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.

Rosemary McConkey, an Archaeologist from the School of Environmental Sciences, said: “Although the north coast is a very different environment than the sheltered waters of Strangford, preliminary results have revealed a rich archaeological record along these shores. These include prehistoric settlement sites, such as the sand dunes around the Bann, where recent excavation uncovered new collections of flint tools and pottery.

“The early medieval territory of Dál Riata is probably the best known maritime kingdom in Ireland and a range of fortifications from Dunseverick to Dunluce demonstrate the importance of securing and controlling the coast over a long period."

Work planned for this summer includes diving, field mapping and cave excavations.

Wes Forsythe, also an Archaeologist from UU, explained: “The north coast has an exciting range of monuments representing human interaction with the sea across the millennia and we are discovering an unexpectedly rich array of new archaeological sites on this exposed coastline.”

Dr Andrew Cooper, Head of the Coastal Research Group added: “The survey builds upon our geological work on the north coast and provides information on the cultural heritage that is vital to coastal zone management. This type of synergy can only be achieved by facilities like the recently opened Centre for Coastal and Marine Research at the University’s Coleraine campus."

(MB)