Claregalway.info
Revered for its rich history, Claregalway, my hometown, was a quiet haven until its population swelled, challenging the traditional modes of storytelling. Word-of-mouth, once a reliable guardian of the village’s tales, could no longer keep pace with the growing community.
Revered for its rich history, Claregalway, my hometown, was a quiet haven until its population swelled, challenging the traditional modes of storytelling. Word-of-mouth, once a reliable guardian of the village’s tales, could no longer keep pace with the growing community.
tl;dr
tl;dr
tl;dr
who?
Local and neighbouring residents, former dwellers and passers-through
I delved into the rich history and vibrant spirit of Claregalway by speaking with residents from all walks of life, from lifelong locals to recent arrivals. Their experiences revealed a strong community spirit where friendly faces and lively local events fostered a sense of belonging and connection. Despite this, many activities felt disconnected because they mostly relied on word-of-mouth for promotion. Expanding their circles of influence could provide opportunities to engage with an ever-growing population.
I delved into the rich history and vibrant spirit of Claregalway by speaking with residents from all walks of life, from lifelong locals to recent arrivals. Their experiences revealed a strong community spirit where friendly faces and lively local events fostered a sense of belonging and connection. Despite this, many activities felt disconnected because they mostly relied on word-of-mouth for promotion. Expanding their circles of influence could provide opportunities to engage with an ever-growing population.
why?
To connect past and present, using technology as a medium
With a rich and storied past, Claregalway is adorned with historical landmarks that tell tales of its evolution. To unravel the mysteries of these landmarks, I sought guidance from the local Historical Society, whose members shared a wealth of information gathered through word-of-mouth over the decades. Publishing the stories they collected in modern mediums helped to shed light on the village’s past and demystify these landmarks for new audiences to learn about and engage with their surroundings.
With a rich and storied past, Claregalway is adorned with historical landmarks that tell tales of its evolution. To unravel the mysteries of these landmarks, I sought guidance from the local Historical Society, whose members shared a wealth of information gathered through word-of-mouth over the decades. Publishing the stories they collected in modern mediums helped to shed light on the village’s past and demystify these landmarks for new audiences to learn about and engage with their surroundings.
how?
Establishing a virtual watering hole for locals to congregate
While I was digitising historical archives, I launched a website and Facebook page called Claregalway.info and began posting local stories, history snippets, and photos I had captured around the village. In no time, the page attracted a large following and became a thriving hub for community discussions. The Facebook page served as the central social hub, while the website offered a comprehensive platform, encompassing news dating back to 1996, event listings, historical insights, an interactive map, and a local business directory.
While I was digitising historical archives, I launched a website and Facebook page called Claregalway.info and began posting local stories, history snippets, and photos I had captured around the village. In no time, the page attracted a large following and became a thriving hub for community discussions. The Facebook page served as the central social hub, while the website offered a comprehensive platform, encompassing news dating back to 1996, event listings, historical insights, an interactive map, and a local business directory.
Laying the foundations
Driven by a desire to create a comprehensive online hub for Claregalway residents, I embarked on a journey of data gathering and content creation. Compiling information from various sources, including written records and oral histories, and working with community members to evolve and refine features, I created a brand and website for Claregalway.info.
Driven by a desire to create a comprehensive online hub for Claregalway residents, I embarked on a journey of data gathering and content creation. Compiling information from various sources, including written records and oral histories, and working with community members to evolve and refine features, I created a brand and website for Claregalway.info.
Inspired by the juxtaposition of traditional stone walls and vibrant colours, I built a visual style that reflected the blend of old and new in contemporary Claregalway. My copywriting aimed to engage and inform, employing a welcoming and approachable tone. I created a custom font based on the logomark and captured numerous photos of landmarks and local events, including a series shot from my neighbour’s homemade plane!
Inspired by the juxtaposition of traditional stone walls and vibrant colours, I built a visual style that reflected the blend of old and new in contemporary Claregalway. My copywriting aimed to engage and inform, employing a welcoming and approachable tone. I created a custom font based on the logomark and captured numerous photos of landmarks and local events, including a series shot from my neighbour’s homemade plane!
A living history
My involvement with the local newsletter, Nuacht Chláir, provided me with a treasure trove of historical narratives and insights into Claregalway’s transformation. Digitising this archive laid the foundation for the News category on Claregalway.info, now a vibrant hub of local news, events, features, and sport, curated by a team of local site administrators and enriched by contributions from local residents.
My involvement with the local newsletter, Nuacht Chláir, provided me with a treasure trove of historical narratives and insights into Claregalway’s transformation. Digitising this archive laid the foundation for the News category on Claregalway.info, now a vibrant hub of local news, events, features, and sport, curated by a team of local site administrators and enriched by contributions from local residents.
The Nuacht Chláir archives, dating back to 1996.
The Nuacht Chláir archives, dating back to 1996.
The homepage features local news and highlights.
The homepage features local news and highlights.
Related content and popular posts are surfaced at the end of news articles.
Related content and popular posts are surfaced at the end of news articles.
Related content and popular posts are surfaced at the end of news articles.
Tags help to group content on a similar topic, or from regular contributors.
Tags help to group content on a similar topic, or from regular contributors.
Tags help to group content on a similar topic, or from regular contributors.
A constantly changing canvas
The History section features an 18th century etching of the village’s most famous landmarks.
The History section features an 18th century etching of the village’s most famous landmarks.
Case studies on local landmarks feature references, illustrations and sidenotes.
Case studies on local landmarks feature references, illustrations and sidenotes.
Topics of historical significance are shown.
Topics of historical significance are shown.
Colloquial references are defined in context within each study.
Colloquial references are defined in context within each study.
The History section blends brief histories, informative snippets, and showcases news articles from past Nuacht Chláir issues. The highlight of this section, however, lies in a series of in-depth case studies delving into the village’s most iconic landmarks and historical patterns. Each study is designed for easy comprehension, accompanied by relevant photos and illustrations, a comprehensive table of contents, and sidenotes providing additional insights into key terms.
Putting Claregalway on the map
For centuries, townland lore was an oral tradition passed down through generations, leaving their precise boundaries and Irish names shrouded in mystery. To unravel this linguistic enigma, I delved into ancient maps and historical records, piecing together the puzzle of Claregalway’s townlands. With this knowledge, I created a comprehensive townlands map for print, and a dynamic interactive map on the Claregalway.info website.
Getting down to business
Claregalway’s economy is fuelled by its diverse array of small businesses, many of which are operated by passionate local residents. However, these businesses often lack an online presence, hindering their visibility and potential customer base. I created an interactive business directory with relevant information, photos, locations, and contact details.
The overwhelming enthusiasm and support from the community for this project reinforced the need for such a resource to preserve and share Claregalway’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Claregalway.info continues to evolve as more local residents get involved, and while I handed over the project in 2016, I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in bringing it to fruition.
The overwhelming enthusiasm and support from the community for this project reinforced the need for such a resource to preserve and share Claregalway’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Claregalway.info continues to evolve as more local residents get involved, and while I handed over the project in 2016, I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in bringing it to fruition.