Menu
19/06/2012
Time Team In South Down
Channel Four's Time Team descended on a Northern Irish castle last week.
The archaeology programme, presented by Tony Robinson, visited the Mournes to find out what existed at the site of Dundrum Castle before the Normans built it.
The castle is believed to be about 800 years old but one theory is that John de Courcy, the Norman knight who also built Carrickfergus Castle, had Dundrum Castle built at its south Down site because it was already an important Gaelic dynastic centre.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork at Queen's University Belfast also worked on the excavation.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Whilst the excavations may not uncover everything we are looking for I feel sure that they will add to our knowledge of the site and its development over the centuries."
Mr Attwood avoided giving away the end of the programme, which was shot over a couple of days last week.
NIEA archaeologist Paul Logue said the fact that Time Team were visiting for the third time in five years showed that Northern Ireland’s heritage was “top grade".
Archaeologists from Queen's University and the NIEA are staying at Dundrum Castle until the end of June to investigate its history further, and members of the public are particularly welcome to visit the dig over the next two weeks on Fridays between 2pm and 4pm.
(NE)
The archaeology programme, presented by Tony Robinson, visited the Mournes to find out what existed at the site of Dundrum Castle before the Normans built it.
The castle is believed to be about 800 years old but one theory is that John de Courcy, the Norman knight who also built Carrickfergus Castle, had Dundrum Castle built at its south Down site because it was already an important Gaelic dynastic centre.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork at Queen's University Belfast also worked on the excavation.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Whilst the excavations may not uncover everything we are looking for I feel sure that they will add to our knowledge of the site and its development over the centuries."
Mr Attwood avoided giving away the end of the programme, which was shot over a couple of days last week.
NIEA archaeologist Paul Logue said the fact that Time Team were visiting for the third time in five years showed that Northern Ireland’s heritage was “top grade".
Archaeologists from Queen's University and the NIEA are staying at Dundrum Castle until the end of June to investigate its history further, and members of the public are particularly welcome to visit the dig over the next two weeks on Fridays between 2pm and 4pm.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
19 April 2024
Belfast Castle To Mark 90th Anniversary Of Gift To The City
The summer will mark 90 years since Belfast Castle was gifted to the citizens of the city, an anniversary that will be marked with a series of events and activities, as well as the reopening of the Castle's Cellar Restaurant. The anniversary will offer locals and visitors the opportunity to delve into the iconic estate's history and heritage.
Belfast Castle To Mark 90th Anniversary Of Gift To The City
The summer will mark 90 years since Belfast Castle was gifted to the citizens of the city, an anniversary that will be marked with a series of events and activities, as well as the reopening of the Castle's Cellar Restaurant. The anniversary will offer locals and visitors the opportunity to delve into the iconic estate's history and heritage.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
