Surprising Archaeological Discovery in Northern Ireland
Archaeologists in Northern Ireland set out to locate a 400-year-old castle, but with the assistance of local schoolchildren, they stumbled upon a much older site.
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) announced in October that they conducted a two-week dig to unearth Derrygonnelly Castle in Fermanagh. Around 250 schoolchildren and 35 adult volunteers, including members of a girls’ Lego construction team, aided in uncovering this previously elusive structure.
Derrygonnelly Castle, established in the 17th century, was abandoned by the 1800s. Professor Eileen Murphy from QUB mentioned that the castle had been “erased from the landscape” and was nearly forgotten.
Throughout the excavation, students uncovered various 19th-century artifacts, like pieces of clay pipes, a halfpenny coin that might date back to the Glorious Revolution, and a defensive ditch from when the castle was being built.
However, the most astonishing find was much older. The team discovered flint and chert tools from the Early Mesolithic period, dating back over 9,000 years.
“These findings suggest that hunter-gatherers inhabited this area, possibly engaging in seasonal camping,” Professor Murphy stated.
She expressed her excitement over the discovery, noting it as “very unexpected,” and highlighted that these were the first Early Mesolithic sites found in County Fermanagh.
Additionally, evidence of prehistoric circular dwellings was uncovered, with a significant piece of pottery discovered at the base of a posthole in one of the structures, helping to date it to the Early Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago.
Artifacts from the 17th century, like ornamented goblet legs and fancy pottery likely imported from England, suggest that many were associated with castles. Historical records indicate that the original castle featured “beautiful gardens,” an orchard brimming with fruit trees, and a grand three-story tower.
Murphy remarked on the sheer number of artifacts volunteers found, saying, “It’s incredible. This indicates that the castle was a bustling site during its prime, leaving behind substantial physical remnants.” She credited the Regional Archeology Program for Northern Ireland (CAPNI), supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for facilitating the excavation.
Ultimately, Murphy noted the sense of pride this project brought to the local community. She hopes that the participating children will not only remember this experience but also develop a lasting appreciation for the historical monuments in their region.
Reflecting on the excavation, she observed, “It fostered a strong sense of camaraderie, and it appeared to positively impact the well-being of everyone involved.”
