17th Century bow gate is returned to Galway
LUGGALA Estate has helped facilitate the return of an historic 17th Century bow gate to Galway City.
The Gate is believed to have come to Luggala from the previous owner Garech de Bruin’s childhood home in County Mayo. It is thought that the intention was to restore the gate, but it was never put up on Luggala Estate. Instead it lay in pieces and was mistaken for an unidentified piece of limestone for many years, until estate worker Seamus Hayes rediscovered it just over a year after the passing away of Garech de Bruin in 2018.
The huge gate dates back to the 1620s and consists of consists of 25 tonnes of limestone sections. The staff at Luggala assisted greatly with the safe packing and transport of the 110 stone pieces to Claregalway Castle in Galway in August, where they were cleaned and assembled by an expert team led by Michael Herwood on behalf of Galway City Council.
Tony Boylan, Director, Luggala Estate Limited said: ‘It was an honour to help fulfil one of Garech’s dying wishes and return the Galway Gate
to its rightful home. If Seamus had not realised the importance of the limestone sections which were covered in moss and debris after lying unprotected for so many years, Garech’s very generous gift might never have come about. We want to thank everyone involved including
Alan Maxwell of DNG Galway who put us in contact with Galway’s Heritage officer, Galway City Council and Galway City Museum for working closely with us, it has been an incredible journey.
‘ The new custodians of Luggala have a very strong interest in history, heritage and conservation and they were very supportive of this project from the beginning. They worked to ensure this important part of Galway’s heritage was returned quickly and they are delighted that it has been a success. They are looking forward to visiting Galway to see the re-assembled Gate and to learn more about its history.’
Eithne Verling, Director of Galway City Museum thanked the Estate of Garech de Bruin and the new owners of Luggala for their support.
She said: ‘ We are thrilled to have the Gate reassembled and conservation work will now commence on restoring it to its former glory. Archaeologist Paul Walsh, who undertook extensive research on the Gate and Mike Herwood and Eamon O’Donaghue who led the team reassembling the Gate also deserve our thanks and credit.’