Carrick Castle Excavations To Continue

Excavations at Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim are to be extended until the end of March, it has been announced.

Archaeologists have now completed three weeks of exploratory excavations at the site, as part of ongoing work by the Department of the Environment to uncover information on the castle’s history.

Already the project has uncovered information about how the castle was used over the centuries, particularly its use in the Victorian period. Archaeologists discovered parts of a 19th-century tunnel extending into the area where the medieval Great Hall once stood.

Victorian features have disturbed earlier deposits, but have also allowed archaeologists to dig deep into the site and uncover substantial remains of what look like medieval walls.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "The discoveries that the archaeologists have already made at the castle are very impressive and further reinforce my belief in the importance of using archaeology excavations to inform our rich heritage history.

"From the Victorian works through to medieval pottery from Carrickfergus, Britain and even France, these finds will help bring this site to life. The extension to the initial three week excavation period will make sure as much of this information is gathered as possible so that it is included in the future visitor experience at the site."

(IT)