The Irish Archaeology Field School
had a very busy year. They welcomed many new students, found some very impressive artefacts, uncovered the structures of the old castle and started a new experimental archaeology programme with Dr Brendan O’Neill from UCD Archaeology. Between the excavations, the lectures and preparing for the International Conference, it was very important for the IAFS to unwind. The Carrig Open Day (on Friday 26th July) was just what the doctor ordered.
The archaeology students offered tours of the site and showed the visitors the artefacts that had been found during the year. Children could try their hand at archaeology with Stephen or pottery with Brendan. Niall and Brenda from Fuinseog Woodland Crafts had many medieval bemusement games on display like wooden snakes and ladders, wicker pinball games, a giant Connect 4. Visitors could listen to Baya’s exciting Norman stories and meet Jim’s impressive birds of prey. Jack and Alessia from The Horsemen of Eire recreated the story of Robert Fitzstephen in a mounted combat show.
This great day concluded with the Official opening of the Carrig Interpretive Centre by Artur Murphy, an engineer who worked on the construction of the park back in the 80’s. The IAFS will be working on the Carrig site for the next 15 years and we cannot wait for many more fantastic open days!
