July to December 2014
Events Guide
Blue Boatman; #2. Courtesy of Maurice Quillinan
July Saturday 5 July, 11am – 12pm WORKSHOP: Paper Folding The visual art collective Carbon Assembly is working with COPE Galway to develop a paper-based exhibition for the Fringe Festival. Join members of Carbon Assembly to learn how to create amazing 3-D forms using simple folding techniques. Age 7 – 12 Saturday 5 July, 2pm – 3pm WORKSHOP: Paper Folding The visual art collective Carbon Assembly is working with COPE Galway to develop a paper-based exhibition for the Fringe Festival. Join members of Carbon Assembly to learn how to create amazing 3-D forms using simple folding techniques. Age 12+ & Adult
JULY SUMMER CAMP Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 July, 10am – 2pm SUMMER CAMP: History Hunters Drama Camp Join drama facilitators Sinéad Hackett and Julie Kelly for this series of drama-based historical workshops and develop a performance based on Galway’s medieval past. Age 11 – 14 COST: €50 per person payable on the day Saturday 12 July, 2.30pm – 4pm TALK & GALLERY TOUR: Music on the Water For centuries mathematicians, artists, architects and musicians have been fascinated by a ratio called the ‘Golden Section’, or the ‘Divine Proportion’. Join artist Maurice Quillinan for an illustrated talk and tour of his exhibition – Music on the Water: Paintings by Maurice Quillinan – which explores this intriguing concept. Age 12+
Tuesday 15 July, 2pm – 3pm PERFORMANCE: Music on the Water Renowned concert pianist Nick Ross will perform a selection of works by Claude Debussy and Kent Holliday to compliment the exhibition Music on the Water: Paintings by Maurice Quillinan. All Ages Wednesday 16 July, 2pm – 3pm PERFORMANCE: Music on the Water Renowned concert pianist Nick Ross will perform a selection of works by Claude Debussy and Kent Holliday to compliment the exhibition Music on the Water: Paintings by Maurice Quillinan. All Ages
GALWAY FRINGE FESTIVAL Saturday 19 July, 11am – 12pm WORKSHOP: Galway Goes to the Pictures Inspired by the museum’s cinema exhibition, join Aoibhie McCarthy to explore the earliest form of animated film by making your own thaumatropes – simple cardboard toys that use a form of optical illusion to make drawn images come alive! Age 5 – 12 / Family Bookings via Galway Fringe Festival: info@galwayfringe.ie Saturday 26 July, 11am – 12pm WORKSHOP: Let’s Go Fishing! Inspired by the museum’s maritime exhibition, join Aoibhie McCarthy to make a river scene with origami frogs, lily pads and magnetic fishing rods! Age 5 – 12 / Family Event Bookings via Galway Fringe Festival: info@galwayfringe.ie
A View from the Gallery. Photo by Colm Hogan
August Saturday 2 August, 11pm – 3pm ART CLASS: Responding to Art Join artist and art teacher Vicky Smith for this class exploring and responding to the exhibition Music on the Water: Paintings by Maurice Quillinan. Adults
AUGUST SUMMER CAMP Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 August, 10am – 3pm SUMMER CAMP: Creative Film-making for Teens Join Garry Kelly of GK Media for this 5-day film course in which participants get to produce a short documentary about the history of Galway. The group will develop their communications skills, build their confidence, strengthen their means of self-expression, embrace their local history, and gain invaluable knowledge about the film industry whilst having fun. Age 12 – 16 COST: €50 per person payable on the day Saturday 16 August, 2pm – 3pm TALK: Sending Out Galway’s Workhouse Paupers In the 1850s, thousands of Irish paupers were shipped from Irish workhouses to North America as part of an assisted emigration scheme. Join Dr. Gerard Moran as he recounts the story of fifty-three girls from Mountbellew Union workhouse who were sent to Canada. Adult Saturday 23 August, 2pm – 3pm HERITAGE WEEK TALK: City of the Tribes Galway is known as the ‘City of the Tribes’, named after the fourteen merchant families – Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, Darcy, Deane, Font, French, Joyce, Kirwin, Lynch, Martin, Morris and Skerrett – who controlled the medieval town. Join author Adrian Martyn to find out about these tribes and why the city is named in their honour. Age 12+
Wednesday 27 August, 2pm - 3pm TALK: The Story of the Connemara Pony According to folklore, following the sinking of the Spanish Armada off the coast of Connemara, a herd of Andalusian horses came ashore and interbred with native ponies, resulting in the distinct Connemara pony. Join author and pony-expert Pat Lyne as she discusses the history and heritage of Ireland’s only indigenous breed of horse. Age 12+ Thursday 28 August, 3pm – 4pm HERITAGE WEEK TOUR: Walking Tour of Galway To celebrate Galway Walled Towns Day, join Jim Higgins, City Heritage Officer, for a walking tour of our historic and architecturally fascinating city. Meeting in museum courtyard. Weather dependent. Age 12+ (no booking required) Saturday 30 August, 11am – 12.15pm HERITAGE WEEK WORKSHOP: Harvest Knots At harvest time, in some parts of Ireland, men and women wove pieces of straw to make ornate harvest knots, which were then exchanged as love tokens. Join Tom Doyle to learn more about this custom and try your hand at making one. Family Event / Age 7+ Saturday 30 August, 2pm – 3.15pm HERITAGE WEEK WORKSHOP: Cailleach There are many harvest superstitions associated with the cutting of the last sheaf, which was sometimes ornately woven to make a cailleach, meaning ‘hag’. Join Tom Doyle as he talks about traditions associated with the harvest and demonstrates how to fashion a cailleach using straw. Afterwards try your hand at making one. Adult
September Saturday 6 September, 11.30pam – 1pm 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. Age 12+ & Adult
CULTURE NIGHT Friday 19 September, 5.30pm – 8pm LECTURES: Sketches of Galway’s Cultural History Twelve historians will present short illustrated talks dealing with aspects of the cultural life of the city and county over the past four hundred years. This Culture Night event is curated and presented by Dr John Cunningham of the History Department at NUI, Galway. Galway City Museum will remain open to the public until 9pm. Adult
Sean Nós Dancer Emma O’Sullivan
Saturday 13 September, 2pm – 3.30pm TALK: Birth, Death & Marriage Records Civil registration of all Irish births, marriages and deaths began, one-hundred-and-fifty-years ago this year, on 1 January 1864. Join Gráinne Melia of the Galway Family History Society as she discusses the background to and uses of these genealogical sources. Adult
Wednesday 24 September, 6.30pm – 7.30pm ILLUSTRATED TALK: Evans of Eton & the West In conjunction with the International Heritage Conference, join Anne Hodge, National Gallery of Ireland, as she discusses English artist William Evans of Eton (1798-1877) and his watercolours of Galway City and Connemara painted in 1838 while on a visit to the West of Ireland. Age 12+ Saturday 27 September, 11am – 1pm WORKSHOP: Bird Watching for Children The Corrib river and estuary is home to thriving bird populations. Join Tom Cuffe to learn about the local birdlife and afterwards take a walk along Nimmo’s Pier to watch and identify birds (weather dependent). Family Event / Age 7+ (with parent/guardian)
Blake’s Castle & Medieval Quay. Courtesy of RealSim
Saturday 20 September, 2pm – 3pm ILLUSTRATED TALK: A Virtual Walk through Medieval Galway Based in Galway, RealSim create highly realistic threedimensional simulations of the world around us. Join Robyn Mason of RealSim as she explains how the 1651 map of Galway has been brought to life using gaming technology and graphic design. Age 12+
Galway Hooker. Photo by Ríona Egan
Saturday 27 September, 2pm – 4.30pm TALK & SCREENING: From The Woods To The Water Join Galway-based film-maker Tony Walsh of Tocar Productions as he introduces his new documentary – Scéal Croí An Cladaig: “From The Woods To The Water”. This unique visual journey captures the story of the first Galway Hooker of its class to be built in the city since the 1920s. Age 12+
October
Saturday 11 October, 2pm – 3pm TALK & TOUR: Exam Preparation The Leaving Cert History and Appreciation of Art paper often includes a question about visiting a museum or gallery. Why not prepare by taking a tour of Galway City Museum with Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, and artist and art-teacher Bernadine Burke. Teens / Leaving Cert. Students Saturday 18 October, 2pm – 5pm PERFORMANCE: International Uilleann Piping Day This year Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) celebrate the fourth year of International Uilleann Piping Day. It is an opportunity for pipers around the world to “Share the Sound of Ireland”. Join Tommy Keane and fellow Galway pipers for their contribution to this international event. All Ages (no booking required)
Three in a Row by Jack Mahon. Courtesy of Willie O’Dowd
Saturday 25 October, 11am – 1pm WRITING WORKSHOP: Journey with Raftery from Mayo to Galway – Cill Aodain to Killeeneen In a relaxed interactive writing workshop with Cill Aodain-born poet, Terry McDonagh, young people will celebrate the life, journey and writing of the blind poet, Anthony Raftery. He was Ireland’s last great travelling bard: “from his hearthstone in Cill Aodain to his gravestone on Killeeneen”. Age 10+
Galway Senior Football Team, 1965. Courtesy of Jim Carney
Saturday 4 October, 2pm – 4pm TALK: Galway’s Famous Three-in-a-Row In September 1964, Galway beat Kerry in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. This was the first step towards their famous Three-in-aRow. Join Jim Carney, of the Tuam Herald, and a host of Galway players and fans to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of this triumph. Please note that this event will take place at An Taibhdhearc (National Irish Language Theatre) on Middle St, and that prior booking through the museum is essential. Age 12+
Traveller Caravans at Merlin Park, 1970s. Photo by Galvin
Wednesday 29 October, 2pm – 3pm WORKSHOP: Beady Pockets Traditionally, Traveller side pockets were used instead of purses by women in the Traveller community. These colourful side pockets, worn around the waist, were decorated to reflect the individual and were highly treasured. Join Dave Donovan, Galway Traveller Movement, and make your own side pocket. Age 7 – 12
Thursday 9 October, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: The Galway-Clifden Line
Opened in 1895, the 80-kilometre Galway to Clifden railway line ran through the heart of Connemara. The line fell into disuse following its closure in the 1930s, but is now due to be re-opened in part as a Greenway for walking and cycling. Join author Kathleen VilliersTuthill as she discusses the history of this short-lived but important line. Adult Thursday 16 October, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: Westward, Ho! with William Wilde Surgeon and polymath William Wilde, father of Oscar, wrote significant works on medicine, archaeology and folklore, including Lough Corrib, its Shores and Islands. Join Gerry Hanberry, author and poet, as he discusses William Wilde and his west of Ireland links. Adult
Friday 31 October, 11am – 12.30pm ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: Gruesome Galway Join archaeologist Anne Carey to learn about the gruesome side of Galway’s history and hear all about skulls, plagues and sieges. Afterwards have a go at making a Halloween mask and playing traditional Halloween games. Age 7 – 12
Thursday 23 October, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: The Claddagh’s Magnificent Response On 4 August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. By January 1915, 500 men from the city of Galway had enlisted with another 200 from the Claddagh. Join Galway author William Henry as he discusses the phenomenal response to the call to arms from this historic fishing village. Adult
OCTOBER EVENING LECTURES Thursday 2 October, 7pm – 8pm LECTURE: Galway! What is in a Name? There are several different theories as to the origins of the name Galway, some believing it derives from the Irish word gall meaning ‘foreigner’, others that it is named for a mythical princess drowned in the River Corrib. Join place-names expert Dr. Nollaig Ó Muraíle, NUI, Galway, as he discusses the origin of the name of our city and several other local placenames. Adult Road Sign for Galway & An Spidéal. Photo by Brendan McGowan
Galway-Clifden Line crossing the River Corrib, c. 1900. Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland
Saturday 25 October, 2.30pm – 4.30pm WRITING WORKSHOP: Mystery in Animals Pádraic Ó Conaire built a beautiful legend round the purchase and experiences of a man with his Little Black Donkey. Such pictures of a man and his donkey seem simple but they are very complex and evoke wonderful images in ways that children understand best. Bring your animal stories to this workshop and write your legend with poet, Terry McDonagh. Age 10+
Royal Navy Reserves from the Claddagh, c. 1910. Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland
Thursday 30 October, 7pm – 8pm TALK: The Proud Lynches
The ‘Proud’ Lynches were the most powerful and influential of the fourteen Galway tribes, producing 84 mayors – entrepreneurs, fraudsters, explorers and slaves – between 1484 and 1654. Join author Adrian Martyn as he discusses the ‘Tribes of Galway’ with a special focus on this illustrious family. Age 12+
November
Saturday 8 November, 2pm – 3pm WORKSHOP: If Things Could Talk If things could talk what stories would they tell? Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, to investigate a wide range of quirky objects from the museum’s collections and put your detective skills to the test. Age 8 – 12 Saturday 15 November, 2pm – 3pm TALK: Traveller Equality & Diversity This year the Galway Traveller Movement celebrates its twentieth anniversary – ‘Whiden Toie’: Celebrating Traveller Culture, The Road to Recognition and Rights. Join Hannagh McGinley for this exploration of Traveller culture. Age 12+
Saturday 29 November, 2pm – 3pm TALK: The Ferocious O’Flahertys Before the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, the ‘Ferocious’ O’Flahertys were the most powerful dynasty in South Connacht. Join author Adrian Martyn to hear about this family of kings and king-slayers, admirals and pirates, landlords and rebels. Age 12+
December Saturday 6 December, 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 Saturday 13 December, 2pm – 3pm TALK: Climate Change & Galway Bay It is 175 years since the Night of the Big Wind, and 12 months since storms wreaked havoc on Galway’s coastline. Join Dr. Kieran Hickey, NUI, Galway, as he discusses the weather and climate change and the actual and potential impacts on Galway Bay. Age 12+
Ireland & Climate Change by Kieran Hickey
Saturday 1 November, 11am – 3pm ART CLASS: Responding to the Sea Join artist and art teacher Vicky Smith for this class exploring and responding to the Máirtín Oliver Galway Hooker and exhibition and the museum’s waterside location where the river meets the sea. Age 12 – 16
Saturday 22 November, 11am – 12.30pm ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: All About Excavating Join archaeologist Anne Carey to learn how ancient objects are discovered and how their stories are uncovered. Who made them? How were the used? And what do they tell us about life in the past? Afterwards have a go at excavating finds and making your own museum exhibition. Age 7 – 12
Guided Tours Guided tours of the museum can be arranged and are free of charge (although a contribution to our donations box is appreciated). Tours are subject to the availability of staff and should be booked at least two weeks in advance. Schools, please note the following: • Guided tours last approximately 45-60 minutes • You should bring at least one adult per fifteen students • Larger classes are split into smaller groups for guided tours (generally <20 per tour) • A teacher/leader must remain with each group at all times and are responsible for • We do not have a lunch room • Food is not permitted in the galleries • Photography is permitted, without flash For further details or to make a booking please contact the Education & Outreach Officer by calling (091) 532460 or by email at museum@galwaycity.ie.
DIY Tours Groups can also enjoy the museum without booking a tour but please do let us know you’re coming.
Guided Tours at Galway City Museum. Photo by Colm Hogan.
How to Book:
Contact:
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.
Tel: (091) 532460 Email: museum@galwaycity.ie Website: www.galwaycitymuseum.ie
Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway City.
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 Sunday (summer only), 12pm 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.