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25 October, 2022

Ulster Scots Archaeological Project

Project overview

The Discovering the Ulster Scots Archaeological Research Project was undertaken by IAC in partnership with AECOM and Northlight Heritage. The aim of the project was to raise awareness of Ulster Scots history, heritage and culture and to provide a clearer understanding of the impact that the Plantation had on the landscape, peoples and architecture of Ulster. IAC’s role involved archaeological fieldwork and surveying across the six counties over a three-year period. The project had a strong community element and school visits, open days and local volunteers were all integral to IAC’s excavation. Three Plantation-period sites were targeted for archaeological investigation – Servants Hill, Bangor, Co. Down; Derrywoone Castle, Co. Tyrone and Monea Castle, Co. Fermanagh.

SCHOOL VISIT TO DERRYWOONE CASTLE
SCHOOL VISIT TO DERRYWOONE CASTLE
Tour of the castle in Tyrone for primary school students
EXCAVATION CUTTING AT SERVANTS HILL
EXCAVATION CUTTING AT SERVANTS HILL
Remains of a Bronze Age settlement site at Bangor

During Year One we investigated the possible site of tenant houses shown on Raven’s 17th century map for the Hamilton estate in Bangor. No evidence for these structures were revealed however the remains of Bronze Age occupation was recorded. In Year Two we investigated the grounds of Derrywoone Castle (TYR 017:034) and accurately surveyed the built remains. The layout and extent of the bawn wall and the presence of a cobbled surface were confirmed however no evidence for tenants houses was identified as suggested in 17th century references. During Year Three the grounds of Monea Castle (FER 191:061) were investigated. Ten schools visited the excavation where the children and teachers were given site tours, shown the finds and engaged in practical activities such as sieving, excavating, surveying and drawing. Our volunteers included members of the Clogher Historical Society and Cavanaleck Community Group.

SCHOOL TOUR OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
SCHOOL TOUR OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
Our team explain how archaeologists do their job and what was found during the investigation
OPEN DAY AT MONEA CASTLE
Dave Swift of Claíomh demonstrating medieval outfits and artefacts as part of the open day

As part of the project an Education Pack aimed at Key Stages 2 & 3 of the Northern Irish curriculum was developed. The Education Pack is designed to be used by teachers as a resource to explore themes of active learning, independent thought and questioning and thinking about learning, and collaborative learning. The information and exercises contained within the pack are based on the research and excavations carried out by IAC. A General Reader was also prepared at this time for a wider audience providing a summary of the results of the three excavation seasons and community outreach elements. The Education Pack and General Reader were written and developed by Fintan Walsh & Christina O’Regan of IAC with assistance from Dr Heather James (Northlight Heritage), Nick Brannon, Maeve Tobin (IAC), Neil Macnab (AECOM) and Gerry Kelly.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AT MONEA CASTLE
Drone image of the active excavation in the grounds of the Fermanagh castle

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Unit G1,
Network Enterprise Park,
Kilcoole,
Co. Wicklow
A63 KT32

Tel: +353 1 2018380

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