From the Claddagh to the Coast: Galway pupils walk for water awareness

The historic Claddagh in the heart of the city and the picturesque setting of Salthill’s promenade were the backdrop for this year’s Walk for Water in Galway, which took place on Thursday, 16 April. 

The event, organised by An Taisce Green-Schools in partnership with Uisce Éireann, was held to mark the upcoming Earth Day.  

The Walk for Water brought together almost 80 primary school pupils from Scoil an Linbh Íosa and Scoil Iognáid in Galway City who all put their best foot forward and embarked on a 3km route from the Claddagh.

The Claddagh has a rich history, and it is said that its elected mayor (also known as the King of the Claddagh) used to set rules for sustainable fishing in the bay. Also, “there was a well up in Earl’s Island and when the women of the Claddagh wanted water, they had to go up there and bring it home in largen earthenware jars on their heads,” reads a record by a student from the school collection records in the 1930’s.

Both schools that attended the event are located close to this ancient well and can picture how hard this journey must have been.

“We’re lucky to have safe drinking water on tap today – it’s something we should never take for granted. Pupils are learning where drinking water comes from, how it’s treated and piped, and how each of us can help protect this precious resource,” said Brian Melia, Asset Operations with Uisce Éireann, who delivered a fun and informative talk to the children.

The pupils also learned about Uisce Éireann’s Think Before You Flush campaign, which encourages us all to be conscious of what we flush down our toilets to prevent harmful blockages developing in our wastewater networks.

One pupil said: “It’s easy to remember the 3 Ps! Pee, poo and paper go in the loo, nothing else. Wipes block pipes and can end up in the sea.”

Grattan Beach was the last stop before going back to the Claddagh. On the upper shore, there are bits of seaweed, shells and human-made debris. Children enjoyed identifying the shells and seaweed, armed with some identifying swatches. Patiently, they collected the sea treasures and created some art pieces that the high tide later re-arranged.

“The Walk for Water was about connecting the past with the present, and people with nature. We were delighted to share the Claddagh’s heritage and to see these pupils learning how to care for our most precious resource: water,” concluded Sabrina Moore, Green-Schools Programme Coordinator with An Taisce.