Northern Ireland Environment Agency brings history alive

Members of the public will be able to travel back in time through a series of events organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

NIEA today encouraged visitors to some of Northern Ireland’s most striking historical sites and monuments to take part in a series of Archaeology Days events throughout June including excavations, tours and military displays.

The programme includes digs in Bellaghy and Dunluce, the Military Mayhem event at Hillsborough Fort and the search for a lost house in Castle Ward.

NIEA Director of Built Heritage Michael Coulter explained: “Archaeology Days provide an exciting and entertaining opportunity to experience ancient life and culture through the structures at the very heart of its origins.

“All of this takes place at some of Northern Ireland’s most stunning prehistoric and historical locations.

“Look out for Archaeology Days brochures which are available at Tourist Information Centres and libraries, or get the full programme from our website. The majority of events take place around the weekend of 20-21 June, the summer solstice, but there are also events taking place throughout June and the rest of the summer.

“We look forward to welcoming people of all ages and walks of life to this festival of archaeology, through which you can step back in time and experience life around the built heritage left by our ancestors.”

NIEA’s main event will be the Military Mayhem on 13 June at Hillsborough Fort where there will be displays and demonstrations of military life throughout the ages including Vikings, medieval combat, demonstrations of musketry and cannon and various military encampments. The event promises to be a fun and noisy day out for all the family.

With this year being the ‘Year of Astronomy’, sky gazers can enjoy Summer Solstice events at Beaghmore Stone Circles and Knockmany Passage Tomb.

Summer long ‘Living History’ events are also being staged at several sites, with armoury and archery displays taking place, story telling and music as well as Medieval monks at Devenish and Inch Abbey - all bringing the past and the monuments to life.

To find out more about any of these events log on to www.ni-environment.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors:

1. Some of the events on NIEA sites include -

• Hillsborough Fort, Co Down will be filled with Military Mayhem on Saturday 13 June, from 11am– 5.30pm, with representations of military life throughout the ages, including Vikings, medieval combat, archery and sword fights, demonstrations of musketry, American Civil War drill and various military encampments to visit.
• Carrickfergus Castle continues to host Stormont Fencing Club’s annual fencing competition and spectators are welcome. There will also be weekend events in the Castle all summer, including armour and fight demonstrations and archery. There are tours of the Walls, and a Pageant to commemorate the Siege of Carrickfergus by the Duke of Schomberg.
• “Digging Deep” excavations at plantation sites – Bellaghy, Dunluce
• Dunluce Castle comes to life with living history demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday from June until September, 12noon-4pm. The summer Fair and the opportunity to visit an excavation.
• On Devenish and Inch Abbey visitors will be greeted by monks (Early Christian and Cistercian) who will offer an insight into their daily lives at these two island monastic sites. The monks will visit every Saturday and Sunday from June until September, 12noon-4pm.
• ·he Year of Astronomy and the Summer Solstice will be celebrated at Beaghmore Stone Circles and Knockmany Passage Tomb.

2. Further details are available by contacting NIEA on 028 9054 3030 or www.ni-environmenti.gov.uk. or directly to any other organisation taking part.

3. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.