Féile Seandálaíochta
Chósta na Sceilge / Skellig Coast
Archaeology Festival
17th - 19th November 2023
- The transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age -
17ú-19ú Samhain
Le linn ár gcéad Féile Seandálaíochta Chósta na Sceilge, díreoimid ar shéadchomharthaí a bhaineann leis an athrú ón gClochaois go dtí an Chré-Umhaois, timpeall 4,500 bliain ó shin. Tugaimid cuairt ar shuíomhanna ón gCré-Umhaois: mianaigh chopair, samplaí snoíodóireachta cloiche ón ré mheigiliteach - féachfaimid ar chré-umha á dhoirteadh agus tugaimid cuairt ar fhoraois bháite ársa chun fáil amach faoin timpeallacht ag an am.
17th-19th November
The first Skellig Coast Archaeology festival will explore the monuments that span the transition from the stone age to the bronze age, some 4,500 years ago. We will visit bronze age sites including copper mines, stone age rock carvings, watch bronze being poured and visit an ancient drowned forest to learn about the environment at the time.
This inaugural Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival is dedicated to the memory of Oonagh Walsh in recognition of her tireless commitment to promoting and celebrating Iveragh’s Skellig Coast.
Festival Programme
Dé hAoine 17ú Samhain / Friday 17th November
Bronze Age Copper Mine and Cáit na Pluaise’s Rock Shelter
Dé hAoine | 17 Samhain | 2-4PM | Coad | €5
Join Aoibheann Lambe, archaeologist, on an exceptionally rewarding 6km hike along a section of the Kerry Way to St Crohán’s hermitage/Bronze Age Copper Mine and Cáit na Pluaise’s shelter.
Bronze Age Discoveries from the Roadworks at Bracaragh and The Triskelion
Dé hAoine | 17 Samhain | 7.30-9PM | Staigue Fort House | €5
Tony Bartlett will reveal exciting finds uncovered during the recent roadworks near Castlecove.
Caolán Maher will present an investigation into one of Ireland’s most emblematic symbols - the triskelion - in a much anticipated talk. (Dátheangach / Bilingual)
Dé hAoine | 17 Samhain | 10PM | Caherdaniel | €5
Of all of Ireland’s archaeology, megalithic-era open-air rock art is the most enigmatic and mysterious. Join Aoibheann Lambe to see this monumental example of rock art by night!
Dé Sathairn 18ú Samhain / Saturday 18th November
Staigue Copper Mine and Rock Art
Dé Sathairn | 18 Samhain | 10AM-12NOON | Staigue| €5
Join Aoibheann Lambe, archaeologist, on a short hike near Staigue Fort to look at the evidence for bronze age copper mining and to view nearby rock art.
Mianach Copair Réamhstairiúil agus Snoíodóireacht Chloiche
Dé Sathairn | 18 Samhain | 10AM-12NOON | Staigue| €5
Tagaigí le grúpa ‘Siúl agus Gaeilge’ ar an turas gearr seo suas cosán garbh go Mianach Copair ón gCré-Umhaois sa Stéig. Ar aghaidh linn ansin ag féachaint ar shnoíodóireacht cloiche in aice láimhe.
Dé Sathairn | 18 Samhain | 12.30-2PM | Castlecove| €5
Join Calum Sweeney, plant biologist, and Aoibheann Lambe, archaeologist, to explore a site that helps us to imagine the landscape of Iveragh approximately 4000 years ago.
Dé Sathairn| 18 Samhain | 3-4.30PM | Waterville| €5
Join historian Eoin O’Neill for a short walk to the standing stones at Eightercua. These stones align with the setting sun at winter solstice and are rich in folklore.
Realtaíocht oiriúnach do gach aois
Dé Sathairn| 18 Samhain | 5-6.30PM | Trá Bhaile na Sceilge| Free
As it gets dark so early, this event provides an opportunity for younger people to learn about astronomy and space. Delivered in Irish for all ages and language abilities.
Holy Wells of Iveragh and Rock Art Now and Then
Dé Sathairn| 18 Samhain | 8-9.30PM | Ballinskelligs | €5
Rock Art - then and now Finola Finlay Finola will describe what it was like to do archaeology in remote Kerry regions in the 1970s. Amanda Clarke discusses the distribution, cures, patterns and patrons of the Holy Wells of Iveragh.
Traditional Music from Scotland, Brittany and Ireland
Dé Sathairn| 18 Samhain | 9.30-11PM | Ballinskelligs | €10
Join Peter and Rosaleen Mullarkey for traditional music from Scotland, Brittany and Ireland echoes the many connections between our cultures during the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.
Dé Domhnaigh 19ú Samhain / Sunday 19th November
Dé Domhnaigh | 19 Samhain | 10AM-12NOON | St Finan’s Bay| €5
In what promises to be a very interesting and thought provoking event, to investigate archaeological works on this important and beautiful site. We meet at the beach at St. Finian’s Bay.
(Dátheangach / Bilingual)
Dé Domhnaigh | 19 Samhain | 2-5PM | Portmagee| €5
Using Bronze Age technology to smelt tin and copper ore , we witness molten bronze being poured into molds. Experimental archaeology that is educational, exciting, creative and beautiful.
Dé Domhnaigh | 19 Samhain | 4-6PM | Portmagee| Free
Dán Ildánach - Poems from the Domes with Seán O Laoghaire, seanchaí. Archaeological tales and flights of fancy in the otherworldly setting of the Portmagee Whiskey domes. Suitable for all ages, including children. Whiskey tasting strictly over 18s.
(Dátheangach / Bilingual)
Explore the Archaeology of Iveragh
Discover our some of the most fascinating archaeological sites of Iveragh with this digital Storymap guide for free!
Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Events are ticketed individually or in double-bill sessions or you can purchase a €30 weekend supporter ticket.
Detailed locations will be provided to ticket holders. There are indoor alternatives for each of the events except the bronze casting demonstration and Cill Buaine, which are weather dependent.
For more information or queries, contact heritageiveragh@gmail.com.
Is comhoibriú í an Fhéile idir Oidhreacht Uíbh Ráthaigh agus Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh, le tacaíocht ó Chiste Pobail Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí agus Brí Uíbh Ráthaigh - Plean Teanga Chiarraí Theas.
The festival is a collaboration between Heritage Iveragh and Comhchoiste Uíbh Ráthaigh with support from the Kerry County Council Community Fund and Brí Uíbh Ráthaigh - the South Kerry Language Plan.
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