Atlantic Technological University celebrates 30 years of its Heritage programme

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is proud to announce the 30th anniversary celebration of its esteemed Heritage programme. The event, organised by the university’s Heritage Society, will take place on 7 May 2025 at 4pm in the Wine Geese Training Bar on the ATU Galway City campus.

The celebration will feature keynote addresses by Senior Lecturer and Programme Chair in Heritage, Dr Mark McCarthy, and a renowned archaeologist, historian and author, Paul Duffy.

Since its inception in 1995, the Heritage Studies programme at ATU has been dedicating to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience for a rewarding career in the heritage sector or related areas. The focus is applied, dynamic, and interdisciplinary – drawing insights from heritage (built, cultural, natural and digital) and related fields such as history, archaeology, geography, ecology, literature, creative & cultural industries, digital humanities, museology, and tourism.

The programme has fostered a community of scholars and practitioners committed to applying historical insights to contemporary and future contexts. The Heritage Research Group at ATU exemplifies this commitment through collaborative research with partners in the cultural heritage, historic environment, and tourism sectors.

Dr Mark McCarthy brings decades of academic leadership and interdisciplinary expertise to the Heritage programme at ATU. As Programme Chair, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its direction and expanding its scope to reflect both local and global heritage concerns. A published author and respected scholar, Dr McCarthy has contributed significantly to the development of heritage education in Ireland, mentoring generations of students and forging strong links with community, heritage, and research organisations across the country and beyond.

Paul Duffy, a BA (Hons) in Heritage Studies graduate of GMIT, brings a wealth of experience to the celebration. As an archaeologist, he has directed numerous landmark excavations in Dublin and led projects in Australia, France, and the UK. His historical research focuses on the Crusades, particularly Irish involvement in the 13^th-century Cathar Crusade in Languedoc. Duffy is also the author of Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound, an immersive novel set in the 12^th-century Ireland that reflects his deep understanding of medieval history.

The event will include reflections on the programme’s history, achievements, and future directions, as well as opportunities for alumni, students, and faculty to engage in discussions about the evolving field of heritage studies.

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