A series of talks organised by IT Sligo and the North-West Archaeology Group will be held in the Institute this Thursday to mark the 100 year anniversary of the opening of the Carrowkeel passage tombs.
Four speakers, Dr Marion Dowd, Dr Robert Hensey, Padraig Meehan and Sam Moore, will address discoveries and research from Carrowkeel since the 1911 excavation, including new radiocarbon dates, the discovery of megalithic art and the identification of a further 96 hut enclosures on the Doonavera/Mullaghfarna plateau. The talks will include a biography of R.A.S. Macalister as well as a study of the relationship of caves with the Carrowkeel passage tombs.
The Carrowkeel complex is one of the four major passage tomb clusters of Ireland and is dramatically and prominently located on the north end of the Bricklieve Mountains. Very little was documented about these cairns until they were excavated in 1911 by R.A.S. Macalister, R.L. Praeger and E.C.R. Armstrong.
The lectures will take place this Thursday 13th October at 7.30pm in lecture room A0004, IT Sligo, which is located just inside the main entrance. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Another lecture by Sam Moore will be held in Ballinafad Community Hall on Friday 14th October, at 7.15pm and on Saturday at 2pm he will give a guided tour from Ballinafad Hall to the passage tombs and returning to Ballinafad. This is approximately a 10km walk over rough terrain and stout footwear, along with waterproof clothing, is essential.
Carrowkeel Lectures
IT Sligo Lecture Room A0004
7.30pm, Thursday 13th October 2011
- “An Introduction to the 1911 excavations at Carrowkeel.” Sam Moore
- “Macalister in Different Light: Bliss and the Gezer Tell.” Padraig Meehan
- “Recent discoveries at Carrowkeel and related passage tombs in the northwest.” Dr Robert Hensey
- “Passages into other worlds: the relationship between caves and megalithic tombs at Carrowkeel” Dr Marion Dowd
- “Carrowkeel Passage Tombs: 100 years of research 1911-2011” Sam Moore
Carrowkeel programme
Ballinafad Hall
7.15pm Friday 14th October 2011
- “Carrowkeel Passage Tombs: 100 years of research 1911-2011” Sam Moore
Ballinafad Hall
2.00pm Saturday 15th October
- Guided walk by Sam Moore to Mullaghfarna/Doonavera, Cairns G, H, K, L, F, E returning via the Historical Trail (Approx 10 km)