Community Archaeology in County Wicklow
The Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council is excited to announce opportunities for communities and individuals to engage with archaeology in County Wicklow this summer.
County Wicklow will benefit from the addition of a part-time Community Archaeologist who will support groups and individuals in researching, protecting and managing their local monuments and archaeological sites. Coordinated by the Heritage Officer and co-funded by the Heritage Council as part of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan, this service will be provided in 2025 by Yvonne Whitty from De Faoite Archaeology.
An upcoming public event is scheduled for Friday, 13th June, at Mullinacuff near Tinahely. The Community Archaeologist will host this event to discuss the Community Monument Funded (CMF) project aimed at conserving this medieval heritage site. Everyone is welcome to attend this open day to learn about the recent conservation work undertaken.
Join us at 11am at the 'Dying Cow' pub in Stranakelly, Tinahely, Y14 DH63, for a "Tea & Talk," followed by an open afternoon at Old Mullinacuff Church & Graveyard, located 2 km away along the Wicklow Way. There, you will have the chance to meet the conservation team and view demonstrations on the use of lime in historic repairs. No booking is necessary; for more information, please email yvonnewhitty@gmail.com. This event coincides with European Archaeology Days, celebrating our shared European archaeological heritage.
Another archaeology-related initiative under the Heritage Plan is the Glendalough Community Excavation, running from 23rd June to 4th July (weekdays). This is coordinated in partnership with UCD School of Archaeology and co-funded by Wicklow County Council and The Heritage Council. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for participants to take part in a research excavation, learning new skills under the supervision of professional archaeologists at Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most significant archaeological sites. No prior knowledge of excavation is required; however, places are limited, and a waiting list is expected. For more information and application details, please email glendaloughheritageforum@gmail.com
Cllr. Paul O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, welcomed these community archaeology initiatives, stating, "Wicklow has a very rich archaeological heritage that is important to local communities throughout the county. I welcome these upcoming opportunities for people to connect with their local monuments and places."
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added that "Wicklow County Council is delighted to partner with the Heritage Council, National Monuments Service, and UCD on these important initiatives, which are taking place through the recently adopted County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2028."
For more information about these and other Heritage Plan initiatives in County Wicklow, please contact Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council at dburns@wicklowcoco.ie.
IMAGERY
Picture: Community Volunteers Glendalough. Photo credit: Glendalough Heritage Forum
Picture: Mullinacuff Church, Stranakelly, Tinahely. Photo credit: Deirdre Burns