Discovery of 9,000-year-old Settlement
Archaeologists from Queen's University, along with school children and community volunteers, have made a surprising discovery of a 9,000-year-old settlement.
Initially, they were searching for the ruins of 400-year-old Derrygonnelly Castle in Fermanagh during a two-week community excavation.
However, they uncovered artifacts dating back to the Mesolithic period, led by the Community Archaeology Programme Northern Ireland (CAPNI) and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“We are absolutely delighted with what we’ve been able to uncover during the excavation – it is mind-blowing. With the help of almost 250 school children and 35 volunteers, we found much more than we ever imagined.” - Professor Eileen Murphy
- 17th-century material remains were found, including imported pottery from England
- Fragments of clay pipe and building materials were discovered
- A possible William and Mary ½ penny was uncovered
Author's summary: Archaeologists uncover 9,000-year-old settlement.