Connaught Street Historical Development
Connaught Street Historical Development
This site chronicles the Life, History and Events related to Connaught Street, Athlone. An unassuming street with history and stories seeping through every nook and cranny. Please explore this website at your own leisure and enjoy the wonders of this forgotten part of Ireland
we are currently under reconstruction and development, please check back later! However, Information on 2026 Heritage Week is listed below
Relevant Information
15th–23rd August 2026
HERITAGE AT RISK: PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS
Connaught Street & Environs Community Group are delighted to present a full week of free Heritage Week events on Connaught Street and the west side of Athlone.
From Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd August, we will celebrate our local history, living heritage, traditional skills, music, sport, stories and the people who keep our heritage alive.
Events will take place across Connaught Street, Connaught Gardens, The Hollow, the Dean Crowe Theatre, Dooley’s Westend, the Shamrock Lodge Hotel and other local venues.
* Heritage talks and presentations
* Poetry and storytelling
* Historical walks
* Genealogy and local history
* The Jadotville story
* A Pipe Band parade
* A Heritage Market and Family Day
* Traditional crafts and demonstrations
* Junior Heritage Explorer activities
* The Over-40s Football Tournament
* Wreath-laying and remembrance
* Street theatre
* Live music and traditional sessions
* Living Heritage Day in Connaught Gardens
Our main celebration will take place on Sunday 23rd Augustin Connaught Gardens, where visitors can step back in time and enjoy traditional crafts, music, demonstrations, family activities, historical displays and living heritage throughout the afternoon.
All events are free and everyone is welcome.
Come and discover the history, stories and traditions of Connaught Street and Athlone’s west side.
From the Castle to the Canal… our heritage is still alive.
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
An Afternoon of Poetry
Time: 4pm
Venue: Dean Crowe Theatre
Join us for an afternoon celebrating poetry, words and local creative voices.
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST
Pipe Band Parade and Heritage Market Family Fun Day
Parade Time: 11.40am
Route: Dean Crowe Theatre to The Hollow
Heritage Market and Family Fun Day
Time: 12 noon–4pm
Venue: The Hollow
Enjoy market stalls, free face painting, a sensory tent, children’s activities and live traditional music.
The Army Band will perform from 1pm–2pm.
MONDAY 17TH AUGUST
Guided Historical Walk with Paddy Costelloe
Time: 7pm
Meeting Point: Dooley’s, Westend
Discover the people, buildings and stories that shaped Connaught Street and Athlone’s west side.
TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST
Genealogy Talk with John Grenham
Time: 2pm–3.30pm
Venue: To be confirmed
Join renowned genealogist John Grenham for an informative talk on tracing family history and uncovering the stories of those who came before us.
WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST
The Siege of Jadotville
Lecture by Leo Quinlan and Book Launch
Time: 7pm
Venue: to be confirmed.
An evening exploring the story and legacy of the Siege of Jadotville, featuring Leo Quinlan, guest speakers, a book launch and book signings.
THURSDAY 20TH – SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST
Over-40s Fun Five-a-Side Football Tournament
Venue: The Hollow.
Thursday 20th: 5pm–7pm
Friday 21st: 6pm–7pm
Saturday 22nd: 3pm–5pm
Local teams will battle it out during our fun Over-40s Five-a-Side Tournament, bringing sport, rivalry and plenty of community spirit to The Hollow.
SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST
Final Day: Living Heritage Day.
Time: 12 noon–4pm
Venue: Connaught Gardens.
Step back in time and enjoy a traditional market, live demonstrations and hands-on displays celebrating skills and traditions that are at risk of being lost.
Demonstrations and activities will include pottery, traditional soda bread making, butter churning, bee observation, woodcarving, spoon carving, basket weaving, knitting, traditional lime plastering and a pop-up Gaeltacht.
Poetry.
From 12 noon
Venue: Connaught Gardens.
Wreath-Laying by Army Veterans.
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Obelisk, Connaught Gardens
Street Theatre
“What’s This Heritage Malarkey All About?”
Time: 3.30pm
Venue: Connaught Gardens
Over-40s Football Tournament Final and Shield Presentation
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: The Hollow
SHARE YOUR MEMORIES
Throughout the week, we will be recording vox pops, stories and memories of Connaught Street.
Come along and tell us about the people, shops, buildings, characters and traditions you remember. Every story helps us preserve the history of our community for future generations.
All events are free and everyone is welcome.
Bring the family, bring the neighbours and bring the memories.
This is our heritage, our community and our future.
Connaught Street & Environs Community Group
National Heritage Week 2026
From the Castle to the Canal… our heritage is still alive.