The Old Tuam Society

12/06/2026

A captivating heritage talk was held yesterday at the Aughrim Interpretation Centre, where historian and author Padraic Kilduff explored The Architectural Legacy of James Forth Kempster and His Sons.
The presentation highlighted the remarkable contribution of the Kempster family, one of the most influential architectural dynasties in the region. James Forth Kempster and his sons were responsible for the design, development, and restoration of many notable churches, country houses, and estates throughout East Galway, including Castlegrove House, Tuam.
Attendees gained a deeper appreciation of the family's lasting influence on the architectural and cultural landscape of East Galway, with many of their works continuing to shape the region's built heritage today.

08/06/2026

Congratulations to O'Brien's of Galway on celebrating 43 years in business. 🎉
It is a double celebration as Ray O'Brien celebrates his 92nd birthday.
O'Brien's is the only shop in Galway that stocks our annual JOTS, and we are delighted to be associated with such a longstanding and respected business.

We wish Paul, Ray and everyone at O'Brien's continued success and happy birthday.🎂🎈👏

On this 46 years ago, Ray O’Brien opened this shop on William Street in Galway. The only items that we sold were magazines, sweets and newspapers. There was no such thing as mobile phone credit, fridge magnets or lottery. If you asked for a bottle of water, you’d have been told to get out! Today, Ray is 92 and is enjoying being a dad, grandad and a great grandad.
Thank you for your custom over the years.

04/06/2026

This evening, Martin Curley delivered a fascinating and informative talk on the 1926 Census. A display of photographs from the Old Tuam Society archives complemented the presentation, with each photograph matched to the corresponding family census record.

Special thanks are due to Margaret Garvey, Tuam Librarian, for her assistance and contribution to making the event such a success.

Tuam Library Milltown Heritage, Co Galway Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society Killererin Heritage Society Skehana and District Heritage Group Oughterard Heritage Fohenagh & District Historical Society The Tuam Herald Frank Gavin Genealogical Society of Ireland Galway County Council Galway Community Archaeology Galway County Heritage Office Federation of Local History Societies

02/06/2026

Congratulations to Margaret Garvey, Tuam Librarian, on the remarkable milestone of 50 years of dedicated service with Galway County Library.

Margaret has also been a valued member and great friend of the Old Tuam Society, always generous with her time, knowledge, and support. Over the years, she has contributed immensely to numerous projects, offering assistance with unfailing enthusiasm and professionalism.

Her commitment to preserving and promoting local history, together with her outstanding service to the community, has earned the respect and gratitude of so many.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Margaret on this wonderful achievement.
We wish her continued happiness and success in the years ahead.
Tuam Library

Margaret Garvey celebrates over 50 years with Galway County Library, still loving her work every day. Read our feature in link in comments.
Tuam Library Galway County Council

29/05/2026

Join us for an upcoming talk by Martin Curley on the recently released 1926 Census.

Martin will explore what information is available in the census, with examples from the local area, along with practical tips on how to search for and trace family members and others. He will also share observations from the 1911 Census to highlight some of the social and demographic changes that took place over the intervening years.

Photo courtesy of the Leufer family, Tuam.

Milltown Heritage, Co Galway Tuam Library
The Tuam Herald Genealogical Society of Ireland Killererin Heritage Society Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society Galway County Heritage Office

17/05/2026

Today’s official State commemoration brought to an end a week of events marking the annual remembrance of those whose lives were shaped by workhouses, that became a grim feature of one of the darkest chapters in Irish history.

Despite today’s cold and rain, it was insignificant compared with the suffering endured by those who sought refuge in the workhouses, especially the poor souls who arrived half-starved, only to be turned away, many dying by the roadside.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a well organised week of events, especially Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council, Irish Workhouse Centre - Portumna
Milltown Heritage, Co Galway Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society Moycullen Heritage Killererin Heritage Society Woodlawn Heritage Group Oughterard Heritage Fohenagh & District Historical Society Galway Community Archaeology Jacinta Fahy Photography

17/05/2026

Final preparations are being made for the National Famine Commemoration, which will be held today at the site of the former Portumna Workhouse. The event will be televised on RTÉ at 12:00 PM today.

The Old Tuam Society are delighted to have a photograph from our archives included in the official programme.

12/05/2026

Congratulations to our Heritage friends in Milltown Heritage, Co Galway as they mark the 160th anniversary of John Birmingham today. The museum is well worth a visit and a wonderful tribute to his legacy.

10/05/2026

Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion in her opening address at the Our Famine Stories
exhibition, today.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18hXDXmYHE/

Video courtesy of Galway County Heritage Office and Jacinta Fahy Photography

10/05/2026

The Old Tuam Society was delighted to be invited to participate in the community programme of the National Famine Commemoration 2026 at the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, today.

The free bilingual exhibition, Ár Scéalta Ghorta, Our Famine Stories, from more than twenty Galway local historical societies.

Using archival material and visual storytelling, the exhibition brought to life the experiences of people who lived through An Gorta Mór in urban, rural, and coastal communities across County Galway.

Congratulations to Marie Mannion, Galway County Heritage Officer, the Portumna Workhouse team, and all the participating local heritage societies on such an amazing exhibition.

Please see the link below for information on the weeks events.

https://irishworkhousecentre.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/164029-Galway-Co-Co-Famine-National-Booklet-Eng.pdf

Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society Galway County Heritage Office Skehana and District Heritage Group Moycullen Heritage Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society Woodlawn Heritage Group Milltown Heritage, Co Galway Killererin Heritage Society Fohenagh & District Historical Society South East Galway Archaeological & Historical Society Irish Workhouse Centre - Portumna Frank Gavin Oughterard Heritage The Tuam Herald Jacinta Fahy Photography