Celebrating Clonfert, Kilmeen and Kilboght

To mark ICOMOS Monuments and Sites Day 2026 we celebrated our community monuments St. Brendan’s Cathedral Clonfert, Kilmeen and Kilboght. These  are three of eight sites featured on Galway County Community Story Maps.

Bus Tour Wednesday 15th April 2026

Galway Community Archaeology Project hosted a tour and  picked up passengers at Oranmore, Athenry, Loughrea and Kilreekil. At Clonfert Cathedral Dr. Christy Cunniffe gave a tour of this iconic site, highlighting the importance of the Romanesque doorway.

Kilmeen Video and Podcast.

At Dessie O’Brien’s, Kilreekil the Kilmeen and Kilboght Videos were shown. The group listened to a section of the Kilmeen podcast. Claire Besnyoe, whose land surrounds Kilmeen features on the podcast and was present on the tour. She was delighted with the day’s events and to be part of Galway County Community Story Maps. Commenting on ICOMOS Sites and Monuments Day 2026 she stated ‘this was a rewarding day in good company’

Book Launch

The newly published Kilboght-Church of the Poor was officially launched. Mona Monahan, Kilboght Restoration Group thanked everyone for coming and all who worked on the conservation of Kilboght, particularly Peggy Doherty who prepared the booklet and applications for funding for the conservation of Kilboght. Katie Duane was also thanked as the driving force of the project. The day resumed with a visit to newly conserved Kilboght with its interpretive signage funded by Community Monuments Fund, Department of Housing , Local Government and Heritage.

Photo Gallery

Lucy Flynn, TY student with Coláiste an Eachréidh prepared a photo gallery of the days events.

Galway County Community Story Map was funded by The Community Monuments Fund, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Featured sites and monuments received CMF Funding over the years. Work is still in progress in securing funding for various projects.

Galway Community Archaeology Project is funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council. This was an event in celebration of ICOMOS Monuments and Sites Day 2026.