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.
08 July 2013
Time Zone Split For Ireland?
The island of Ireland could be split into two different time zones, following the debate of a Brighter Evenings Bill in the Dáil. TDs are debating whether or not to introduce a measure in the Republic of Ireland that would see clocks move an hour forward; putting them out of sync with Northern Ireland.
Time Zone Split For Ireland?
The island of Ireland could be split into two different time zones, following the debate of a Brighter Evenings Bill in the Dáil. TDs are debating whether or not to introduce a measure in the Republic of Ireland that would see clocks move an hour forward; putting them out of sync with Northern Ireland.
02 May 2013
Galgorm Castle Creates Over 60 Jobs
Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, has welcomed the announcement of an £8 million investment at Galgorm Castle Estates which will create over 60 full-and part-time jobs in Ballymena, at an event in Ballymena's Braid Centre.
Galgorm Castle Creates Over 60 Jobs
Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, has welcomed the announcement of an £8 million investment at Galgorm Castle Estates which will create over 60 full-and part-time jobs in Ballymena, at an event in Ballymena's Braid Centre.
23 February 2006
UCF launch National Clean Air Awards for NI
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has today launched the National Clean Air Awards for Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Established by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the UK-wide scheme recognises and rewards employers who have implemented effective smoke-free policies.
UCF launch National Clean Air Awards for NI
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has today launched the National Clean Air Awards for Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Established by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the UK-wide scheme recognises and rewards employers who have implemented effective smoke-free policies.
08 July 2025
Other News In Brief
Complaint Against Councillor for Using Irish Language Dismissed Sinn Féin councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile has welcomed the dismissal of a complaint made against her for speaking in Irish (an Ghaeilge) during a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Other News In Brief
Complaint Against Councillor for Using Irish Language Dismissed Sinn Féin councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile has welcomed the dismissal of a complaint made against her for speaking in Irish (an Ghaeilge) during a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
24 April 2019
'No Job Losses' As NI Power Stations Sold To Czech Firm
Alliance Party representatives in east Antrim are seeking a meeting with the new owners of Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations, following announcement that a Czech company will purchase the plants. The deal by EPH is expected to be complete at the end of May, with no job losses predicted.
'No Job Losses' As NI Power Stations Sold To Czech Firm
Alliance Party representatives in east Antrim are seeking a meeting with the new owners of Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations, following announcement that a Czech company will purchase the plants. The deal by EPH is expected to be complete at the end of May, with no job losses predicted.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.