Athenry’s medieval streets and historic landmarks will take centre stage on Sunday, 16 August, as Athenry Walled Towns Day celebrates its 20th anniversary with an afternoon of heritage, culture, creativity and family entertainment.
Taking place from 1pm to 5pm at Athenry Community Park and Athenry Heritage Centre, the free event is organised by Galway County Council’s Heritage Office in partnership with Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre.
This year’s theme, “Heritage to Protect, Europe to Connect,” highlights Athenry’s place within Ireland’s network of historic walled towns while exploring its connections to the wider European heritage tradition.
The programme will feature medieval re-enactments, archery demonstrations, arts and crafts workshops, storytelling, puppet shows, music, historical presentations and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.
A major highlight will be the unveiling of the Athenry Creative Walls Project, an inclusive community art project created by participants from the Brothers of Charity day services in Athenry, working with artist Maria Hitchcox.
Developed over the summer, the artwork draws inspiration from Athenry’s historic town walls, incorporating wildflowers, local landscapes and recognisable images of the town using layers of coloured tissue paper.
Each participant contributed their own creative expression to the installation, which celebrates inclusion, creativity and community.
Ms Hitchcox said the project had brought “fun, interaction and excitement” to participants and staff, while creating opportunities for people to explore different materials and sensory experiences. She said the project had also helped build new connections and friendships.
Alan Burgess of Athenry Heritage Centre said the event had grown over two decades into a celebration of both Athenry’s medieval heritage and community spirit.
Another feature will be the One Heritage, Many Walls exhibition at Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre. The exhibition places Athenry alongside historic walled towns from across Europe, using images and storytelling to explore their shared heritage and cultural connections.
Heritage Officer with Galway County Council, Marie Mannion, said the event demonstrated how heritage could bring communities together, describing the Creative Walls Project as a “wonderful example” of heritage and creativity fostering inclusion.
The event is funded by the Heritage Council and Galway County Council, with additional support from Ireland’s EU Presidency Culture Programme 2026. Local community organisations, businesses and volunteers are also supporting the celebrations.
