Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2025

Galway projects receive €329,968 in funding under the Heritage Council’s 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme

€1.9 million in funding allocated nationally to support heritage initiatives

Nineteen projects in Galway have secured a total of €329,968 in funding under the Heritage Council’s 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme. The Heritage Council is distributing more than €1.9 million through the Scheme this year to support 132 heritage initiatives across Ireland.

These grants will enable local communities to conserve and celebrate Ireland’s built, cultural, and natural heritage. The allocation follows a national call for applications in February, which attracted hundreds of proposals from heritage groups, volunteers, and community organisations across the country.

Funding Recipients in Galway

• Connemara Dark Skies – €1,922
• Butterfly Conservation Ireland – €2,881 (Across multiple counties)
• Irish Basking Shark Group – €5,000 (Across multiple counties)
• Irish Basketmakers Association – €5,798 (Across multiple counties)
• Millltown Community Council – €5,255
• Mill Museum Trust Tuam – €25,000
• Glinsk Community Development Society Ltd – €14,453
• Kilchreest Castledaly Community Development Group – €25,000
• Kilskeagh Heritage Committee – €20,748
• Select Vestry of the Aughrim & Creagh Parish Union – €18,000
• Ballinderreen Community Centre – €16,913
• Claregalway Church Pastoral Council – €25,000
• Killogilleen Graveyard Committee – €25,000
• Reilig na bhFilí (Killeeneen) – €18,385
• The Mannion Clan Association – €10,567
• Kilshanvey Community Group – €11,821
• Oughterard Culture & Heritage Group – €25,000
• Creggs Rural Development – €19,000
• Ballygar Tidy Towns – €25,000

Projects such as these reflect the wide range of initiatives supported by the scheme — from safeguarding historic structures to researching local heritage, restoring habitats, and building biodiversity expertise within communities. A full list of funded projects is available from here.

All funded projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Previous recipients in Galway have used this funding to conserve architectural features, digitise local archives, and carry out conservation training — strengthening both the preservation of heritage and the local economy.

The scheme has supported several key heritage projects across Galway including Ballinakill Abbey.  Conservation Works. These included the preparation of a Conservation and Management Plan in advance of a number of seasons of capital works at this unique abbey in North Galway. Glinsk Community Development Society Ltd propose to fund a heritage audit with this years allocation.

Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group received funding to create a story map in 2024.  Building on previous work on their Heritage Trail of the town this interactive online map uses audio and visual methods to archive these historically significant sites, now represented through both physical and digital mapping platforms. They were successful again this year in their application to fund a Conservation and Management Plan for Kilcummin Church and Graveyard. The Mill Museum, Tuam also received funding to prepare a Conservation and Management Plan for this iconic building in the centre of the town. In Claregalway, the old abbey will also benefit from the preparation of a Conservation and Management Plan. Kilchreest Castledaly Community Development Group will work on another phase of conservation at Kilchreest Church and Graveyard.

Roundstone Community Development Council was supported in developing a bilingual exhibition and a digital heritage trail showcasing the history and heritage of Roundstone. The Mannion Clan were also successful in adding to their interactive heritage trail. Incorporating historical narratives, archaeological insights, and community stories, these trails aim to offer both residents and visitors an immersive and engaging experience that connects people with place.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said:

“Community groups and heritage organisations do incredible work in preserving and our natural, cultural and built heritage for generations to come. From conserving historic buildings and graveyards, to digitising archives, restoring monuments, and promoting biodiversity, these initiatives ensure that Ireland’s unique stories, traditions, and places are protected for future generations. I am inspired by the creativity and commitment shown by groups across the country, and proud that this scheme continues to empower local communities to safeguard our heritage in all its forms.”

Dr. Martina Moloney, Chairperson of the Heritage Council added:

“The Heritage Council is committed to empowering communities and ensuring that our shared heritage is preserved and celebrated by all. This scheme reflects that commitment, supporting a diverse range of projects—from conservation and skills training to research and interpretation—that might not otherwise receive funding. Initiatives like the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, Adopt a Monument, and Heritage in Schools show how local engagement and national support can combine to deliver real, lasting benefits. The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is a vital part of this approach, helping communities across Ireland protect the places, stories, and traditions that matter most to them.”

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, remarked:

“Through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, we are proud to support the work of local groups who care deeply about their heritage and who are taking meaningful action to protect and promote it. Whether it’s restoring a local landmark, recording oral histories, or creating habitats for biodiversity, these projects have a tangible and lasting impact. They strengthen local identity, drive tourism, and create opportunities for learning, connection, and employment. We see time and again how this scheme brings people together and builds pride of place across the country.

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council stated

The County of Galway shows great pride in all aspects of our built, archaeological, cultural, living and biodiverse heritage, tangible and intangible that is rooted within our communities. It deserves to be protected and promoted for our current and future generations. This funding is greatly appreciated and will encourage those working at voluntary and grass roots level to continue with enthusiasm and passion that is evident throughout our county.