Sally Siggins - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Sally Siggins

Sally Siggins
Sally Siggins 2
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Myself and my Family (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Materials (Science)
Counties catered for:
Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
Classes catered for:
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

Book in-person visit


Sally is a professional archaeologist and experienced tour guide with over 12 years of diverse employment and voluntary experience. Her career reflects a deep passion for sharing the wonders of Ireland's ancient past and fostering an appreciation for our shared cultural heritage.

In addition to her work in archaeology and guiding, Sally is committed to community engagement and professional development. She currently serves as the President of the Sligo Field Club (2024-2026), where she leads initiatives to promote local heritage and engage the public in related activities. Sally is also an Ordinary Board Member of the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland, contributing to the advancement of archaeological research and practice in the country.

A dedicated advocate for education and heritage preservation, Sally frequently collaborates with schools, historical societies, and community groups, always seeking to illuminate Ireland's rich archaeology. She is particularly adept at tailoring her presentations and tours to diverse audiences.

Sally’s expertise spans a wide range of archaeological projects, including excavation, heritage site management, and research. Her skills, combined with her enthusiasm for storytelling, make her a sought-after guide and an inspiring figure in the field of Irish archaeology.

Sally is available for bookings in January, February, March, November and December.

Ever wondered what archaeologists do during excavations? Wondered if they’ve ever found gold…. Well then let your class decide what questions to ask (in advance) and Sally will come with a pre-prepared presentation with answers to those very questions! Each slide will have the name of the child who asked the question, and photos of artefacts, sites, and lots of interesting stories to match.

Intertwined into the Q&A will be an introduction to the various time periods from the past 10,000 years in Ireland – focusing mainly on the mesolithic, neolithic, bronze/iron and early medieval.

The session will conclude with a fun multiple-choice quiz.

Sally will have some replica artefacts on hand to pass around also.

It’s hard to pass a field in Ireland without spotting an unusual lump or big rock – many of these are very significant archaeological sites. Often when we think of archaeology we think of the well-known sites like: Newgrange, or Dun Aonghus – but archaeology is all around us.

Sally will build a presentation around the schools 5km (sometimes 10km) area and build these local sites into the wider network of archaeology in Ireland. Often these local sites have mythological stories, folklore, or recent history attached to them. Sally will show the children how to use Heritage Maps online, to search for sites in their area, to look at the different maps since the 1840’s and uncover what might be hidden in plain sight. Sally will also talk about the School’s Folklore Collection and the wonderful entries school children recorded from older people in their communities in the 1930’s.

Where possible – if there is an archaeological site nearby the school, within walking distance (where safe to do so), or by bus (where time and funds allow) children could be taken on a field trip to investigate these sites up close. This could include measuring the site or doing a sketch drawing. The addition of a field trip should be organised in collaboration with the Heritage in Schools specialist, and only where correct permissions are in place.

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities
  • Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:
0872644685
Email:
sallysiggins@gmail.com