Sligo has an exceptional wealth of archaeological monuments spread throughout the county, from mounds and tombs to castles and medieval churches.
Community Archaeology Project
Sligo Community Archaeology Project Underway
Archaeologists, Nick Fitch and Angela Wallace of Atlantic Archaeology are delivering the Sligo Community Archaeology Project 2022 on behalf of the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council. Photo Steve Rogers
The archaeology of Sligo dates from earliest times to the present day and includes approximately 6,500 known sites which are located throughout our countryside. Landowners, including farmers, developers, public bodies, and the general public, are the custodians of this heritage resource.
The ‘Sligo Community Archaeology Project’ is an initiative of Sligo Heritage Forum and is an action of the County Sligo Heritage Plan. The project is a partnership between Sligo County Council and The Heritage Council. The project is supported by the Heritage Council under the County Heritage Plan Funding 2022.
For 2022, the Sligo Community Archaeology Project is being delivered by Angela Wallace and Nick Fitch of Atlantic Archaeology on behalf of the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council.
Angela Wallace, of Atlantic Archaeology outlined that
‘Increasingly, local communities are realising the value of their local archaeological resource and there is an increasing demand for greater community involvement with the county’s archaeology whether through directly experiencing sites and monuments, or by developing heritage trails, exhibitions, or events. Atlantic Archaeology looks forward to working with the local community over the coming months through the Sligo Community Archaeology Project.’
Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council added
‘From 2017-2021, the Sligo Community Archaeology Project was delivered by Tamlyn McHugh, of Fado Archaeology on behalf of the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council. The great work undertaken by Tamlyn during those five years has grown and strengthened community archaeology in Sligo and has provided a strong base from which to further develop the project in this next phase.’
Sligo has a wealth of archaeology, including the stunning Promontory Fort at Aughris, West Sligo. Photo Steve Rogers
During 2022, the Sligo Community Archaeology Project will focus on; Promoting awareness, knowledge and understanding of the local archaeological resource among individuals and community groups in the county; Promoting heritage best practice in relation to researching and undertaking works relating to archaeological monuments and; Strengthening a strategic approach to community archaeology in County Sligo, through working with key stakeholders on specific themes.
The best practice guidance and mentoring work with community groups, which began in 2018, is ongoing and increased awareness of County Sligo’s many archaeological sites and monuments has been generated through the projects popular Facebook page Sligo Community Archaeology Project.
Councillor Dónal Gilroy, Chair of Sligo Heritage Forum welcomed the initiative saying that ‘The Sligo Community Archaeology Project is a key action of Sligo Heritage Forum for 2021. The project will run from July to the end of November 2022 and will support local communities in discovering and caring for their archaeological heritage. It is a fantastic initiative and I would encourage local communities across Sligo to get involved.’
Community groups and individuals interested in their local archaeological monuments are encouraged to contact Angela Wallace or Nick Fitch of Sligo Community Archaeology Project at 087 1706943 or by email to sligocap@gmail.com
For general queries on the Sligo Community Archaeology Project please contact, Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council by emailing sryan@sligococo.ie