Oughterard Schoolchildren Bring Local Heritage to Life Through New Trail and Podcast Project

A special celebration of local heritage, creativity and community spirit took place at Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona, Oughterard, where Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD officially launched the Oughterard Kids’ Heritage Trail and Podcast Project on June 25th 2026.

The project was created by Fourth Class students with their teacher, Ms Clíona McNamara, and the support of school principal Ms Siobhán McSharry. It invites both local people and visitors to discover Oughterard’s rich history through the eyes of its young people. The project includes a heritage trail booklet and a series of podcasts researched, written and recorded by the students.

The trail features sixteen heritage sites around Oughterard and the surrounding area, including the Triple Arch Bridge, the Shrubbery, Owenriff Waterfall, the former Railway Station, Glengowla Mines and Aughnanure Castle. Following much of the route known locally as the “Golden Mile”, it encourages people to explore the places, people and stories that have shaped Oughterard, the “Gateway to Connemara”.

The students spent months researching the town’s history. They used the Oughterard Heritage website, spoke with family members and local residents, visited heritage sites, took photographs and wrote the trail guide. They also produced six podcasts featuring interviews and local stories.

Working with podcast producer Barbara Nic Dhonnacha, the students learned valuable digital media skills, including planning interviews, recording audio and editing podcasts. Their work has created an engaging record of local history that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The idea for the project was first brought to the school by Antoinette Lydon of the Oughterard Heritage Group. Once funding was secured, the project was developed in partnership with the Galway County Council Heritage Office and the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN). Funding was provided by Galway County Council Heritage Office and iCAN, an initiative of the National Museum of Ireland delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council.

One of the highlights of the launch was a wonderful performance by the Fourth Class students, who proudly sang a song with lyrics they had written themselves, inspired by the heritage they had been learning about throughout the project.

Minister Naughton praised the students for their enthusiasm, creativity and hard work. She said the project was an excellent example of the new Primary Curriculum, encouraging inquiry, teamwork, creativity and digital learning. She also praised Principal Ms Siobhán McSharry, teacher Ms Clíona McNamara and the strong partnership between the school, heritage organisations and the local community.

The launch was attended by students, parents, teachers, community representatives and local public representatives, including Seán Kyne TD and Cllr Eileen Mannion.

Speaking at the launch, Antoinette Lydon of the Oughterard Heritage Group said:

“This has been one of the most enjoyable heritage projects I have ever worked on. The students and their teacher brought enthusiasm, curiosity and creativity to every stage of the project. From the beginning, Principal Ms Siobhán McSharry fully supported the idea and encouraged it every step of the way. Hearing the children say it was ‘the best day of school ever’ was a wonderful reward. They are incredibly proud of what they have achieved, and they have created something that will help people discover and appreciate Oughterard’s heritage for many years to come.”

The Oughterard Kids’ Heritage Trail and podcasts are a lasting resource for the community. They celebrate local history while encouraging young people to take pride in their heritage and share it with future generations.

The digital trail guide and podcasts are available on the Oughterard Heritage website. Printed copies of the trail booklet are also available from local businesses and Oughterard Library.