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Archaeologists in Northern Ireland A castle with 400 years of history — and thanks to the help of little kids, we were able to find something much older.
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) said in a statement in October that archaeologists carried out a two-week excavation to discover Derrygonnelly Castle in Fermanagh.
Around 250 school children and 35 adult volunteers, including members of the girls’ Lego construction team, helped explore the once magnificent structure, which has so far eluded archaeologists.
Built in the 17th century, Derrygonnelly Castle was abandoned by the 1800s. QUB Professor Eileen Murphy told FOX News Digital that the structure had been “erased from the landscape” and almost forgotten.
During the excavation, students discovered numerous artifacts from the 19th century, including fragments of clay pipes. glorious revolution A 17th century ditch built to protect the castle during its construction.
Volunteers and schoolchildren have joined archaeologists in a two-week effort to uncover the remains of the long-lost Castle of Derrygonnelly. (Northern Ireland Regional Archeology Programme)
but, the most amazing discovery He was the oldest. These were flint and chert tools from the Early Mesolithic period, over 9,000 years ago.
“These characteristics indicate that hunter-gatherers did in fact live here, and perhaps practiced seasonal camping,” the professor said.
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Murphy called the discovery “very exciting and unexpected.”
She added: “These are the first Early Mesolithic sites discovered in County Fermanagh to date.”
Excavations revealed more than 9,000-year-old flint and chert tools like the ones above, surprising even the most seasoned archaeologists at the site. (Northern Ireland Regional Archeology Programme)
“To add to the excitement, we also discovered evidence of prehistoric circular dwellings,” she added.
“this is, Early Bronze Ageabout 4,000 years ago, because a large fragment of diagnostic pottery was discovered at the base of one of the house’s postholes. ”
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Given that 17th-century artifacts such as wine goblet legs and imported pottery are considered luxury items; from uk — Murphy believes many of them are related to castles.
The historical description of the castle is that this castle “Beautiful garden” An orchard full of fruit trees and a grand three-story tower.
The discovery of a 17th-century defensive ditch has provided new insight into how the castle was defended by its original builders. (Northern Ireland Regional Archeology Programme)
“It was amazing that the volunteers found so many artifacts,” Murphy said.
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“This shows that this castle was a busy place in its heyday, as it has left behind so many physical remains that we can find.”
Mr Murphy also credited the Regional Archeology Program for Northern Ireland (CAPNI), an initiative of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for making the excavation possible.
“It’s amazing that the volunteers found so many artifacts,” the professor said. (Northern Ireland Regional Archeology Programme)
“It helped give local people a sense of pride in their landscape.”
She added: “I hope that the children involved will not forget this feeling, and that in the future they will be grateful and cherish the monuments they encountered on their own land.”
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“There was a great sense of camaraderie.” [during] It seems that it was an excavation survey. positive experience It will increase the overall well-being of everyone involved. ”
