Illustrated Talk on Archaeological Excavation in Church Park Field, Derrygonnelly

Professor Eileen Murphy, a native of Derrygonnelly and Co-Director of the Centre for Community Archaeology, Queen’s University Belfast, will give an illustrated talk about the exciting findings of the community excavation that took place in the Church Park field in October 2025. The excavation was part of the Community Archaeology Programme Northern Ireland (CAPNI), funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It involved the participation of 249 local school children and 33 adult volunteers.

Previous geophysical survey had revealed that Sir John Dunbar’s 17th-century fortified settlement lay beneath the surface of the field, while the adjacent church he founded in 1627 remains Derrygonnelly’s only upstanding 17th-century building. As such, it was anticipated that finds would be discovered from this era. However, highly significant and unexpected prehistoric evidence was also found during the excavation. Indeed, the earliest human habitation in Fermanagh, dating back some 10,000 years, was discovered!

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with some of the artefacts recovered during the excavation.

This event is being undertaken in collaboration with Derrygonnelly & District Community Partnership.