Heritage in Schools Archaeology Day – 14th June | Heritage in Schools

Heritage in Schools Archaeology Day – 14th June

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Over 500 children from local Kilkenny primary schools descended on Áras na hOidhreachta on 14th June for our second Heritage in Schools Archaeology Day.

Children and teachers took part in taster sessions from our Heritage in Schools specialists to learn about archaeological heritage and research in Ireland on topics such as ‘Pre-historic Kilkenny’, ‘Blacksmithing’, ‘Rocks and Fossils’ and lots more.

There were surprises too including the carving and unveiling of a replica of the Kilbeg figure, an Early Bronze Age humanlike figure found in Ballykean Bog, Co. Offaly. The original Kilbeg figure is dated to 1740–1531 BC.

One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to get hands on with Mike Moylan’s replica costumes and armour but this was a bittersweet event for Clara NS as they took part in Mike’s last ever Heritage in Schools workshop. Mike has been thrilling children and teachers with his Heritage in Schools history shows for 25 years and we were very sorry to see him retire in June. We wish Mike well in his retirement and hope he’ll come back and visit on occasions.

The European Archaeology Days are coordinated in Europe by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) and in Ireland, by the Heritage Council. To find out more about this European initiative visit https://journees-archeologie.f...