Galway City Council has been awarded €260,000 in funding under the Community Monuments Fund to protect two historic buildings in the city.
The funding will be split between two of the city’s most significant heritage sites, with €130,000 dedicated to Menlough Castle and €130,000 allocated to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.
Restoration at St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
The €130,000 allocation for St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church builds on a successful three -year restoration period that has already transformed the building’s South transept. The new funding will target urgent structural repairs to ensure the historic space remains safe for the public.
The Very Rev. Lynda Peilow, Rector of St. Nicholas’, emphasised the dual role of the landmark as both an active parish and a critical piece of regional history:
“This funding is vital for safeguarding the building’s rich heritage, allowing for ongoing restoration efforts that reveal previously unknown aspects of its history. While St. Nicholas functions as a living church, it also serves as a heritage site of immense historical importance to Galway.”
Brendan Dunne, Senior Executive Planner for Architecture and Conservation in the city council said that St. Nicholas’ has a rich history in the heart of the city.
“For over seven centuries, this extraordinary site has welcomed worshippers and visitors alike and the funding again this year will ensure its continuance use as a significant attraction within the city.”
Continued Conservation at Menlough Castle
Menlough Castle, an iconic 19th-century riverfront ruin along the River Corrib, will use its €130,000 share to advance critical conservation work.
The site, formerly the estate of the Blake family before a devastating fire in the early 20th century, has been undergoing continuous stabilization and maintenance.
Jim Higgins Heritage Officer for Galway City Council, noted the importance of the castle’s ongoing management. “Menlough Castle is an iconic landmark on the river Corrib, once home to the Blake family until it was destroyed by fire in the early 20th century.”
“Significant works were undertaken to conserve the castle in recent years, with the allocated funding allowing us to continue these critical interventions.”
Another announcement was a grant of €25,000 from the Heritage Council, under the 2026 Community Heritage Grants. The Heritage Section of the City Council supported the preparation of the application.
These financial injections will fund essential repairs, structural conservation, and capital works designed to protect, conserve, and improve the presentation of both structures.
