Galway’s iconic cultural centre, Áras na nGael, is set to receive a €170k grant for conservation repairs to the shared roof of a historic terrace of Georgian townhouses on Dominick Street.
Despite the centre only reopening it’s doors last July following major renovation work, it is understood that the roof to the site is still in a vulnerable condition.
Although Galway is known more for its medieval and early modern buildings, Áras na nGael is one of the best examples of Georgian buildings and interiors in the city.
Built for the Galway’s wealthier inhabitants who prospered from the city’s industrial growth in the 19th century, the townhouses on Dominick Street were early examples of suburban development as the city extended beyond its original medieval boundaries.
However, the centre on Dominick Street also has a rich history associated with the promotion of the Irish language in Galway city.
Originally owned by Lady Gregory, one of the leading figures of the Irish Literary Revival, the building at 45 Dominick St Lower first became known as Áras na nGael in 1938.
The centre was established by a committee in Galway to promote Irish in the city due to concerns that the language revival movement was becoming weaker and that a central headquarters for Irish language organisations was needed.
Today, Áras na nGael hosts Irish classes and cultural events and also functions as a space for the Irish language community.
The centre is among 40 sites across Ireland to benefit from Historic Structures Fund announced by the Department of Housing.
Upon the announcement, Minister for Housing James Browne said, “The award of funding under the Historic Structures Fund is a demonstration of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Ireland’s architectural legacy.
“The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.”
