Welcome to Archaeology Days 2010 - Armagh Observatory

Welcome to 

Archaeology 

Days 2010 

Get Hands on with History! 

...The Past in the Present... 

June sees the start of a summer long series of 

archaeological and historical events and festivities to 

celebrate National Archaeology Days. There are a wide 

variety of exciting events taking place at historical sites 

and monuments across Northern Ireland. 

Many of the events, hosted by many different 

organisations, are taking place around the weekend 

19th/20th June - the summer solstice. There are tours, 

walks and talks, demonstrations and, after last year’s 

success, astronomical related events. 

Following on from the exciting discovery last year of 

the lost 17th -century village site at Dunluce Castle, the 

excavations are on again this year, so don’t miss your 

opportunity to visit on the Open Day. The National 

Trust is also running an excavation at Downhill with 

the opportunity to take part! There are special events 

for school groups at several sites, Young Archaeologists 

Clubs (YAC) have various activities organised or why not 

bring a picnic and all the family along to the Giant’s Ring 

for a Midsummer’s Night Drum! 

Archaeology Days also sees the launch of summer long, 

weekend Living History events at several NIEA sites, 

including armoury and archery displays, story telling and 

music, musketeers and Medieval monks, all bringing the 

past and the monuments to life. 

We look forward to welcoming people of all ages and 

walks of life to this national festival of archaeology. For 

more details of any events listed, or for those that could 

only be arranged nearer the time, visit our web site 

www.wonderfulni.info 

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Northern 

Ireland 

Environment 

Agency 

We take the lead in advising on, and in implementing, 

the Government’s environmental policy and strategy in 

Northern Ireland. We carry out a range of activities, which 

promote the Government’s key themes of sustainable 

development, biodiversity and climate change. 

Aim 

Our aim is to protect, conserve and promote the natural 

environment and built heritage for the benefit of present 

and future generations. 

Vision 

Our vision is that we will have a healthy and 

well-protected environment and heritage in Northern 

Ireland which is highly valued by the whole community. 

Outcomes 

To achieve our aim and vision, NIEA is working 

towards four long term environmental outcomes: 

• Sustainable use and protection of our 

natural resources 

• Improved conservation and management of our 

natural heritage 

• Improved conservation and protection of our 

built heritage 

• Better public awareness and understanding of 

the environment 

In seeking to achieve these outcomes, NIEA will act 

as a Regulator, Influential Advisor and Champion for 

the Environment. 

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Visit the 

NIEA online ... 

If you wish to receive e-mail reminders of our 

events please send your email address to 

nieaevents@doeni.gov.uk 

To find out more about the work of the Northern 

Ireland Environment Agency visit our website 

www.ni-environment.gov.uk 

or why not become a Fan of the 

Northern Ireland Environment 

Agency on Facebook. 

Follow Wonderfulni on Twitter 

to find out more about our free 

events and much more! 

or look us up on our You Tube 

channel “nienvironment agency1”, 

to see videos of boat trips, divers, 

staff interviews and much more! 

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Contents 

Belfast 

Co. Antrim 

Co. Armagh 

Co. Down 

Co. Fermanagh 

Co. Londonderry 

Co. Tyrone 

Site Map 

6 

12 

22 

26 

38 

42 

46 

52 

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Locations throughout 

Belfast 

Belfast City Centre 

Divis & The Black Mountain 

Giant’s Ring 

Lagan Valley Regional Park 

NIEA Monuments & Buildings Records 

Queen’s University, Belfast 

Ulster Museum 

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Belfast’s Hidden History 

Belfast City Council 

Discover the fascinating history which lies hidden 

beneath Belfast’s streets and the beauty 

of our historic buildings. 

For more information telephone 

Belfast City Council’s Tourism, 

Culture and Arts Unit on 

028 9091 8734 or visit 

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/culture. 

Custom House Sq. 

Exploring The Past 

Divis & The Black Mountain 

Sunday 20th June, 9.30am - 1pm 

Take part in a guided archaeological tour of the 

enclosures, cairns and settlement sites across the 

mountain. Tour is led by Divis warden and 

archaeologist Moira O’Rourke. Outdoor clothing 

and suitable footwear are essential. 

Meet at the Long Barn for start. 

Adult £3, Child £2. 

An Evening at Yellow Jack’s Cairn 

Thursday 15th July, 7pm - 9.30pm 

A guided evening walk over Armstrong’s Hill to Yellow 

Jack’s Cairn. Investigate the significance of this 

prehistoric cairn which overlooks Lough Neagh. 

For more information telephone 028 9082 5434, 

or email divis@nationaltrust.org.uk 

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Lagan Valley 

Regional Park 

A Midsummer’s 

Night Drum, 


Saturday 19th June, 

5pm - 10.30pm 

Following on from the success of last year’s 

drumming event at the Giant’s Ring, take the 

opportunity to celebrate the summer solstice at 

the prehistoric monument in a wholly unique way. 

The primordial rhythms of the drum can link us to 

the past and our cultural heritage. We are planning 

an afternoon of family entertainment, drumming 

workshops and performances. Bring a picnic and a 

drum, or any beatable item and join in the 

drumming circles. 

Parking available at Shaw’s Bridge car park. 

Discovery Morning 

Lagan Valley Regional Park 

Friday 4th June, 11am 

Continuing our popular series of short 

walks in the Lagan Valley Regional Park. 

Discovery Mornings are held on the first 

Friday of every month with one of the Regional 

Park’s rangers, unless it is a public holiday. 

Throughout the year the walks take a number of 

differing routes and seasonal changes mean 

that every month offers new and interesting 

aspects of our wildlife to lookout for. 

Meet at Giant’s Ring car park 

at 11am. 

For more information 

telephone 028 9049 1922. 

Lagan Valley 

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NIEA Monuments & 

Buildings Record 

Every Friday in June, 12.30pm - 1.30pm 

Northern Ireland Environment 

Agency - MBR is again hosting a 

series of lunchtime lectures during 

June in our 5-33 Hill Street premises. 

4th - Ruairi O’Baoill – The Hidden 

History of Belfast. 

NIEA HIll Street 

11th - Dr John O’Keeffe – Down the town and under 

the ground – historic settlements in Northern Ireland. 

18th – Paul Logue – Battles, Boats & Bones - 

Archaeological Discoveries in Northern Ireland 

1987 - 2008. 

25th – Terence Reeves-Smyth - Temple of the Winds 

(Mount Stewart) and the early Greek Revival. 

Thursday 24th June, 10am - 1pm 

Information session on how to make the most of 

the Built Heritage archive in the MBR. This will include 

a talk on the range of publically accessible material 

held in the MBR and a demonstration of the NIEA Built 

Heritage online MapViewer. Participants will have the 

chance to work with MapViewer and the databases 

available and look at a range of archive material. 

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. 

Depending on public demand, further 

sessions may be offered in June. 


telephone 028 9054 3159 

or email mbr@doeni.gov.uk 

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Queen’s University, Belfast 

Open Day at the Archaeology and 

Palaeoecology Building, 

QUB, Fitzwilliam Street Belfast 

5th June, 2-4pm 

Fossil beetles 

Archaeologists at Queen’s engage 

in a wide variety of research, from 

digging prehistoric settlements, to 

reconstructing past diets, diseases 

and changes in the landscape using 

a variety of scientific techniques. 

Visitors will learn about recent research through a 

series of short talks and will have an opportunity to 

see first-hand some of the laboratory-based 

investigations that are conducted. 

For more information contact Susanne Sneddon 

telephone 028 9097 3186 

or email s.sneddon@qub.ac.uk 

Belfast Young Archaeologists’ Club 

Digging Deep at Dunluce Castle 

12th June, 9am-5pm 

Belfast YAC will be taking a trip to the excavations 

at Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim. Members old and new 

(new members welcomed) will have a chance to take 

part in the excavations as well as having an exclusive 

tour of the castle. Numbers will be limited so must be 

booked in advance. Belfast YAC membership is 

required for insurance purposes. 

Membership is open to children, 

aged 8-16 years, with a keen 

interest in archaeology. 


Susanne Sneddon on 

028 9097 3186 or 

email belfastyac@qub.ac.uk 

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Meet The Vikings! 

Ulster Museum 

Saturday 19th June, 10am - 5pm 

The Ulster Museum will be opening its doors to some 

fearsome Vikings! Come along and marvel at weapons 

of the past and the amazing live-action sword skills of 

Sword School. 

Ulster Museum 

Viking action 

Hieroglyphics 

Discover History - All of June 

In Discover History, a new interactive 

gallery in the Museum, try to 

reconstruct an ancient skull, build a 

pot, write your name in Egyptian 

hieroglyphics and lots more. 

Free events. 

Contact Fiona Baird, Education Officer 

Fiona.baird@nmni.com 

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Co.Antrim 

Ballymoney Museum 

Carrickfergus Town and Walls 

Carrickfergus Castle 

Dunluce Castle 

Flame Gasworks Museum 

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum 

North Antrim Coast (UAHS Tour) 

Patterson’s Spade Mill 

Rams Island, Lough Neagh 

Shane’s Castle 

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Ballymoney Uncovered 

Ballymoney Museum, Town Hall 

Saturday 12th June, 10.30am - 4.30pm 

Organised by Ballymoney Museum, a bus tour 

guided by the well-known archaeologist and author 

Jon Marshall will take participants to see some of the 

most fascinating archaeological sites in and around 

the Ballymoney Borough. 

Included will be the highland megaliths at Craigs and 

Dooey’s Cairn, Celtic forts, and Early Christian sites. 

Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear essential. 

Numbers are limited so pre-booking is essential. 

Cost £10 Including lunch provided at the museum. 

For more information and booking 

telephone 028 2766 0230. 

Carrickfergus’ 

Annual Pageant 

Carrickfergus 

Friday 11th - Sunday 13th June 

Pageant 

Carrickfergus’ Annual Pageant is taking place at 

the Castle Green, the Harbour & Town Centre. 

This colourful Pageant explores Carrickfergus’ unique 

cultural history and features historical re-enactments, 

exhibitions, fireworks, and live musical entertainment. 

There’s fun for all the family. 

For more information telephone 028 9336 6666. 

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Carrickfergus Town 

and Walls 

Carrickfergus 


11am, 12 noon, 2pm & 3pm 

On 19th June, two types of guided 

tour will be offered, each of which 

explores an aspect of the long and 

fascinating history of Carrickfergus. 

Town Walls 

At 11am and 2pm, Ruairi O’Baoill will lead a tour of 

the walled town which existed here during medieval 

and early modern times. 

At 12 noon and 3pm, Philip Orr will lead a tour which 

looks at Carrick in the Great War, showing how it 

adapted to its role as a barracks town, contributed 

to the war-effort and remembered its dead. 

Meet in the Carrickfergus Museum and 

Civic Centre, Antrim Street. 


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Living History 


May - September 

During the summer months, Carrickfergus Castle 

will be hosting a variety of Living History events 

and armour, fight and archery demonstrations. 

Weaponry 

Re-enactments 

Archery 

Archery Demonstrations 

Sunday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th May 10.30am - 5pm. 

Armour and Fight Demonstrations 

Sunday 6th, 20th & 27th June 10.30am - 5pm. 

French Invasion of 1760 

Sunday 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th August 

10.30am - 5pm. 

Schomberg’s Siege 

Sunday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th September, 

10.30am - 5pm. 

Normal Castle admission applies 


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Armour & Fight 

Demonstrations 


Saturday 6th, 20th & 

27th June, 10.30am - 5pm 

Carrickfergus Castle will play host to Medieval knights 

as they practice and hone their fighting skills. 


Fencing Tournament 


Saturday 12th, 10.30am - 5.30pm & 

Sunday 13th June, 12 noon - 5.30pm 

Stormont Fencing Club’s annual Carrickfergus Castle 

Fencing Tournament has the reputation of being a 

fun and friendly event held in the spectacular 

surroundings of a Medieval Castle. Last year’s event 

saw competitors from England, Scotland, Ireland, 

Spain, Holland , Norway , Germany and Canada as 

well as local clubs. This year sees an additional 

interest from USA, Australia, Canada and Holland. 

Free entry to the Castle. 


telephone 028 9335 1273. 

Fencing 

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Digging Deep at Dunluce 


Thursday 17th June 

11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3pm 

Following on from the very exciting 

discovery of a lost 17th-century town 

at Dunluce Castle in 2009, excavations 

will again take place at the castle in 

June, focusing on the area of the deserted town and 

a medieval building discovered in the castle. An open 

day for the public will be held on the date and times 

above. A series of open events will also be conducted 

for primary schools throughout June. Pupils will get an 

opportunity to excavate at the site, examine and record 

artefacts and explore the castle. Schools must pre book 

their visit. Additionally a weekend for the public and 

local historical societies is being organised with the 

Causeway Museum Service where participants will 

excavate and survey the surrounding landscape. 


Belfast Young Archaeologists’ Club will be taking a trip 

to Dunluce on the 12th of June. See page 10 for details. 


Dunluce Excavation 


Every weekend Saturday 19th June - 

Sunday 12th September, 12 noon - 4pm 

June sees the start of a series of Living History displays 

and tours which will run every weekend during the 

summer at Dunluce Castle. An ideal setting to witness 

combat and weaponry displays and demonstrations 

from medieval times to the 17th century. There will 

also be story telling and music weekends. 


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Flame the 

Gasworks Museum 

Carrickfergus 

Every Sunday in June, 2pm - 5pm 

FLAME is Ireland’s sole surviving coal 

fired gasworks and is one of only three 

remaining in Britain and Ireland. 

Admission FREE. 


telephone 028 9336 9575 

or email info@flamegasworks.co.uk 

Flame Gasworks 

Midsummer Fayre 

in Castle Gardens 

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum 


This year’s Midsummer Fayre will be held in the 

recently restored Castle Gardens. Visitors can 

discover the historical significance of the site by 

accompanying a costumed guide from the 17th 

century. With children’s workshops, historical 

dress-up, market stalls, and many other activities and 

entertainment planned, there is sure to be something 

to interest everyone. Further details will be available 

nearer the time. 

There are also guided tours of Castle 

Gardens every Wednesday evening 

from 7pm to 8pm, and Saturdays from 

3pm to 4pm (April to September). 

Join a guide for a delightful promenade 

while listening to stories through the 

ages. Find out about fires that destroyed the town, 

who fought in a duel of honour, and why someone’s 

body was preserved in ‘spirits of wine’. 

Booking is essential. Tours can also be arranged for 

groups on request. 

For more information and booking telephone 

028 9266 3377 or email angela.beggs@lisburn.gov.uk 

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Castle Gardens

Industrial Heritage 

Experience 

Patterson’s Spade Mill 

June, weekly except Tuesdays, 2pm - 6pm 

Hear the hammers, smell the grit and feel the heat of 

traditional spade making. Guided tours vividly capture 

life during the Industrial Revolution. 

Take your chance to dig up the 

history and culture of the humble 

spade at Ireland’s last working 

water driven spade mill. 

Admission charge applies. 

For more information telephone 028 9443 3619 

or email Pattersons@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Ram’s Island 

Spade Mill 

Lough Neagh 

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th June, 

12 noon 

An opportunity to visit this intriguing island and learn 

about its diverse history and wildlife. The remains 

of a Round Tower, and “Cottage Orné”, the tree lined 

avenue and gardens and evidence of the presence 

of the American Army during World War II, will be 

explained by archaeologist Moira O’Rourke in 

this fascinating tour. Bring a picnic. Tea and coffee 

will be available aboard the Floating Interpretive 

Centre moored at the island. 

As this involves a boat trip and numbers are limited, 

pre-booking is essential. 


telephone 028 9054 3030. 

Groups can book trips on other 

Saturdays in June and there will 

be regular trips and tours every 

Saturday during July and August. 

Round Tower 

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Irish Game Fair & 

Country Lifestyle Festival 



Irish Game Fair and Country Lifestyle 

Festival, including a Medieval Village. 

More details log on to the website 

www.irishgamefair.com 

Medieval Village 

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Ulster Architectural 

Heritage Society Tour 

Saturday 26th June, 9.30am 

Dunluce 

Dunseverick 

Lissanduff 

UAHS are organising a bus tour to archaeological 

sites on the North Coast. Sites visited include Dunluce, 

Dunseverick, Bonamargy and Lissanduff earthworks. 

The tour will be led by NIEA archaeologist and 

Assistant Director, Prof. Brian Williams. 

As numbers are limited, booking is essential. 

For full details and to book, telephone 028 9055 0213. 

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Co.Armagh 

Armagh Observatory 

Killevy Churches and Moyry Castle 

Knockmany Passage Tomb 

The Navan Centre and Fort 

O’Neill Country Historical Society 

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Saturday 19th June, 11am - 12.30pm 

Prof. Mark Bailey will conduct 

a guided tour of the Armagh 

Observatory. He will describe key 

features of the historic Grade A 

listed building, the story of the 

astronomers who have worked there 

and the modern research currently 

carried out. Weather permitting, the tour will conclude 

with an explanation of the Human Orrery, a unique 

dynamic model of the solar system, where visitors can 

pretend to be planets moving around the Sun. 

Pre-booking essential. Meet at 10.45 outside the 

main Observatory building. 


Observatory 

Killevy Churches & 

Moyry Castle 

Saturday 26th June, 10.30am & 12 noon 

NIEA archaeologist Ken Neill will be available to 

talk to visitors about these two fascinating sites 

Killevy Churches at 10.30am 

Killevy is the site of one of Ireland’s most important 

early convents. Founded by St Monenna in the 5th 

century, it has witnessed dramatic events, including 

a Viking attack, damage by the great 

wind in 1146 and a visit by the Papal 

Nuncio in 1477. Two churches, aligned 

in a row, stand within the graveyard, 

which also contains the traditional 

grave of St Monenna. 

Moyry Castle at 12 noon 

Set on a height overlooking the Moyry Pass, one 

of the most strategically important routes in to 

Ulster. This small tower was built in 1601 to secure 

the pass during Mountjoy’s northern campaign against 

Hugh O’Neill. 


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Killevy Churches

From Earth to Sky 

The Navan Centre 

Wednesday 19th May, 

10am - 3pm 

“From Earth to Sky: Reflecting on 

Armagh’s Heritage Through Time”. 

Speakers include: 

Navan Fort 

Jim Mallory - Navan Fort Emain Macha and the Celts. 

Greer Ramsey - Armagh Through Time: A View from 

the County Museum. 

Prof. Mark Bailey - The Impact of Modern 

Astronomy on Understanding the Ancient Sky. 

Pre-booking essential. 

To obtain a free ticket, contact Mrs. Aileen McKee, 

telephone 028 3752 2928 or e-mail ambn@arm.ac.uk 

Navan Centre and Fort 


10am - 7pm. Last admission at 5.30pm 

Join in the practical archaeology workshop for a 

chance to win prizes. This is great fun for all the family. 

Interact with our Living History costumed characters 

in the Iron Age dwelling and see how 

people from the past survived. 

Make your very own Celtic shield to 

remember your visit to the Navan 

Centre & Fort, Emain Macha. 

Normal admission charges apply. 

Workshops 


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O’Neill Country 

Historical Society 

18th May, 23rd June & 14th August 

Tuesday 18th May 

“My Archaeology experiences in Armagh” by 

Archbishop Harper at 8pm in the Robinson Library, 

Armagh (proceeds to the Saint James Parish Church, 

Moy restoration fund). 

Wednesday 23rd June 

Midsummer Historical tour of Benburb-Milltown- 

Old Eglish graveyard and Crosses (Approx 3.5 ml). 

Saturday 14th August 

2pm in the Grange GFC Club. 

The Battle of the Yellow Ford 1598. 

An illustrated talk and tour by 

NIEA archaeologist, Paul Logue 

and Dr. Antaine O Donnaile. 


telephone 028 3752 2231. 

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Co.Down 

Ballynoe Stone Circle 

Bagenal’s Castle 

Castle Ward 

Down County Museum 

Dundrum 

Greencastle 

Grey Abbey 

Hillsborough Fort 

Inch Abbey 

Nendrum 

North Down Museum 

Strangford 

Struell Wells 

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2.30pm - 4.30pm 

This site is almost unique among Irish stone circles. 

Terry Mosely from the Irish Astronomical Association 

will discuss the possible 

astronomical alignments. 

NIEA archaeologist, Liam 

McQuillan will talk about 

its archaeological significance. 



telephone 028 9054 3030. 


Newry & Mourne Museum 

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June 

During restoration work many original features of the 

Castle were revealed and these have been interpreted 

for the visitor, illustrating how Bagenal’s Castle would 

have functioned in the 16th century. 

There will be free tours of the main 

exhibitions, including a new display 

case dedicated to McCann’s Bakery 

as well as highlighting the new 

temporary exhibition “The Spirit of 

Newry: capturing memories of Newry 

Musical Feis”. 

Tours 

Saturday 12 noon - 12.45pm, 2pm - 2.45pm, 3.15 - 4pm 

Sunday 1.30pm - 2.15pm, 3pm - 3.45pm. 

The Museum is also offering free tours to local 

schools during the month of June. 


telephone 028 3031 3178 or 028 3031 3182 

or email museum@newryandmourne.gov.uk 


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Old Castle Ward Walk 

Castle Ward 

Sunday 23rd May, from 3pm 

Discover the other side to Castle 

Ward and the amazing industrial 

heritage from the 18th century. 

An intriguing guided walk around 

the old demesne. Tour meets at 

stable yard for start. 

Normal Admission/Members free. 


or email castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Castle Ward 


Down County Museum, 

Downpatrick is offering several 

events for Archaeology Days and 

the summer months. There are 

also ongoing exhibitions, including 

‘Sporting Heroes’, an exhibition 

looking at the achievements of 

sporting heroes and heroines, especially in County 

Down (30 April - 7 November). 



Lecale Bus Tour of Early Christian Sites 


10am - 5pm 

Visit the early churches of Lecale, the island plain 

(Magh Inis) where St Patrick founded his first 

church in Ireland. The trip will include visits 

to churches at Struell, Saul, Raholp, Kilclief, 

Ardtole, St John’s Point and Bright. Lunch 

at the Cuan in Strangford is included. 


Tickets £25, including lunch. 

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Bus Tours of 1798 sites 


2pm - 5pm 

Explore sites associated with the 1798 rebellion in 

Down and discover the story of United Irishmen 

of the Ards, Saintfield, Lecale and Ballynahinch. 

Admission £3. 


Viking Day & Archaeological Roadshow 


Meet the Vikings, find out about Viking artefacts, 

have a go at archery, and take your place in the Viking 

shield wall! See what archaeologists have found in 

recent excavations all over the province, make your 

own pots and medieval tiles, and learn to identify 

objects from digs. 

Free Admission. 

Archaeology Summer Project 

Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd July, 

10am - 5pm 

Two days of investigating archaeology, 

including visits to local sites. A rare 

chance to get involved in practical 

archaeology for young people aged 

from 8 to 16 years. Booking essential. 


For more information on all 

Down County Museum events 

telephone 028 4461 5218. 

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Dundrum Castle 


12 noon - 4pm 


Fighting techniques 

Armour 

NIEA’s Mark Davis will be available to demonstrate 

and explain medieval armour, fighting techniques 

and weaponry. Feel the weight of chain mail - how 

much can you see through a knight’s helmet 

He will also explain the history of this impressive 

12th century Anglo-Norman castle. 


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Greencastle 


10am - 6pm 

NIEA’s Anthony Kirby will be leading tours around this 

royal castle. Commanding the mouth of Carlingford 

Lough, it has had an eventful history, built in the 13th 

century, taken by Edward Bruce in 1316, attacked at 

least twice by the Irish in the late 14th century and 

maintained as a garrison up to 1590. 

At 3pm each day and 12 noon on 

Saturday, there will be a “Greencastle 

Experience” when the Motte and the 

Church in Greencastle townland will 

also be visited as part of a grand tour. 

Suitable footwear advised. 


Greencastle Skull 

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How Does Your 

Garden Grow 

Grey Abbey 

Saturday 5th June, 12 noon - 4pm 

Plant expert, Barbara Pilcher and herbalist, 

Marian Partridge, will be at Grey Abbey to 

explain about plant lore. How to grow 

herbs, which plants the Cistercian 

monks would have grown and how 

they were used for cooking and 

healing. We will also be celebrating 

the work the children from 

Greyabbey Primary School have 

done in the garden with the plants 

they have grown. 

Living History Cistercian Monks will 

also be available to talk about their 

way of life in the abbey, and 

demonstrate and explain some of their daily tasks, such 

as calligraphy, weaving, brewing, farming and net and 

rope making. 

There will be the opportunity of a guided tour around 

Grey Abbey House gardens. NIEA staff and craftsmen 

will be available to talk about the history of the Abbey 

and the modern skills needed to keep the abbey in 

good repair. 

Lots of things to interest all the family. 

There will be more Living History days at Grey Abbey 

on Saturday 12th and 19th June, 12 noon – 4pm. 


Grey Abbey 

Meet the Monks 

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Historic Combat 



Re-enactments 

Combat 

Family Fun 

A host of military historical re-enactments from across 

the last millennium will demonstrate their weapons 

and battle techniques. Medieval combat and archery, 

17th century muskets and pikes. An opportunity to 

watch the demonstrations and talk to the experts. 

A fun day out for all the family! 

There will also be a military display on 

Saturday 4th September. 


33


Inch Abbey 



Spend the afternoon in the company of a Medieval 

Cistercian Monk as NIEA brings living history to Inch 

Abbey. Learn about life in a Cistercian Abbey, how 

the monks lived, worked and prayed. 

To make your visit even more 

special, catch the steam train from 

Downpatrick station. Trains run 

every 45mins from Downpatrick 

with returns from Inch 10 minutes 

later, 2pm - 5.20 pm. 


Cistercian Monk 


Nendrum Monastic Site 



A Living History monk will be 

available to guide visitors 

around this important Early 

Christian monastic site. He will 

explain how the monks led 

their daily lives, working 

and praying. 

Discover how they 

harnessed the tides to grind 

the grain for their daily bread. 


telephone 028 9054 3030. 

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Victorian Week 

North Down Museum, Bangor 

Tuesday 1st June - Sunday 6th June 

North Down Museum 

Workshops 


Victorian week: 

School visits are available by prior arrangement. 

The Victorian exhibition will be open to the public 

in the afternoons. Additional events will take place 

at the museum during the week. 

Another Archaeology Day event is planned for 

Saturday 24th July. 

For booking or enquiries contact North Down 

Museum, Bangor telephone 028 9027 1200 or 

email heritage@northdown.gov.uk 

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Chapel Island Walk 

Strangford Lough/Mount Stewart 

Saturday 19th June, 11am - 2.30pm 

Strangford Lough 

Biodiversity 

Picnic lunch 

A walk from Mount Stewart across the sand 

flats to nearby Chapel Island. Rich in wildlife and 

archaeological remains, learn about the Lough from 

Strangford Lough wardens and enjoy our picnic lunch 

on the island before returning for refreshments. 

Not suitable for children under 12 years. 

Wellington boots highly recommended. 

Booking Essential. Adult £15, Child £7.50. 


or email mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk 

36

Archaeology & Wildlife 

of Greyabbey Bay 

Strangford Lough 

Saturday 3rd July, 9.30am - 12.30pm 

Discover the fascinating history and wildlife of 

the Greyabbey Bay area, whilst walking across the 

sands with the wardens. The walk will help you to 

understand the archaeological features as well as 

importance of the area for wildlife. 

Wildlife 

Suitable clothing and wellington 

boots recommended. 

Adult £5, Child £3. 


telephone 028 4488 1411 or email 

Strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Struell Wells 

Sunday 27th June, 2pm & 3.30pm 

Dr Finbar McCormick, Senior Lecturer in the School 

of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, 

Queen’s University, Belfast, will be available to 

provide tours. Everybody welcome. 

No booking required. 


37


Co.Fermanagh 

Devenish 

Enniskillen Castle Museums 

Florence Court 

38


Devenish 



Meet Saint Molaise and learn about monastic life in 

the 6th century on this holy island, as NIEA brings 

Living History to Devenish. Learn how the earliest 

church burnt down, why living on an island was not to 

be isolated from your fellow man and much more. 

NIEA operates a ferry to the island from Trory Point, 

approx 3.5 miles from Enniskillen. 

£3 for adults, £2 for children. 


telephone 028 6862 1588. 

Devenish Ferry 

39

The Science of 

Archaeology 

Enniskillen Castle Museums 

Saturday 19th June, 2pm - 5pm 

Design a pot 

Artefacts 


Unlock the secrets of the past with a series of 

hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations 

for all the family. Explore the multitude of ways in 

which science features in a modern archaeological dig. 

How do we know how old something is Where do 

we find archaeology What can objects tell us about 

people and their lives Design your own pot for future 

archaeologists to discover. 

Admission Free. 


40

Father’s Day & 

Archaeology Days 


Sunday 20th June, 1pm - 5pm 

A special treat for dad! Explore the 

working estate with our warden and 

see demonstrations of industrial 

heritage in the forge, carpenter’s 

workshop and sawmill. There will 

also be a chance to have a 

go at archery! 

Normal Admission. Members Free. 


telephone 028 6634 8249 or email 

florencecourt@nationaltrust.org.uk Archery 


41


Co.Londonderry 

Bellaghy Bawn 

Derry City 

Downhill 

Lough Neagh 

42

All Our Yesterdays 

Bellaghy Bawn 


Meet some of the people from Bellaghy’s past as 

Living History re-enactors bring to life this 17th - 

century fortified house and bawn. Find out what the 

archaeologists found. Bellaghy Bawn also houses an 

exhibition on Poet Laureate, Seamus Heaney. 


028 777 22074 or 028 9054 3030. 

Derry City Council 

Irish Walled Towns Day 

Sunday 22nd August 

Spend the day in the city to celebrate Walled 

Towns throughout Ireland. There will be plenty of 

opportunities for families to take part in activities 

in the Tower Museum and on the city walls. 

For more information email museum@derrycity.gov.uk 

Foyle Days 


Come along and celebrate our maritime heritage 

along the Queen’s Quay. 

For more information contact the Marketing 

Department Derry City Council or 

telephone 028 7137 6504. 

43

Tower Museum 

Saturday 19th June 

Celebrate Archaeology Day at 

the Tower Museum and find out 

more about First World War Field Archaeology. 


or email museum@derrycity.gov.uk 

Visit the Quilts of Life Exhibition at the Tower Museum 

during July - September. An exhibition of quilts 

inspired by Lady Londonderry. 


Medieval Festival 

Downhill 

Sunday 6th June, 12 noon - 5pm 

The National Trust invite you to witness Knights, 

sword fighting and jousting demonstrations, 

blacksmithing, historical re-enactments, 

falconry displays and much more. 

Make this a day not to be missed. 


028 2073 1582. 

44

Bishops Palace 

Excavation 

Downhill Demesne 

June - July (Weekly, 

Wednesday - Sunday) 

Visit the Downhill Palace ruin to see 

archaeologists and volunteers 

undertaking excavation and recording 

within the domestic yards at this 18th 

century ruin. The excavation is open 

to public participation, anyone 

wishing to volunteer to take part must 

apply in advance by writing to National Trust, Historic 

Properties Dept., Rowallane House, Saintfied, Co. Down. 

Alternately you can contact Malachy Conway, 

Archaeologist, National Trust on 028 9751 2304, 

or email malachy.conway@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Normal admission applies. National Trust Members free. 

Lough Neagh 

Fortification Tour 

Mussenden Temple 

Excavation 


Join the Lough Neagh Partnership in this bus tour 

to some of our fascinating fortifications around 

Lough Neagh. Archaeologist Moira O’Rourke 

will lead the tour to Salterstown, Ardboe, 

Mountjoy and Charlemount Forts. 

Meet at Ballyronan Marina at 10am. 

As numbers are limited, pre-booking 

is essential. 


telephone 028 9054 3030. 

45


Co.Tyrone 

Beaghmore Stone Circles 

Castle Caulfield 

Dungannon Castlehill 

Stone Circles of the Sperrins 

Hill of Tara and Trim Castle 


Wellbrook Beetling Mill 

46

Beaghmore Stone Circles 


Meet with archaeologist James Bamford and 

a Bronze Age re-enactor who will talk about these 

enigmatic stones and the role they may have played 

in our ancestor’s way of life. 

At the An Creagan Centre, watch 

demonstrations on how weapons 

were made, food prepared and 

cooked, wool was woven for clothes 

and houses built. Have a go at 

grinding grain to make bread, make 

a pot and see how flint was turned into tools for 

hunting. Those who are interested can then visit 

further sites of interest in the vicinity. 


telephone 028 9054 3030 or 028 8076 1112. 

Artefacts 

Castle Caulfield 


10.30am - 12 noon, 2pm - 3.30pm 

Meet the NIEA experts. See how modern techniques 

and technologies are used alongside traditional 

methods and craft skills to record, maintain 

and conserve our historic monuments. 

Living History musketeers will also be on hand 

from noon to demonstrate the weaponry of the 

17th century and talk about their way of life in a 

Plantation castle. 


47

Dungannon Castlehill 

Saturday 12th June, 1pm & 3pm 

Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council are 

organising a guided walking-tour of Castle Hill, 

Dungannon. The tour will be led by Dr Colm 

Donnelly, Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, 

Queen’s University, Belfast. 

In October 2007, Castle Hill was the 

site of an investigation by the Time 

Team, in association with NIEA and 

QUB. The excavation revealed the 

foundations of the O’Neill castle, 

side-by-side with a military fort 

constructed in the early 17th century after control 

of the hilltop had passed to Sir Arthur Chichester. 

Why not come along and find out more detail 

about these excavations. 


For more information and to book contact 

Ranfurly House on 028 8772 8600. 

Castlehill Excavation 

48

Stone Circles 

of the Sperrins 

Glenelly Historical Society 

Friday 4th June, 7.30pm 

A guided tour of the stone circles in the Plumbridge 

area of Tyrone, led by Brendan Gormley. 

Transport leaves Saint Patrick’s Church, Upper 

Badoney at 7.30pm. Waterproof footwear essential. 


Hill of Tara & Trim Castle 

Saturday 12th June, 7.30am 

Join Glenelly Historical Society when they visit the Hill 

of Tara, the symbolic seat of the High Kings of Ireland. 

Steeped in history, its archaeology provides evidence 

of a colourful past. Trim Castle, a medieval royal Irish 

Castle, was constructed in the 12th century by Hugh 

de Lacy and his son Walter over a thirty year period. 

It stood as a symbol of Norman strength at the edge 

of the Pale, the small area of Anglo- Norman influence 

on Ireland’s eastern coast. 

Coach leaves Fairgreen, Plumbridge at 7.30am. 

Packed lunch advisable. Cost £20 payable on booking 

More details from Rose Mary Murphy 028 8164 8336 or 

07708567449 email rosemary.mu@hotmail.co.uk 

49

Archaeology & Astronomy 


Saturday 19th June, 2.30pm 

NIEA archaeologist Edith Logue 

and Prof. Mark Bailey from 

Armagh Observatory will give 

a guided walk to Knockmany 

Tomb explaining the history of 

this and similar tombs in the area. 

They will also talk about the rock 

art and the astronomical 

significance of ancient rock art. 

Must be pre-booked. 

Meet at the upper car park. 


telephone 028 9054 3030. 

Industrial Heritage 

Wellbrook Beetling Mill 

June, Open weekly except Fridays 

2pm - 6pm 

Guided tours of this working water powered mill 

used in the manufacture of linen. 

Normal Admission applies. 

For more information telephone 028 

8674 8210 or email 

wellbrook@nationaltrust.org.uk 

50

Other events including 

Living History at NIEA 

sites during the Summer 

July 

Carrickfergus 

Castle 

Plantation Era 

Monday 12th & Tuesday 

13th July, 12 noon - 4pm 

Carrickfergus 

Castle 

Lughnasa Fair 

Sat 31st July, 

12 noon - 5pm 

Castle Archdale 

Music in the Courtyard 

Every Sunday in July 

2pm - 4pm 


Summer Fair 

Sat 17th July, 11am - 4pm 

Portaferry Castle 

Man at Arms 

Monday 12th & Tuesday 

13th July, 12 noon - 4pm 

August 

Carrickfergus 

Castle 

French invasion of 1760 

250th anniversary 

Sunday 8th & 15th 

August, 10.30am – 5pm 

Martello Tower 

Napoleonic Living History 

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th 

August, 12 noon - 4pm 

Scrabo Tower 

Story of a Hill 

Sunday 22nd August, 

2pm - 5pm 

Tully Castle 

Tully Castle Capers 

and Dog Show 

Saturday 7th August, 

2pm - 5pm 

September 

Carrickfergus 

Castle 

Schomberg’s Siege 

Sunday 5th, 12th, 19th 

& 26th September 

10.30am-5pm 

European Heritage 

Open Days 

Sat 11th & Sun 12th 

September 


Military Display 

Saturday 4th September 

51

Archaeology Days 

Locations 

52 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

Belfast 

Belfast City - 

Belfast City Council, 

Queen’s University 

Belfast, 

NIEA-MBR, 

Ulster Museum 

Divis & The Black 

Mountain, 

National Trust 


Lagan Valley 

Regional Park 

Co. Antrim 

Ballymoney Museum 

Carrickfergus - 

Carrickfergus 

Borough Council, 

Carrickfergus Castle, 

Town & Walls, 

Flame the Gasworks 

Museum 


Irish Linen Centre & 

Lisburn Museum 

Patterson’s Spade 

Mill, National Trust 

Ram’s Island 


North Coast Tour, 

Ulster Architectural 

Heritage Society 

13 

14 

15 

16 

Co. Armagh 


Killevy Churches & 

Moyry Castle 

Navan Fort & the 

Navan Centre 

O’Neill Country 

Historical Society 

Co. Down 

17 Ballynoe Stone Circle 

18 Bagenal’s Castle, 

Newry & Mourne 

Museum 

19 Castle Ward, 


20 Down County 

Museum, 

Downpatrick 

21 Dundrum Castle 

22 Greencastle 

23 Grey Abbey 

24 Hillsborough 

25 Inch Abbey 

26 Nendrum 

Monastic Site 

27 North Down 

Museum, Bangor 

28 Chapel Island, 

Strangford Lough, 


29 Struell Wells

Welcome to Archaeology Days 2010 - Armagh Observatory

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