471m of water separates the communities to east and west of Lough Corrib – it takes 5 minutes by boat or 50 minutes by car to connect these communities.

This project, led by Helena McElmeel Architects, and funded by Art Council’s Architecture Project Award Fund 2024, brings together the young people of Claran and Clydagh on the east side of Lough Corrib, and Collinamuck and Rosscahill schools on the western shore of the lake. The project is an exploration and deeper understanding of the rich architectural and built heritage and communities to the East and West sides of Lough Corrib in Co. Galway. The local built heritage is diverse ranging from monastic structures, abandoned villages/former clachans, piers – the former hub and key infrastructure of these communities on the lake.

The young people took part in a series of creative workshops and fieldtrips, exploring the rich built and cultural heritage of the lake including: visits to Kilbeg & Knockferry piers, Aughnanure Castle, Collinamuck bog and Ross Errilly Friary, and exploring the lace making and willow crafting traditions. The fieldtrips and workshops were created in close collaboration with some very talented local artists, led by Joanna McGlynn and the Corrib Beo Catchment Partnership.

The launch evening for the two temporary installations on Kilbeg and Knockferry Piers took place simultaneously on Wednesday 2nd October at 7pm. The installations are part of both the Architecture at the Edge 2024 and Headford & District Association’s ‘Something in the Water’ festivals.

The installations are inspired by lighthouse structures created by the young people and incorporate art created during collaborative workshops. The light to the top of each installation reaches out across the lake to connect the communities.

Photography by Anita Murphy