About
This conference takes place at Carrickfergus Town Hall.
50th Anniversary Conference: Carrickfergus Revisited
Exploring the development of the medieval town, before and after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans. (Image: Delaney Excavations at West St, 1970s)
This conference aims to explore the archaeology and history of the settlements on the north-eastern shores of Belfast lough and the development of the medieval town, before and after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans.
The event is designed to showcase new research as well as highlight the extensive knowledge that has been gathered to date from various excavations of our walled town.
Subject specialists will be covering aspects of Carrickfergus heritage that have been little known or understood and will provide a platform for new and recent research, including presentations on recently uncovered Early Medieval sites, origin of placenames, settlement and society and the cultural significance of artefacts.
Speakers include:
Ruairí Ó Baoill – Carrickfergus expert, Ruairí Ó Baoill has directed excavations in Carrickfergus for over 30 years. His presentation will kick - start of the conference by giving an overview of the history of excavation in the town, starting with the late Tom Delaney excavation of 1970s.
Cormac McSparron – Cormac was our knowledgeable guide who led us through an introduction to Early Medieval Ulster for Carrickfergus Museum and C&DHS community engagement programme, ‘ Carrick before the Castle’. His presentation will cover many of the aspects discussed in the programme.
Ryan Montegomery – Specialising in zooarchaeology , Ryan will be presenting on the role of dogs from Prehistoric to Medieval Ireland, putting the Carrick dog bones on display in the museum in context.
Tom McNeill – Long standing specialist in Medieval archaeology, Tom’s latest research is looking atsettlement and economy in Co. Antrim in the 12th century. Being directly under De Courcy's patronage, Carrickfergus is a key focus for looking at new trade patterns and use of coinage.
Andrew Gault – Historic Environment Division Senior Archaeologist Andrew Gault will present his perspective on the archaeology of Carrickfergus with his presentation:Beyond the Walls: Development Management and the Landscape Archaeology of the County of the Town of Carrickfergus
Paul Logue – In the context of his work on No.10 High Street, for which he jointly won a Heritage Angel award with colleague Ciara McManus (below), Paul will be discussing theOld English families of Carrick and demonstrating how the town was much more integrated that previously thought, with Irish family and place names being common
Naomi Carver – Naomi’s recently completed doctoral thesis focuses on Ulster Coarse pottery and its cultural significance, and will discuss its relevance to Carrickfergus
Ciara McManus. Ciara’s company, FarrimondMacManus Ltd has just completed their report of theBashfordlands excavation. Her presentation will share information on this early Medieval site including the identified evidence for both occupation in the form of an enclosed settlement with evidence for contemporary agricultural activities.
Paul Tempan – Specialising in historic linguistics and the study of place-names, Paul will be discussing the value ofRobert Lythe’s Map of Carrickfergus Bay (Belfast Lough), c. 1567 as a source for exploring Irish place-names.
This is one of several events Carrickfergus & District Historical Society and Carrickfergus Museum are working in partnership to deliver this year to mark the Society’s 50th anniversary.
The conference is funded by The Irish Walled Town Network and Carrickfergus Literary and Scientific Society (Union Hall) Trust Fund.
The day will conclude with a short tour of the town and visit to the extraordinary St. Nicholas’ church (tbc) and informal drinks at Medieval Tower House, Dobbins Inn. A number of workshops and demonstrations are also planned over the weekend, including an artefact illustration class with Bronagh Murray and a workshop on willow weaving techniques with Welig Heritage Crafts, Clive Lyttle (tbc). These can be booked separately.
For further information, contact: T: 02893358241 E: carrickfergusmuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Free admission
