Archaeology Days 2010

The 2010 National Archaeology Days will be celebrated during the nearest weekend, 19/20th June, to the summer solstice when there will be a wide range of activities hosted by many different organizations taking place at historical sites and monuments across Northern Ireland. Archaeology Days also sees the launch of several summer-long Living History events at a number of Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) premises including archery demonstrations, music, and Medieval monks. The Armagh Observatory is making two contributions. First, on the morning of Saturday June 19th, Professor Mark Bailey (Director) will conduct a guided tour of the Armagh Observatory, a grade A listed building. He will describe the work of earlier Observatory astronomers and the current research being carried out. If the weather allows, he will conclude with an explanation of the recent addition to the outdoor exhibits, the unique Human Orrery. Pre-booking is essential for this tour and those participating should assemble at the main Observatory building at 10:45. The second contribution takes place on the afternoon of the same day, Saturday June 19th, when Mark Bailey will join forces with NIEA archaeologist Edith Logue to provide a guided tour of the Knockmany Passage Tomb, near Clogher, Co. Tyrone. They will describe the history of this and similar tombs in the area, mentioning the possible astronomical significance of the ancient rock art. Pre-booking is essential and those taking part should meet at the upper car park to the Knockmany tomb at 14:30. For more information and essential booking for these two tours, please telephone the NIEA on 028-9054-3030. To see details of all the events taking place this summer, please see the brochure (PDF). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: John McFarland or Mark Bailey at the Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG. Tel.: 028-3752-2928; FAX: 028-3752-7174; jmfarm.ac.uk; mebarm.ac.uk.

Last Revised: 2010 June 4th