Come and visit us
We are delighted to welcome visitors once again to our cottage museum where we have a selection of antique household items which were once part and parcel of rural houses from our locality in bygone years.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm.
Admission charges: Adults €5
Family €12
Senior Citizens and Students €4
If you wish to book a group visit during these hours please contact us with your details.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm.
Admission charges: Adults €5
Family €12
Senior Citizens and Students €4
If you wish to book a group visit during these hours please contact us with your details.
Heritage Week 2023
Lackagh Museum Committee hosted an open evening at our cottage museum on Saturday 19th August, 8.15pm-10pm to mark Heritage Week.
Visitors saw our redevelopment plans including an interpretation plan by Sceal Heritage for the future display of our museum collections which is part funded by the Heritage Council.
We also showcased our new photographic prints in the adjacent parish centre which depict over a century of parish life. The prints were part funded by Galway Co Co under the Community Support Scheme 2023.
Visitors saw our redevelopment plans including an interpretation plan by Sceal Heritage for the future display of our museum collections which is part funded by the Heritage Council.
We also showcased our new photographic prints in the adjacent parish centre which depict over a century of parish life. The prints were part funded by Galway Co Co under the Community Support Scheme 2023.
Lackagh Mass Paths
In summer 2019, a survey was undertaken on the Mass Paths of Lackagh Parish by Dr Hilary Bishop of Liverpool John Moore’s University. The plan at the time was for the production of a booklet and photographic exhibition featuring the findings of the study. However Covid intervened and the report and exhibition never happened-until now!
The project output is the paper, Mapping through Memory: The location and nature of Mass paths in Ireland which was recently published in a Geographical Society of Ireland publication, Irish Geography. Dr. Bishop returned to Lackagh on Saturday 9th of September to give a brief outline of her study which was aided by Gerry McDonagh, Frank Kearney and Michael Hurley.
The publication of the report at this time gives us proof, if any is necessary of the importance of recording personal reminiscences from more senior people in our community. Of the ten people who were interviewed during the course of the survey, four, Monica Holland, Johnny Grealish, Cissy Commins and Peter Farragher are no longer with us.
We are most grateful to Hilary for conducting this valuable piece of research. We also wish to thank photographer Caitriona Dunnett who accompanied Hilary. However, the project would not have happened were it not for the cooperation of the many landowners whose lands the mass paths crossed. So many of them were extremely helpful and we are indeed indebted to them as we are to all of the people who gave their time to talk to Hilary and reminisce about the mass paths.
Lackagh Museum Committee are most honoured to have been selected to participate in the project and as an Association that has local heritage at its heart, place great value on this outstanding piece of research.
The project output is the paper, Mapping through Memory: The location and nature of Mass paths in Ireland which was recently published in a Geographical Society of Ireland publication, Irish Geography. Dr. Bishop returned to Lackagh on Saturday 9th of September to give a brief outline of her study which was aided by Gerry McDonagh, Frank Kearney and Michael Hurley.
The publication of the report at this time gives us proof, if any is necessary of the importance of recording personal reminiscences from more senior people in our community. Of the ten people who were interviewed during the course of the survey, four, Monica Holland, Johnny Grealish, Cissy Commins and Peter Farragher are no longer with us.
We are most grateful to Hilary for conducting this valuable piece of research. We also wish to thank photographer Caitriona Dunnett who accompanied Hilary. However, the project would not have happened were it not for the cooperation of the many landowners whose lands the mass paths crossed. So many of them were extremely helpful and we are indeed indebted to them as we are to all of the people who gave their time to talk to Hilary and reminisce about the mass paths.
Lackagh Museum Committee are most honoured to have been selected to participate in the project and as an Association that has local heritage at its heart, place great value on this outstanding piece of research.
Lackagh Museum Lotto
Please support the upkeep of our cottage museum and heritage centre by participating in our weekly lotto draw which takes place every Wednesday evening at the museum. Our lotto draw currently has a Jackpot of €3,600.
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Lackagh old cemetery burial records now online
Thanks to the efforts of Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association, the burial records of Lackagh old cemetery can now be accessed online on the heritage section of Galway Council’s website. The recording of the memorial inscriptions was meticulously undertaken by our joint Heritage Officer, Breda Finn, who also took photographs of each memorial for the Museum’s own archive.
This is a great resource for those undertaking family history research as the records were also digitally mapped by Galway Co Co so that each grave can now be pinpointed through an easy to use search function. The wording on each memorial is then automatically displayed when a grave plot is selected.
The Museum Committee are grateful to Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway Co Co for facilitating the publication of the Lackagh burial records. It is anticipated that the burial records of Lackagh new cemetery will also be uploaded in due course.
This is a great resource for those undertaking family history research as the records were also digitally mapped by Galway Co Co so that each grave can now be pinpointed through an easy to use search function. The wording on each memorial is then automatically displayed when a grave plot is selected.
The Museum Committee are grateful to Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway Co Co for facilitating the publication of the Lackagh burial records. It is anticipated that the burial records of Lackagh new cemetery will also be uploaded in due course.
Lackagh Digital Hub
Lackagh Museum and Heritage Centre have opened our new Digital Hub thanks to a grant of €70,932.07 under the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Connected Hubs Call 2022. The funding was used to upgrade the remote working facilities at the Knockdoe Room which will complement the Public Access High Speed Broadband Connection Point at the Church Car Park.
The investment enabled the Museum Committee to substantially refurbish the room to a high standard to accommodate those working remotely. Lackagh Digital Hub is now integrated with the Western Development Commission’s Connected Hubs Platform whereby desks may be pre-booked through the online booking facility at www.connectedhubs.ie.
Our hub has seven desk spaces and supporting office equipment including scanners, printers, large screen monitors and privacy booths. The funding was also used to provide a small meeting area, along with a kitchenette and toilet facilities. The online booking system enables hub users to prepay for the use of a desk for set periods of time either on a short or long term basis. Access to the hub is enabled through a code which is sent to the user’s mobile phone once payment has been confirmed.
The hub provides a low cost remote working option for those requiring good broadband connectivity. It is an attractive option for morning commuters on the R354 and N83 who wish to avoid time consuming traffic delays as well as for parents of children in the adjacent pre-school. It will also be an important community facility for students and for parishioners wishing to connect with family members overseas. In addition, the investment will enable the Committee to deliver a range of digital/IT courses to our parishioners over the coming months.
We are most grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for the funding. We are also most grateful to Galway Co Co for funding the equipment under the Department of Rural and Community Development's Connected Hubs Call in 2021 and especially for the support of Broadband Officers, Noel Madden and Nora O'Connor.
For more information,
The investment enabled the Museum Committee to substantially refurbish the room to a high standard to accommodate those working remotely. Lackagh Digital Hub is now integrated with the Western Development Commission’s Connected Hubs Platform whereby desks may be pre-booked through the online booking facility at www.connectedhubs.ie.
Our hub has seven desk spaces and supporting office equipment including scanners, printers, large screen monitors and privacy booths. The funding was also used to provide a small meeting area, along with a kitchenette and toilet facilities. The online booking system enables hub users to prepay for the use of a desk for set periods of time either on a short or long term basis. Access to the hub is enabled through a code which is sent to the user’s mobile phone once payment has been confirmed.
The hub provides a low cost remote working option for those requiring good broadband connectivity. It is an attractive option for morning commuters on the R354 and N83 who wish to avoid time consuming traffic delays as well as for parents of children in the adjacent pre-school. It will also be an important community facility for students and for parishioners wishing to connect with family members overseas. In addition, the investment will enable the Committee to deliver a range of digital/IT courses to our parishioners over the coming months.
We are most grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for the funding. We are also most grateful to Galway Co Co for funding the equipment under the Department of Rural and Community Development's Connected Hubs Call in 2021 and especially for the support of Broadband Officers, Noel Madden and Nora O'Connor.
For more information,
Lackagh Parish Community Plan 2021
The Lackagh Parish Community Plan was launched at the Museum by Steve Dolan, CEO of Galway Rural Development (GRD) in line with Covid-19 guidelines on Saturday evening 24th July, 2021. Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association along with Turloughmore Community Council collaborated to undertake this important initiative for the parish which was part funded through GRD and the LEADER Programme. Copies of the plan are available from the museum and it can also be downloaded below.
Turloughmore GAA Memorabilia

Lackagh Museum played host to a nostalgic few hours some months ago when Siobhán Doyle of the National Museum of Ireland visited us to look at some GAA memorabilia for possible inclusion in a new book.
Just a few short months later and A history of the GAA in 100 Objects, part of a multi-faceted project supported by RTÉ, has been published to great reviews. The book offers a new perspective on GAA history by presenting a range of formal and informal objects from museum collections and placing them as central to a new understanding of the history of the association and its development.
The star of that gathering in Lackagh Museum which was conducted in line with Covid-19 guidelines was undoubtedly Seamus Murphy who played with Turloughmore at mid- field during the six-in- row era. Seamus brought along his haul of medals from that time including his six county hurling championship medals along with a haul of medals from various tournaments including the Kenny cup, Reeves cup, Kilbeacanty 7’s and a number of his Co. Minor championship medals.
Perhaps the item that attracted most interest however and which features in the book was the hurl that served him so well for over 100 games in the black and white jersey during a golden decade for Turloughmore hurling. Repaired and rebanded many times, it looked good enough for another 100 games!
Seamus reminisced fondly about those glory days, recounting their training regime under Mick Brennan, how they might even have won another title or two and when he finally decided to call it a day.
A number of old photos of Turloughmore Hurling teams from the 1930s and 40s were also on display as well as a photo of the Turloughmore William O’Briens team from 1892 which hangs in Murray’s Bar. Interestingly, a young Pat Murray in that 1892 team was the trainer of the 1930’s team. And the Murray-Turloughmore GAA connection still continues to this day through his granddaughter Breda and great- granddaughter Leonie, both of whom were present.
Ms. Doyle was delighted with the effort put in by the museum committee to assist her and we wish her every success with the book which every GAA fan should get their hands on.
Just a few short months later and A history of the GAA in 100 Objects, part of a multi-faceted project supported by RTÉ, has been published to great reviews. The book offers a new perspective on GAA history by presenting a range of formal and informal objects from museum collections and placing them as central to a new understanding of the history of the association and its development.
The star of that gathering in Lackagh Museum which was conducted in line with Covid-19 guidelines was undoubtedly Seamus Murphy who played with Turloughmore at mid- field during the six-in- row era. Seamus brought along his haul of medals from that time including his six county hurling championship medals along with a haul of medals from various tournaments including the Kenny cup, Reeves cup, Kilbeacanty 7’s and a number of his Co. Minor championship medals.
Perhaps the item that attracted most interest however and which features in the book was the hurl that served him so well for over 100 games in the black and white jersey during a golden decade for Turloughmore hurling. Repaired and rebanded many times, it looked good enough for another 100 games!
Seamus reminisced fondly about those glory days, recounting their training regime under Mick Brennan, how they might even have won another title or two and when he finally decided to call it a day.
A number of old photos of Turloughmore Hurling teams from the 1930s and 40s were also on display as well as a photo of the Turloughmore William O’Briens team from 1892 which hangs in Murray’s Bar. Interestingly, a young Pat Murray in that 1892 team was the trainer of the 1930’s team. And the Murray-Turloughmore GAA connection still continues to this day through his granddaughter Breda and great- granddaughter Leonie, both of whom were present.
Ms. Doyle was delighted with the effort put in by the museum committee to assist her and we wish her every success with the book which every GAA fan should get their hands on.
Audience Engagement videos
Thanks to a substantial grant from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht through its Audience Engagement Fund, Lackagh Museum commissioned a series of short "taster"videos featuring our cottage and heritage centre. The videos will help showcase our local heritage to a growing online audience.
With Covid restrictions impacting on physical visitor numbers to our museum, we recognised that online engagement through our website and social media was now of particular importance in order to help maintain and build continued public support and interest in our organisation.
We are most grateful to project manager, Ms. Donna Gilligan of Scéal Heritage Consultancy and Ms. Emma Hayward who compiled the digital content. We are also most grateful to Breda Finn, Museum Committee member who made the arrangments for the various presenters including Michael Hurley, Jarlath McDonagh, Frank Burke, Frank Kearney and John McDonagh. The video below features Michael Hurley giving a tour of the cottage.
With Covid restrictions impacting on physical visitor numbers to our museum, we recognised that online engagement through our website and social media was now of particular importance in order to help maintain and build continued public support and interest in our organisation.
We are most grateful to project manager, Ms. Donna Gilligan of Scéal Heritage Consultancy and Ms. Emma Hayward who compiled the digital content. We are also most grateful to Breda Finn, Museum Committee member who made the arrangments for the various presenters including Michael Hurley, Jarlath McDonagh, Frank Burke, Frank Kearney and John McDonagh. The video below features Michael Hurley giving a tour of the cottage.
Lackagh Cottage Museum rethatched
Work has been completed on the rethatching of the front of Lackagh Cottage Museum. The rethatching has been made possible thanks to LEADER funding from Galway Rural Development, a Community Enhancement Programme grant from Galway Co Co. and the generousity of a private donor. The Museum Committee are also indebted to all who support our weekly lotto draw and contribute to our "clobber" which is an important source of revenue for us and this has helped us greatly to raise the match funding required to carry out this necessary work.
We also wish to express our gratitude to Adam and Pawel Kusielczuk who carried out the work in just 2 weeks despite the terrible weather!
We also wish to express our gratitude to Adam and Pawel Kusielczuk who carried out the work in just 2 weeks despite the terrible weather!
Lackagh Museum hosts members of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society on 15th July, 2018
Lackagh Museum at National Treasures Roadshow
Lackagh Museum was delighted to have been invited to participate in the National Treasures public roadshow event on Sunday, 8th October, 2017 in the Raddisson Blu Hotel, Galway.
National Treasures is a project to crowd-source everyday objects that explore the history of the island of Ireland over the past 100 years.The project is a multi-platform campaign encompassing a website, four public roadshow events in October 2017, a four-part RTÉ television series in April 2018, followed by an exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
In association with RTÉ, the National Museum of Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, people can participate in the creation of a digital archive of historical objects. If you have an object that reveals a fascinating part of our history, culture or heritage you can add it here.
By collecting objects and revealing the fascinating stories behind them, the promoters want this project to form a unique crowd-sourced tapestry of modern Irish history, one that emphasises the voices of ordinary Irish people.
Explore the archive here
National Treasures is a project to crowd-source everyday objects that explore the history of the island of Ireland over the past 100 years.The project is a multi-platform campaign encompassing a website, four public roadshow events in October 2017, a four-part RTÉ television series in April 2018, followed by an exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
In association with RTÉ, the National Museum of Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, people can participate in the creation of a digital archive of historical objects. If you have an object that reveals a fascinating part of our history, culture or heritage you can add it here.
By collecting objects and revealing the fascinating stories behind them, the promoters want this project to form a unique crowd-sourced tapestry of modern Irish history, one that emphasises the voices of ordinary Irish people.
Explore the archive here
See if you can spot the gas mask from World War 2 on our stand in the RTE promo video by clicking on the twitter link underneath the photo!
A view of the lovely Clare River as it flows through the parish of Lackagh Co. Galway on its way to Lough Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit of Williamstown Heritage Society-10th September, 2016
Lackagh Museum Committee was delighted to host a visit by members of Williamstown Heritage Society and their friends on 10th September as part of their Annual Tour. The group also visited Aughrim Visitor Centre, Dartfield Museum (near Loughrea), Athenry Castle as well as Claregalway Museum and Forge.
The group was welcomed by their former Parish Priest for many years, Fr. Des Walsh and a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. We look forward to making a trip to Williamstown in the not too distant future to see the great work they are doing. Click here to go to their very informative website.
The group was welcomed by their former Parish Priest for many years, Fr. Des Walsh and a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. We look forward to making a trip to Williamstown in the not too distant future to see the great work they are doing. Click here to go to their very informative website.
RTE Countrywide interview 30th July, 2016 Darragh McCullough
Michael J. Hurley talks about the Fair on the Turloughmore Common.
Louise Denver met with Michael J. Hurley, Jarlath McDonagh and Frank Kearney to talk about the Fair of Turloughmore.
Listen to the interview
1916 Commemoration CD launched

Easter 1916 was a crucial event in the history of Ireland and Lackagh Museum has marked the centenary of the Rising with a CD featuring local singers and musicians to commemorate the event.
Tracks include The Dawning of the Day by Sarah and Bernard McHale, The Foggy Dew by Eimear Higgins and Laurie Moran, James Connolly by Bertie O'Rourke, Grace by Grace Fahy and The Fair of Turloughmore by Sarah Hession.
There are also a number of instrumental tunes from Lackagh Comhaltas Group, Irene Guckian and Rosina Joyce. The Proclamation is read by William Aherne.
The initiative was spearheaded by Liam Rabbitte who did a superb job in putting the CD together. It is available at the Museum and Fahys Daybreak in Turloughmore for just €10.
It can also be ordered online.
Tracks include The Dawning of the Day by Sarah and Bernard McHale, The Foggy Dew by Eimear Higgins and Laurie Moran, James Connolly by Bertie O'Rourke, Grace by Grace Fahy and The Fair of Turloughmore by Sarah Hession.
There are also a number of instrumental tunes from Lackagh Comhaltas Group, Irene Guckian and Rosina Joyce. The Proclamation is read by William Aherne.
The initiative was spearheaded by Liam Rabbitte who did a superb job in putting the CD together. It is available at the Museum and Fahys Daybreak in Turloughmore for just €10.
It can also be ordered online.
Listen to some song snippets from the CD
Lackagh Turloughmore 1916 Commemoration
On Sunday, 30th April Lackagh Museum hosted the Commemoration of the 1916 Rising in Lackagh parish. The day started with hurling matches in the Turloughmore GAA grounds followed by mass in Lackagh Church in memory of all those who died for their country. Musicians and Dancers from Lackagh Taste of Trad provided the entertainment and the museum was delighted to display the superb artwork created by pupils from the local primary schools.
The event was addressed by Cllr. Peter Roche and members from the UN Veterans 30 at Liam Mellows, Barracks, Galway presided over the flag raising ceremony and the reading of the proclamation.
The Commemoration ceremony was also attended by members of the Cullinane and O’Hanlon families. William Cullinane, a clerical student from Cahernashilleeny was shot on Bloody Sunday on his way back to All-Hallows College from Croke Park while John O’Hanlon was murdered by the Black and Tans at his home on the Lackagh Road in 1920.
The event was addressed by Cllr. Peter Roche and members from the UN Veterans 30 at Liam Mellows, Barracks, Galway presided over the flag raising ceremony and the reading of the proclamation.
The Commemoration ceremony was also attended by members of the Cullinane and O’Hanlon families. William Cullinane, a clerical student from Cahernashilleeny was shot on Bloody Sunday on his way back to All-Hallows College from Croke Park while John O’Hanlon was murdered by the Black and Tans at his home on the Lackagh Road in 1920.
Galway Bay FM Summer Roadshow – Lackagh
Listen to the Galway Bay FM Summer Roadshow from Lackagh Museum where Ollie was joined by a great bunch from the Lackagh and Turloughmore areas…..!
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As a voluntary Committee we would be unable to open our Museum and Heritage Centre to the public were it not for the support of Galway Rural Development who make Tús Scheme and RSS participants available to us on an annual basis.
We also wish to thank Ms. Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council for her ongoing guidance, advice and support.
We also wish to acknowledge the generous financial support of the following:
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Department of Rural and Community Development
Galway County Council
Galway Rural Development
Galway Sports Partnership
Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board
IPB Insurance
St. Jarlath's Credit Union, Tuam
Flynns of Lackagh
We also wish to thank Ms. Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council for her ongoing guidance, advice and support.
We also wish to acknowledge the generous financial support of the following:
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Department of Rural and Community Development
Galway County Council
Galway Rural Development
Galway Sports Partnership
Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board
IPB Insurance
St. Jarlath's Credit Union, Tuam
Flynns of Lackagh