Conference coach tour

The Sunday coach tour of Connemara, Insights to the Heritage of Connemara – the People & the Place was a perfect example of meitheal in action and a great opportunity for shared learning and networking for the delegates who were able to take part. Almost as soon as the coach left Galway delegates were able to benefit from the expert commentary of Dr Christy Cunniffe providing information on local landscape and history as the coach made its way to the first stop at Kilcummin Graveyard. The work of surveying graveyards has been an important one for both local heritage groups and councils. At Kilcummin there was an introduction to the use of drone technology and the survey 123 app that volunteers use to transcribe and digitise memorial inscriptions and to drone map the locations of memorial. The use of this technology has saved many hours of work and provided a much fuller record.

Drones, castles, and refreshments

Dr Paul Naessens who provides the drone services was on hand to demonstrate, and kindly used the drone to take a picture of the whole group from the air. The next stop was not far away at Oughterard Courthouse, delegates had an opportunity to examine the wonderful reconstructions of neolithic and megalithic tools as well as an extraordinary reconstruction of a dug out canoe. The coach then made its way (taking in the Quiet Man Bridge) to Ballynahinch Castle for refreshments in the walled garden. Estate Manager, Cian Cunniffe gave a short talk and tour on the renovation and design of the gardens before the tour made its way on to Carna. At Carna, the Emigrants Commemorative Centre (An tlonad Cuimhneachain na nimirceach) gave the delegates a warm welcome and its position on the very edge of the shore gave all an understanding of why they call it the Wild Atlantic Way. The Irish are famous for their hospitality and it was certainly not lacking in the sumptuous lunch served to the delegates in a sun filled room looking out to sea. The route home allowed delegates to see some more of the striking scenery of Connemara and the Na Beanna Beola and Sléibhte Mhám Toirc mountain ranges.