Galway has always been a city of stories—tales whispered through stone walls, sung across the bay, and told beside fire and pub counter. But few told them as lovingly and thoroughly as Peadar O’Dowd. Historian, teacher, author, environmentalist, tour guide, columnist, and tireless ambassador for Galway’s past, Peadar passed away on January 4, 2024, leaving behind a city immeasurably richer for his life’s work and immeasurably poorer in his absence.
However, next month, Peadar will be remembered with a day of events to be held in his honour in the heart of the city.
Born in Bohermore, Peadar was one of four children—Nono, Willie, Martin, and himself—raised by their parents John and Bridget O’Dowd. His love for the area was lifelong. Far from eschewing his inner-city roots, he embraced them wholly, dedicating countless articles, interviews, and books to preserving the life and lore of Bohermore and its people. It was, in many ways, the heartbeat of his historical work.
He was educated at St Brendan’s in Woodquay and later St Mary’s College, which he would fondly describe as “five of the happiest years” of his life. He completed a Commerce degree at UCG and soon after began his career in education, initially at “The Mon” and then at St Benin’s Vocational School in Glenamaddy, where his enthusiasm spilled over into sport—coaching the camogie team to county championship victory in 1969. He later joined the Regional Technical College (now ATU Galway ) as a lecturer in Business Studies.
It was also during this time that he met and married Mary Langan from Cross, Co. Mayo. Their marriage was one of joy, humour, and mutual support. Peadar often recounted their shared love of badminton with signature wit—“Well done, Mrs O’Dowd,” he’d say after a strong rally. “Not too good, Mary Langan,” came the gentle ribbing when a shot went awry. Theirs was a partnership that extended into all aspects of life.
A man of many pursuits, Peadar loved angling—spending hours on Galway’s lakes, competing in tournaments, and even representing Ireland. He was also a year-round sea swimmer, frequently seen trekking from Bohermore to Blackrock for his daily dip. But it was through Galway’s history—its myths, waterways, and communities—that he found his true calling.
Essential reading
His passion for archaeology and folklore was sparked in earnest in 1984 when he returned to UCG to complete an adult BA in German and Archaeology. Inspired by Professor Etienne Rynne, he immersed himself in the past and never looked back. He began writing for the Connacht Tribune and Sentinel, illuminating the hidden nooks of Galway’s story for a new generation of readers. His columns became essential reading—always warm, often humorous, and deeply researched.
He published prolifically: Old and New Galway (1985 ), Vanishing Galway (1987 ), Galway City Waterways, Down by the Claddagh (1993 ), The Great Famine and the West (2000 ), Galway in Old Photographs (2003 ), Tracing Your Galway Ancestors (2011 ), and Christmas Tales of Galway (2006 ), to name a few. He edited A History of St Mary’s College and the expansive Glenamaddy Boyounagh: Our People, Our Heritage.
He also helped found St Patrick’s Parish Magazine, later known as Galway’s Own, which became one of Ireland’s longest-running community publications. Through hundreds of essays and editorials, he preserved not just buildings and dates, but the voices and values of a changing Galway.
In 1967, long before urban conservation became fashionable, Peadar established the Galway Waterways Preservation Society. His successful campaigns prevented the destruction of Eglinton Canal and the Claddagh Basin—landmarks that today form a vital part of Galway’s landscape. His dedication is now honoured through the Peadar O’Dowd Memorial Waterways Tour, a free weekly guided walk exploring the canal systems, bridges, mills, and water-powered heritage that Peadar fought to protect. The tours begin August 20 and take place every Wednesday at 2:00 PM, starting at the Hall of the Red Earl.
But it is on Saturday, August 23, that Galway will gather in earnest to remember the man whose passion for its past shaped its future. The Mick Lally Theatre and Hall of the Red Earl will host a day-long programme of talks, music, and poetry—a cultural celebration befitting Peadar’s legacy.
The day opens at 9:00 AM with “Galway from a Polish Perspective” by Marek Sztendel, highlighting the city’s modern multicultural dimensions. At 10:00 AM, Ian Brophy—current guide of the Memorial Waterways Tour—will speak on “Exploring Our Foundations – Galway”, tracing the city’s roots in archaeology and history.
Declan O’Shea follows at 11:00 AM with “Our Irish Roots: Celts to Monks”, providing a sweeping view of Ireland’s early identity. Then at noon, Ronan Harvey delivers “Encastellated Galway in a European Context”, connecting Galway’s fortified past with similar cities across the continent.
At 1:00 PM, the TG4 film Ag Trasnú An Atlantaigh Dhuibh / Crossing the Black Atlantic will be screened. Directed by Des Kilbane, the film recounts the journey of Tom Molineaux—a freed American slave who became a boxing champion before dying in Mervue—and examines Ireland’s complicity in transatlantic slavery.
At 2:00 PM, Peadar’s former student, close friend, and fellow historian William Henry will give “A Talk in Memory of Peadar O’Dowd”. A moment both personal and public, it will reflect on Peadar’s influence, mentorship, and enduring legacy. Mayor Mike Cubbard will be in attendance for William Henry’s talk
and of course Mary O’Dowd, Peadar’s wife, will be guest of honour.
Later talks include Dr Kieran O’Conor’s 3:00 PM lecture on “The Deserted Anglo-Norman Town and Castle at Rindoon, Co. Roscommon” and Paul Walsh’s 4:00 PM presentation, “Galway Through Time: A Topographical Exploration”. At 5:00 PM, Dominic Delaney will share insights from the archaeological excavations of the Hall of the Red Earl (1997–1999 ), where Peadar’s interest in built heritage had often turned into passionate advocacy.
Closing the formal programme at 6:00 PM is author and poet Gerard Hanberry with “On Raglan Road: Great Irish Love Songs and the Women Who Inspired Them”—a lyrical and fitting segue into the evening’s music.
From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, a concert in Peadar’s honour will feature a rich line-up of local talent, including The Kelly Family, Cór na dTreabh, Bernard Naughton & Friends, folk singer Mick Brown, and the Galway Ukulele Group. The music will be heartfelt, local, and steeped in tradition—just like the man it celebrates.
Meanwhile, across the cobblestones at the Hall of the Red Earl, events will include an archaeological tour of the site, led by a Galway Civic Trust archaeologist, and a 3:00–6:00 PM Open-Mic Poetry Session, hosted by Skylight 47 Poetry. An informal space for poetic voices—many of whom were inspired by or personally knew Peadar—the session promises to be as moving as any monument.
Peadar’s contributions stretched far beyond lecture halls and newspaper pages. He was a founding member and former chairman of the Galway Civic Trust and served as President of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. But perhaps most importantly, he was Galway’s interpreter—translating its ruins, myths, and monuments into something we could all understand, appreciate, and cherish.
He was, as many have said, more than a historian. He was a vessel of memory, a generous teacher, and a bridge between the ancient and the everyday. Whether writing about famine roads or long-gone fishing families, Peadar had a way of reminding us that our past is not dead—it’s the soil we walk on, the canal we cross, the neighbour we greet.
Galway’s landscape is full of echoes. Thanks to Peadar O’Dowd, we know where they come from. And thanks to his legacy, we know they will not be lost.
For full details on the celebration or the Waterways Tour, visit www.galwaycivictrust.ie
