Lackagh Museum is participating in a countrywide project by Dr. Hilary Bishop of Liverpool John Moores University to look at the history and heritage of Mass paths in Ireland which will culminate in the publication of a book in 2020. Dr. Bishop has already completed a similar project countrywide on mass rocks.
Last week Lackagh Museum Committee hosted an information evening on Tuesday night about the 15 recorded mass paths in the Lackagh Parish. Dr, Hilary Bishop, of Liverpool John Moores University, was present and is gathering local information and would love to talk to those that have knowledge of our local mass paths and memories if possible. If you can help please email [email protected] or contact Gerry on 087-155-4214.
The Parish which has 15 recorded mass paths, none of which have any official recognition, status or protection. Even though most of these paths no longer exist in their entirety some small sections and features such as stiles have survived and are a reminder of times past when parishioners walked the shortest route to our schools and churches.
The researchers would love to talk to landowners through whose lands a mass path once crossed and if possible, take some photographs of any remaining sections or stiles. These photographs which will be produced by photographer Caitriona Dunnet using nineteenth century photographic techniques will form part of an exhibition during the Galway 2020 City of Culture Programme of events.
Fifteen of the photographs will be donated to Lackagh Museum. Contact [email protected] or Gerry on 087-155-4214 for more information.
