View all Courses
Unearthing the Past: Community Invited to Join ATU Archaeologists at Historic Green Fort Dig
Local residents are being invited to take part in an archaeological excavation at one of Sligo town’s most historically significant sites — the 17th-century Green Fort at Fort Hill.
In a unique opportunity to connect with Sligo’s deep and layered history, local residents are being invited to take part in an archaeological excavation at one of the town’s most historically significant sites — the 17th-century Green Fort at Fort Hill.
The excavation is being led by archaeologists Dr Fiona Beglane and Dr Marion Dowd from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), who are working in partnership with Sligo County Council. Thanks to generous funding from the Council, members of the public can volunteer to work alongside ATU staff and students as part of this major community heritage project.
Running from 2–13 June, volunteers will have the opportunity to spend two or three days on site, learning excavation techniques and uncovering the rich history of the fort, which played a key role in Sligo’s military and political life in the 1600s.
For those who prefer indoor work or have limited mobility, a second phase of the project takes place from 16–20 June in ATU’s archaeology laboratory. Volunteers will assist in post-excavation work — helping process and analyse finds recovered from the site.
Places are limited and open to those aged 18 and over by 1 June. Priority will be given to residents of Fort Hill and its immediate surroundings.
To apply, participants can complete the online form here or write to Dr Marion Dowd at ATU Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo.
This rare opportunity promises not only to uncover artefacts but to deepen community connections to Sligo’s hidden past.
For further information please contact aidan.haughey@atu.ie
Tel: 086 086 6913
