Do you dig archaeology?

A major community event is happening at Cave Hill Country Park this autumn that encourages people of all ages discover the history of the Belfast Hills.

 

It’s all part of a heritage project spearheaded by the Belfast Hills Partnership.

Local schoolchildren and community groups are also involved.

 

This working dig site is open to the public from 10.30am-4pm on Saturday October 22. You are welcome to come along, see any discovered items and witness the dig in action led by archaeologists from Queen's University. 

 

See a local time team in action - digging deep at the excavation of Ballyaghagan cashel and hopefully uncovering some ancient artifacts.  

 

You will be able to get tips from experienced archaeologists and even learn a little about the people who inhabited this site. There will be the opportunity to see whatever is found at the dig.

 

Ballyaghagan cashel (stone built enclosure) is thought to be early Christian - around 1,200 years old - but may also contain evidence of a settlement from the plantation period in the 17th century. That would make the people who lived there the original folks on the hill!

 

Updates on finds/developments will be posted each day of the dig starting from October 19 on our Twitter page - #bigdig and Facebook.

 

No need to book, just come along!

QUB’s Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork is leading the dig, along with experts from NIEA Built Heritage.

 

Heritage Lottery Fund and Belfast City Council are funding the event.

 

The event is free and is suitable for children. Wrap up warm, wear waterproofs and sturdy boots.

 

Please note: Access to the dig site is a three minute walk via a stile and open field.

Venue: Ballyaghagan cashel, Cave Hill Country Park

Directions: Upper Hightown Road entrance