Written by Jennifer Cunningham

 About Corrib Beo

Founded in 2019, Corrib Beo has grown into an active organisation dedicated to fostering heritage, education, environmental protection, and recreational opportunities around the Corrib region.

Water & Environment

The collaborative efforts of the recently established Corrib Catchment Partnership (CCP) have been further strengthened by the rollout of the Farming for Water EIP scheme.  This initiative, secured through a successful application led by Corrib Beo on behalf of the CCP, provides funding for a three-year Agricultural Animator position. This role will work directly with farmers in the Corrib Catchment, supporting them in implementing sustainable land and water management practices.

Farming for Water EIP: Protecting Water Quality Through Sustainable Agriculture

The Farming for Water EIP (European Innovation Partnership) is a government-funded initiative designed to help farmers adopt sustainable practices that protect and improve water quality. Through financial and technical support, it promotes methods that reduce pollution, enhance biodiversity, and encourage environmental stewardship.

For the Corrib Catchment, this program plays a crucial role in safeguarding water quality by providing resources for:

• Reducing agricultural runoff through improved nutrient management.
• Establishing buffer zones and restoring natural habitats.
• Encouraging collaboration between farmers, environmental groups, and water quality experts.

As part of Ireland’s largest EIP initiative—an unprecedented €50 million scheme supporting up to 15,000 farmers over five years—this program funds projects such as rainwater management, earthen bunds, and tree planting to enhance water quality.

Corrib Beo and the Corrib Catchment Partnership were delighted to welcome Peter Higgins, the newly appointed Farming for Water Agricultural Animator.  His role will be instrumental in supporting farmers and ensuring the success of this vital initiative.

By integrating the Farming for Water EIP with the work of the Corrib Catchment Partnership, the region benefits from a coordinated, long-term approach to protecting its lakes, rivers, and streams—ensuring that the CCP’s mission of “Our Lakes, Our Legacy” continues for future generations.

Corrib Beo’s outdoor education program,  Eco Advocates, was back in action this year, releasing thousands of trout fry under the expert guidance of the indefatigable John Gibbons from the Oughterard Trout Hatchery.

Transition Year students from Coláiste Iognáid enjoyed a sunny yet brisk day in Derrieighter, carefully releasing the fry at various locations to ensure they survive and thrive. This hands-on experience marked the final step in their journey of understanding the full life cycle of the native brown trout, deepening their connection to local conservation efforts.

Heritage – Corrib Beo & Galway City Museum Talks

The Corrib Beo talk series at Galway City Museum has provided fascinating insights into the rich history and heritage of Lough Corrib.

• January 29th – Author and historian Willie Henry presented discoveries from his upcoming book on 10,000 years of human habitation around Lough Corrib, offering a captivating look at the lake’s history and mythology.
• February 26th – Archaeologist Paul Naessens delivered The Hidden Archaeology of Lough Corrib, focusing on the remote 11th-century Pre-Norman Gaelic stone fortress on Iniscreamha Island.
• March 26th – The third talk is “Connecting Corrib Communities,” by Bill Daly and will explore the deeprooted fishing traditions and prehistoric past of Oughterard and The Claddagh. Using archaeology, history, and storytelling, the talk will highlight the resilience, skill, and shared heritage of these waterside communities. A selection of Mesolithic replica artefacts will also be on display.

This project is a Corrib Beo initiative in collaboration with Galway City Museum.

Other 2025 Highlights

Corrib Beo was featured in Episode 6 of the magnificent TG4 television series Scéalta na Lochanna, which explores the history, culture, and natural heritage of Ireland’s two largest lakes, Lough Neagh and Lough Corrib. The program highlights the deep connections between local communities and their surrounding waters, showcasing efforts in environmental conservation, historical preservation, and traditional practices.

In its segment, Corrib Beo emphasised its mission to protect and promote the heritage of Lough Corrib. The initiative—uniting environmentalists, historians, anglers, and local communities— focuses on water quality, biodiversity, and sustainable catchment management. The program featured interviews with key figures from Corrib Beo, insights into ongoing conservation projects, and stories about the cultural and historical significance of Lough Corrib

For more information, visit www.corribbeo.org or contact  info@corribbeo.org

Note Videos /Photographs below are Corrib Beo’s record of event.

Anthony Previte, Eamon O’Donoghue, Paul Naessens, Denis Goggines – Corrib Beo at Paul Naessens Museum Talks Feb 2025

 Images from Scéalta Na Lochanna , RTE Series which Corrib Beo contributed to.