Local schoolchildren and members of the public were given a unique opportunity to learn more about one of Ireland's most important prehistoric sites during a week-long archaeological survey at Mountsandel.
Led by Professor Graeme Warren of University College Dublin, the survey brought specialist researchers back to Coleraine's internationally significant Mesolithic site to establish baseline data on its archaeological potential using a range of non-invasive techniques, including electromagnetic survey, magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar.
The survey forms part of the wider Mountsandel project within the Causeway Coast and Glens PEACEPLUS Action Plan. This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
As part of the community engagement programme, more than 90 pupils from St Malachy’s Primary School, Straidbilly Primary School, Damhead Primary School and Ballytober Primary School were given a unique opportunity to visit the site on Tuesday 2 June and learn more about the ongoing archaeological investigation.
The visit brought Mountsandel's rich history to life, with the archaeological team sharing insights into the site's significance, demonstrating specialist survey equipment and answering questions from pupils about the discoveries being made.
The community also had the opportunity to meet the researchers during a public engagement session held on Saturday 6 June. Attended by around 40 people, the event saw Professor Warren provide an overview of the survey findings and explain the ongoing importance of Mountsandel as a key site in understanding Ireland’s earliest inhabitants.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said: " Mountsandel is right on our doorstep, but its story stretches back thousands of years.
"It has been wonderful to see local schoolchildren and members of the public getting the chance to meet the archaeologists, ask questions and learn more about this remarkable site.
"The enthusiasm shown throughout the week highlights the pride people have in our rich heritage and the importance of preserving it for future generations."
The survey aims to help researchers better understand what archaeological remains may survive at the site and identify areas of archaeological sensitivity.
The strategy was developed in collaboration with Historic Environment Division, with input from the Mountsandel Discovery and Heritage Group.