Volunteers invited to join dig at Glendalough

VOLUNTEERS are invited to explore Glendalough’s rich heritage through a new initiative of the Wicklow Heritage Office.

The School of Archaeology in UCD has teamed up with the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council and from August 8 to August 18 will be carrying out a community excavation of the Glendalough valley. The call has now gone out for volunteers to come a join them in the dig.

No experience is needed as full training and supervision will be given on site and participation is open to anyone aged over 18.

On Saturday, August 12, a special one-day junior excavation will take place and is suitable for 13 to 17 year olds, once they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

‘ These are very special opportunities for adults and teenagers with an interest in archaeology to learn new skills and be part of researching one of Ireland’s most significant medieval ecclesiastical sites’, said Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer with Wicklow County Council.

There is not cost for those participating in either the regular or junior digs but places are limited so booking is essential.

Email glendaloughheritageforum@gmail.com for more information or to register an interest.

This initiative follows on from a community excavation held last year and a seminar on community archaeology held last May.

A ‘Big Dig’ takes place in Glendalough on Saturday, August 19, as part of Heritage Week.

This simulated archaeological dig gives children aged five to 12, the opportunity to try their hand at archaeology. Professionals from the School of Irish Archaeology will be on hand to discuss treasures uncovered.

This event is also free of charge, but places are limited so contact info@sia.ie for more information.

Heritage Week will also see a Food and Resources Family Open Day take place on Saturday, August 26. This day will help demonstrate the interaction of people with the natural landscape at Glendalough over the last 1,000 years for food and raw materials.

Students from UCD will be carrying out excavations throughout Heritage Week and there will be daily guided archaeology and graveyard tours and an exhibition in the Brockagh Centre displaying rare sketches of Glendalough along with a Nature Explorers walk from Wicklow Mountains National Park.