Help us uncover the past at Moira Castle

April 17, 2019

Get involved in an archaeological dig at Moira Demesne this summer.  From 7-17 May 2019, volunteers can help excavate the possible remains of Moira Castle.    The dig, coordinated by the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, is free and open to all ages and gives volunteers the opportunity to work with professional archaeologists.   

There are opportunities for individuals, groups and schools to take part in this excavation. Booking is essential as places are limited.  Volunteers can take part on multiple days (though we reserve the right to limit this based on demand.

The possible remains of Moira Castle were revealed in 2018 during a spell of hot weather.  The Museum partnered with Queen’s University’s Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork (CAF) to conduct a geophysical survey, and explore the site more fully.  The results have been revealing and may have helped locate the grand 18th-century Moira Castle and possibly an earlier 17th-century settlement. 

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee which is funding the project, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to get involved with to help uncover the history of Moira Castle and its inhabitants.  I know there has been huge local interest in the project, and I am excited to see the results of the excavation.”

The council will publish the findings from the two-week excavation later this year and will be presented as part of the museum’s autumn events programme.

For full details on how to get involved visit https://www.lisburnmuseum.com/Moira  or email: terry.middleton@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk