Menu
11/08/2003
Archaeologists in 'important' holy relic find
A recent archaeological dig has lead to the discovery of one of the "most important" holy relics ever found on an excavation in Ireland.
The excavation at Drumadoon near Ballycastle, undertaken by the DoE’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and the Centre for Archaeological fieldwork at Queen’s University, saw the discovery of a bronze bell shrine of the Romanesque period and dates between AD 1180 and 1200.
Brian Williams from EHS, joint excavation director with Cormac McSparron of Queen’s University and who discovered the shrine, said: “This is among the most important archaeological objects ever found in the course of an excavation in Ireland. It is a precious and rare survival of an ancient sacred object that would have been venerated by the people of north Antrim over 800 years ago.
"It had clearly been cared for and hidden in the ground for safekeeping. Now that it has come to light again it is vital that we continue to care for the bell shrine for present and future generations," he added.
The site from which the shrine was found was occupied from the 9th to the 13th century. Items recovered included an iron arrowhead and iron spearhead together with large quantities of pottery, butchered animal bones and fish bones.
(MB)
The excavation at Drumadoon near Ballycastle, undertaken by the DoE’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and the Centre for Archaeological fieldwork at Queen’s University, saw the discovery of a bronze bell shrine of the Romanesque period and dates between AD 1180 and 1200.
Brian Williams from EHS, joint excavation director with Cormac McSparron of Queen’s University and who discovered the shrine, said: “This is among the most important archaeological objects ever found in the course of an excavation in Ireland. It is a precious and rare survival of an ancient sacred object that would have been venerated by the people of north Antrim over 800 years ago.
"It had clearly been cared for and hidden in the ground for safekeeping. Now that it has come to light again it is vital that we continue to care for the bell shrine for present and future generations," he added.
The site from which the shrine was found was occupied from the 9th to the 13th century. Items recovered included an iron arrowhead and iron spearhead together with large quantities of pottery, butchered animal bones and fish bones.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 March 2018
Major Archaeological Excavation To Start In Carrickfergus
A major archaeological excavation at the front of Carrickfergus Castle is to start on Thursday, 15 March. The excavation will investigate the ground at the entrance to the castle, where earlier investigations revealed buried structures and artefacts.
Major Archaeological Excavation To Start In Carrickfergus
A major archaeological excavation at the front of Carrickfergus Castle is to start on Thursday, 15 March. The excavation will investigate the ground at the entrance to the castle, where earlier investigations revealed buried structures and artefacts.
18 February 2014
Illegal Waste Clean Up At L'Derry Recycling Site
The clean up operation of half a million tonnes of material illegally buried at a licensed recycling site has cost the government £800,000 to date. The waste was uncovered at the recycling plant Campsie, L'Derry.
Illegal Waste Clean Up At L'Derry Recycling Site
The clean up operation of half a million tonnes of material illegally buried at a licensed recycling site has cost the government £800,000 to date. The waste was uncovered at the recycling plant Campsie, L'Derry.
07 June 2013
Fermanagh Crannog Dig Exhibition Opens
A new exhibition has been launched to showcase some of the artefacts uncovered from the recent archaeological dig at Drumclay Crannog. The Fermanagh County Museum’s Drumclay Crannog exhibition will be open to the public for the next few months.
Fermanagh Crannog Dig Exhibition Opens
A new exhibition has been launched to showcase some of the artefacts uncovered from the recent archaeological dig at Drumclay Crannog. The Fermanagh County Museum’s Drumclay Crannog exhibition will be open to the public for the next few months.
09 September 2015
Gold Ring Found In Co Fermanagh Declared Treasure
A gold ring discovered at the Drumclay Crannog excavation in County Fermanagh has been declared Treasure. An inquest was held today, Wednesday, at Belfast Coroner's Court about the ring which is believed to date from the 10th-12th century AD.
Gold Ring Found In Co Fermanagh Declared Treasure
A gold ring discovered at the Drumclay Crannog excavation in County Fermanagh has been declared Treasure. An inquest was held today, Wednesday, at Belfast Coroner's Court about the ring which is believed to date from the 10th-12th century AD.
09 April 2004
Researchers identify new archaeological sites on north coast
Researchers from the University of Ulster's Centre for Maritime Archaeology have begun a major study to identify new archaeological sites of interest on the north coast and Rathlin Island. The archaeologists have already uncovered 600 new sites in a study at Strangford Lough and are hopeful that their latest project will be as successful.
Researchers identify new archaeological sites on north coast
Researchers from the University of Ulster's Centre for Maritime Archaeology have begun a major study to identify new archaeological sites of interest on the north coast and Rathlin Island. The archaeologists have already uncovered 600 new sites in a study at Strangford Lough and are hopeful that their latest project will be as successful.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
