallery of Ireland to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to try their hand at drawing under the guidance of professional tutors. Family Event Saturday 17 May, 2pm – 3.30pm GALLERY ART CLASS: Adult Drawing Session In conjunction with Drawing Day 2014, join artist Bernadine Burke for this drawing session and be inspired by the museum building, its collections and historic location. Adult
Saturday 8 March, 2pm – 3pm TALK & PERFORMANCE: The Uilleann Pipes Known as the uilleann pipes, the union pipes, or simply the Irish pipes, this musical instrument has a long history, derived from an earlier form of bagpipe appearing in the Brehon Laws of the fifth century. Join piper Tommy Keane as he discussed the instrument and plays a selection of his favourite tunes. All Ages (no booking required) Michael Collins throws in the ball to start the Leinster Hurling Final, 1921.
Saturday 8 February, 11am – 1.30pm ART CLASS: Self Portraits for Beginners Self-portrait class for beginners with artist Bernadine Burke. Learn the skills and techniques behind portraiture and be your own muse. Age 15+
Exhibition Events Saturday 4 January, 11.30am – 12.30pm TOUR & FILM: Folk Fiction & Folk Fact Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, for a tour of Gareth Kennedy’s exhibition Folk Fiction - Translations in Material Culture. Afterwards enjoy a short documentary looking at the traditional craft of coopering from the multi-award winning Hands series by David Shaw-Smith. All Ages (no booking required) Saturday 11 January, 12pm – 12.30pm; 1pm – 1.30pm; 2pm – 2.30pm & 3pm – 3.30pm SCREENING: Hands Irish Spinning Wheel & Wool Spinning In conjunction with Folk Fiction, screenings of archival films about traditional crafts, from the award-winning Hands series by David Shaw-Smith. The four short documentaries examine the woollen process from shearing to spinning, the making of a traditional spinning wheel, the craft of chair-making and the making of baskets using willow. In between, why not take the opportunity to visit the Folk Fiction exhibition. All Ages (no booking required) Saturday 18 January, 1pm – 2.45pm SCREENINGS & TALKS: SUPER8 SHOTS presents ... Economies of Scale SUPER8 SHOTS presents an exploration of economies of scale with screenings of rare 8mm archive footage of traditional crafts, End of the Counter (Laura McGann) and the award-winning film Irish Folk Furniture (Tony Donoghue). Films will be followed by discussion. Age 12+
Saturday 15 February, 10.30am – 3.30pm ART CLASS: Portrait-Drawing for Improving Artists Working from live models, artist Mark D-Smith (BA Hons) will cover several different techniques, from simple profile and contours to complete modeling of the head using conte, charcoal and pencils. This class is suitable for intermediate level artists with drawing experience who want to learn the basics of portraiture. All materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring along your preferred medium. Age 16+ Cost: €15 Saturday 7 June, 2pm – 3pm TALK & TOUR: Traditional Dress in Rural Ireland Join Clodagh Doyle, National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, as she discusses traditional dress in rural Ireland in the early 1900s, with a special focus on the Aran Islands. In conjunction with our temporary exhibition Stitches in Time / Seanstíl Éadach. Age 12+
Claddagh Women. Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.
Saturday 1 March, 12.30pm – 1.30pm MUSIC PERFORMANCE: Jigs, Reels & Hornpipes at the Museum To mark the start of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2014, join tenor banjo master Brian McGrath (with a special guest) as he performs a selection of his favourite traditional Irish tunes. All Ages (no booking required)
Thursday 6 February, 5.30pm – 7.30pm LAUNCH: Making Faces: An exhibition of selfportraits Join Catherine Marshall, curator and art writer, for the launch of “Making Faces” an exciting new exhibition from the University of Limerick’s National Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland curated by transition years students from Galway City and featuring their own self-portraits. Also being launched is an exhibition of Galway portraits by artist Mark D-Smith. All Ages
Saturday Talks & Activities
Saturday 25 January, 2pm – 3pm ILLUSTRATED TALK: Wolves in Ireland The very first people to inhabit Galway would have encountered the wolf. Join Dr. Kieran Hickey, NUI, Galway, author of Wolves in Ireland, to find out about Ireland’s last great predator. Age 12+
Saturday 12 April, 2pm – 3pm TALK: Hookers, Nobbies & Zulus The Hooker long dominated Galway Bay; however, in the late nineteenth century the Congested Districts Board introduced large, decked boats, powered by sail, such as the Scottish Zulu and the Manx Nobby, which had proved themselves in English and Scottish waters. Join Cóilín Ó hIarnáin as he discusses these working boats of the Galway coast. Age 12+
Saturday 14 June, 2pm – 3pm ILLUSTRATED TALK: The Big Houses of south & east Co. Galway Join author John Joe Conwell as he examines the history of some of the Big Houses of south and east County Galway, including Clonbrock House (Dillon family) and Portumna Castle (de Burgh family). Adult Saturday 21 June, 2pm – 3.30pm TALK & FILM: Commander Bill King on film In 2012, at the age of 102, Bill King of Oranmore Castle passed away. He was the last surviving submarine commander of the Second World War and an adventurer who sailed single-handedly around the world on board Galway Blazer II. Back in 2000, DIG Productions interviewed Bill about his life and times. Join Garry Kelly of DIG Productions as he discusses the days spent filming Commander King in Oranmore Castle and their hopes of now completing the documentary “King of the Seas”. Age 12+
Galway Hooker. Courtesy of Ríona Egan.
Saturday 18 January, 3pm – 4.30pm SCREENINGS & TALKS: SUPER8 SHOTS presents ... Galway Super8 Seascapes SUPER8 SHOTS presents an afternoon screening of unique Super8 films from members of Galway Subaqua Club and other local maritime footage from private Irish collections dating from the 1950s to the 1980s. Films will be followed by discussion. Age 12+
Saturday 29 March, 2pm – 3pm TALK: A Brief History of the Irish Language It is thought that the Irish language arrived in Ireland some 2,500 years ago. Join Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Irish language-poet, as she discuss the history of the language and her hopes for its future. Age 12+
Saturday 28 June, 2pm – 3pm ILLUSTRATED TALK: Foreign Games & the Founding of the GAA Michael Cusack was a cricketer and a rugby player who actually founded his own club and affiliated it to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). Why, then, did he establish the GAA? Dr. Paul Rouse, University College Dublin, has the answers. Age 12+
Saturday 1 February, 2pm – 3pm TALK & PERFORMANCE: Napoleonic Songs Frank Harte, singer and song collector, noted that there are hundreds of songs in the Irish and English tradition referring to the French military and political leader Napoleon Boneparte (1769-1821), the vast majority of which are sympathetic to him. Join John Faulkner as he performs songs a selection of songs about Napoleon and tells the stories behind them. All Ages (no booking required) Saturday 29 March, 11am – 1pm WORKSHOP: “Know Your Place”: Community Mapping A community mapping workshop, in association with Ómós Áite, Centre for Irish Studies, NUI, Galway, and the Centre for Creative Arts & Media, GMIT. For further information or to make a booking contact nessa. cronin@nuigalway.ie. Adult
Saturday 19 April, 12pm – 5pm SCREENING: Animating the Historic Claddagh Village In the winter of 2013, fourteen secondary school students from Galway took part in an animation project at the museum with Edith Pieperhoff. Over a six-week period, they developed an array of skills, including research, developing storylines, script-writing, modelmaking, set-design, animation and editing. This is the fruit of their labours! All Ages (no booking required) Saturday 26 April, 11am – 12pm & 3pm – 4pm SCREENING: Vintage Cine 8mm Films Experience for the first time or relive the magic of original celluloid projections as SUPER8 SHOTS presents a selection of cartoons and silent movies from the 1950s to the 1980s using an actual Super8 film projector. Family / All Ages
8mm Projector. Courtesy of SUPER8 SHOTS.
Saturday 1 February, 2pm – 3pm TALK & WORKSHOP: St. Brigid’s Crosses Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, to learn about some of the folklore and traditions associated with St. Brigid and her feast day, and afterwards have a go at making the various types of Brigid’s crosses. Adult
Evening Lectures Thursday 30 January, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: Stone Boats, Sub-Sea Roads & Ambergris At 689 kms, Galway’s coastline is third longest in Ireland. Join archaeologist Michael Gibbons for an overview of the coastal and maritime history and archaeology of Co. Galway. Adult Thursday 6 February, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: How Commercial DNA testing can pinpoint your Galway Origins Gael, Viking, Norman, Gallowglass or Planter? Join biotechnologist Dr. Tyrone Bowes of Irish Origenes as he discusses how DNA testing can reveal unique information about your Galway ancestry, and explores Martyn and O’Halloran case studies. Adult Thursday 13 February, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: A Galway Landlord during the Great Hunger Ulick John de Burgh, Marquess of Clanricarde, held a 52,000-acre estate in East Galway. As one of only three Irish landowners to serve in cabinet during the Great Hunger he was torn between compassion for the hungry and loyalty to the landlord classes. Join author John Joe Conwell to find out more. Adult Thursday 20 February, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: The Merchant Families of Galway The ‘Tribes of Galway’ were only fourteen of the dozens of families that lived in medieval Galway. Join local author, Adrian Martyn, as he discusses the background of the Gascon, French, Welsh, Breton, English and Gaelic families that lived in the town. Adult Thursday 27 February, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: The Galway Hooker The hooker boat is the traditional work-boat of Galway Bay and an iconic symbol of Galway. Join historian Jackie Uí Chionna as she discusses the history and development of this vessel. Adult
JB Yeats & JM Synge in Connemara, 1905. Courtesy of the Guardian.
Thursday 20 March, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: Húicéirí agus Curachaí na Gaillimhe The hooker and the currach are enduring symbols of the Galway coastline. Join Ríonach Uí Ógáin, Director of the National Folklore Collection, University College Dublin, as she discusses traditional songs relating to boats and harvesting the sea. Adult
Thursday 6 March, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: Galway Slave Traders & Sugar Planters in the Caribbean Galway merchant families were deeply involved in the Caribbean sugar industry. Join Dr. Orla Power, Trinity College, Dublin, for an overview of their successes and failures as sugar merchants, plantation owners and slave traders. Adult Thursday 13 March, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE & PERFORMANCE: Galway in Song Join folk singer-songwriter John Faulkner as he discusses and performs a selection of songs relating to Galway City and County, including The Sporting Races of Galway and Francis Fahy’s Dear Old Galway Bay. Adult
Thursday 27 March, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: J.M. Synge & Galway In the early 1900s, playwright John Millington Synge visited Connemara and the Aran Islands where he found inspiration for his dramas among the folklore and anecdotes told to him by locals. Join Prof. Patrick Lonergan, NUI, Galway, as he discusses Synge and his Galway writings. Adult Thursday 3 April, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: Soupers & Jumpers: Protestant Missions in Connemara The establishment of a missionary campaign in Famineravaged Connemara saved thousands from starvation, but it was a divisive force that resulted in religious disharmony, often leading to physical battles for the souls of the poor. Dr Miriam Moffitt, St. Patrick’s College, details the origin, development and demise of the these missions from their establishment to the death of the last scripture reader in 1937. Adult
Eochair Feasa Foghlaim. Learning is the Key to Knowledge.
How to Book: For further information or to make a booking please contact Galway City Museum on (091) 532460. Please note the following: • Events are FREE of charge unless otherwise stated and all materials are supplied. • Events must be booked in advance (except where stated). • Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. • Please ensure you arrive in advance of the start time, otherwise your place may be reallocated. • If you have booked and are unable to attend please contact the museum as soon as possible so that your place may be reallocated.
Contact: Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway City. Tel: (091) 532460 Email: museum@galwaycity.ie Website: www.galwaycitymuseum.ie
Mailing List: If you wish to join our mailing list please contact the museum on (091) 532460 or email: museum@galwaycity.ie
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Admission Free.
Children’s Activity Sheet: Activity sheets for children in English and Irish - My Favourite Object / An Rud Is Fearr Liom - are available from reception.