Further planned research excavations at Navan Fort are underway to delve deeper and learn more about its ancient past. The exciting archaeological research initiative is led by Queen’s University, Belfast and funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
One of the ‘Royal Sites’ of Ireland, Navan Fort was last year successful in being accepted onto Ireland’s new World Heritage Tentative List.
The second in a series of small-scale archaeological excavations will take place in early August at the State Care monument. Famed in literature and mythology as Emain Macha, Navan Fort is widely regarded as the ancient capital of the Kings of Ulster, and it forms the centrepiece of a huge array of early literature and sources detailing the exploits of kings, heroes and ancestors that occupy a central place in the culture and history of the region.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley commented:
“We are delighted to work in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and welcome the archaeologists who are undertaking this really exciting project of planned excavations to learn more about Navan Fort.
“Previous digs have already provided some incredible archaeology and what life was like for people living here in the 7th century. I’m really looking forward to hearing more about this historic site and eagerly await the findings and results.”
Dr Patrick Gleeson, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, stated:
“The purpose of these excavation is to investigate archaeological features identified through a comprehensive programme of remote sensing conducted at the site since 2018. This second phase of excavations will take approximately two weeks. It will focus largely on areas not previously investigated at the monument, in order to answer questions about the long-term evolution of the complex in later prehistoric and medieval Ireland.
“Ultimately the aim is to create a better understanding of the nature of the archaeological complex at Navan, that can better inform future management, conservation and promotion strategies for the site.”
The excavation is funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and led by Dr Patrick Gleeson of Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with the Historic Environment Division.
To find out more about Navan Centre and Fort visit www.visitarmagh.com/places-to-explore/navan-centre-fort/
