NIEA offers public chance to unearth the past

The public were today invited to witness at first hand an archaeological quest to uncover a 15th century castle in Limavady.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) offered visitors to Roe Valley Country Park the opportunity to come along and see a live excavation and talk to the archaeologists.

Limavady Castle, the site of which is within Roe Valley Country Park, is believed to have been built by the O’Cahan’s in the 15th or 16th century. It was acquired by English servitor and planter Sir Thomas Phillips in 1611.

NIEA Archaeologist Paul Logue explained: “The signposted site of the castle is a well known local historical landmark, but the nearby grounds are a fascinating archaeological landscape. In this excavation we hope to find out more about the transition of the site from the O’Cahan occupation to its establishment as a base for Phillips.”

The excavation will take place from 1-11 September. Members of the public are welcome to come along or follow progress via the archaeologists’ blog on the NIEA website

Notes to Editors;

1. The excavation takes place at Roe Valley Country Park between 1-11 September and is free of charge.

2. To find out more about this event log on to the NIEA website

3. For media inquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or, out of office hours, call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 0769971 5440 and your call will be returned.