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Kids Dig for Lost History in Northern Ireland
24 Oct
Summary
- Children assisted archaeologists in excavating a building's remains.
- The structure appeared on a 1786 map but was gone by 1830.
- The project aims to teach youth about local heritage.
Young participants recently joined archaeologists in Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, for an engaging excavation. The children, who are homeschooled, worked alongside experts from Queen's University Belfast and Ballycastle Museum to search for the remnants of a structure first documented on a 1786 map. This building had disappeared from records by the 1830s, leaving its purpose a mystery.
During the dig, evidence of a brick floor was discovered, offering a tangible link to the past. This project, led by Queen University Belfast professor Dr. Colm Donnelly, emphasizes community involvement in understanding local industrial and archaeological heritage. Parents noted the positive experience for their children, highlighting outdoor learning and social interaction as significant benefits. The season's final excavation was recently completed, despite challenging weather conditions.
