Reclaiming A Community’s Heritage: Kilskeagh Church and Graveyard, Co. Galway

We’ve been working with the Kilskeagh Heritage Committee on an archaeological impact assessment for the future protection and preservation of the site of the old church and graveyard in the townland of Rathfee in Galway (known locally as Kilskeagh Church and Graveyard). Over many years, this site of great importance in the history of the area has unfortunately become overgrown and inaccessible as nature has overtaken the site. The group aim to make the site accessible again and to preserve and respect its significant heritage.


Following their successful application to The Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant in 2023, the Kilskeagh Heritage Committee began their work by commissioning professional archaeological and ecological reports of the site. These reports – an ecological survey and an archaeological impact assessment – will guide the future clearing and works to be carried out, and will ensure that no damage is done to the site.
Our video for Heritage Week gives an introduction to the ongoing and future works for the site, the importance of protecting our local heritage and providing accessibility, and our aims for the future in preserving this site for future generations.