 CARNAUN
NATIONAL SCHOOL
Athenry
Heritage Centre
Officially opened 07.05.1999
by An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahearne.
In December 1993 Bord Fáilte bestowed
the status of a Heritage Town upon Athenry, a decision based upon the eclectic
nature of the town's varied architectural composition. In achieving
such a status Athenry became the first town in Connaught to receive this
honour. As a direct consequence of this decision the Church of Ireland
church located in the grounds of St. Mary's Collegiate Church was identified
as the ideal site to house a heritage centre that would showcase the rich
history of the area. After a period of five years of intensive fund-raising,
both here and in America, the heritage centre has now opened its doors
to the public.
The centre's main exhibits consists of a series of audio-visual and other
displays recreating the historical development of Athenry.
These exhibits show the strong historical
influence that has permeated the town's evolution since its foundation
through to the present century; influences that still continues to exert
a bearing over the town as the new millennium beckons.
The story of Athenry's development
is a subject not solely reflected in the rich architectural legacy of buildings
such as Athenry Castle or the Dominican Priory; these are, rather, reminders
of the town's historical past. A comprehensive understanding of the
area's historiographical evolution entails an appreciation of the life
experiences of those residents in the town itself. The essence of
these experiences is graphically evoked through the use of the aforementioned
audio-visual displays and exhibits that capture the nature of life down
through time. The centre houses two distinct exhibitions in this
regard. Downstairs the exhibits oncentrates on the town's strong
medieval character. Meanwhile, the gallery area upstairs will house
exhibits recalling Athenry's social and cultural life in the 19th and early
20th century.
Running parallel to this will be the initiation
of a project designed to compile anecdotal recollections of growing up
in the area in the early part of the 20th century. A book detailing
these memoirs will be published at some future juncture.
A tourist trail has also been prepared.
This walk takes in such sites of antiquarian and
tourist interest as Athenry Castle, as well as the Dominican Priory and
the town walls. Guided tours will be organised every half-hour during
the summer season.
Outside the building the
undergrowth that has accumulated in the grounds is being removed; when
cleared an intensive survey of the graveyard area will take place.
This project will require a detailed examination of the headstones in situ
with such details as inscriptions and height noted. A map with the
location of the various plots indicated will then be produced. This
project will be realised in conjunction with the West Galway Family History
Society.
The
centre also contains a gift shop.
Amongst those items available for retail
include T-shirts, sweatshirts, pens, books and gift goods. All of
these items will be sourced locally where possible.
Athenry has also been recently admitted
to the Walled Towns of Europe.
Membership of this organisation will again promote
the town and its environs on a greater scale than previously.
As is readily apparent from the above the
Heritage Centreis now the focal point of much activity over the coming
months.
Anyone wishing to contribute to
either of those exhibitions mentioned above, or, has any questions vis
a vis the centre itself should contact : 091 - 844661
Click here for a tour of
Athenry
Click
here for Athenry Heritage Centre Website!
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