Volunteers – including children – are being invited by Wicklow County Council to discover more about the rich heritage of the Glendalough Valley.

The heritage office of Wicklow County Council has teamed up with the School of Archaeology in UCD to host to a busy programme of activities centred around the heritage of the Glendalough Valley in August.

For two weeks from 8th to 18th August, interested individuals can sign up to participate for a day, or several days, in a community excavation. No experience is needed, full training and supervision will be given on site and participation is open to anyone over 18.

On Saturday, 12th August, there will be a special one-day junior excavation suitable for 13-17-year olds (accompanied by a parent/guardian). Both of these events are free of charge but places are limited and booking in advance is essential. E-mail glendaloughheritageforum@gmail.com for more information or to register your interest.

“These are very special opportunities for adults and teenagers with an interest in archaeology to learn new skills and be part of researching one of Ireland’s most significant medieval ecclesiastical sites”, states Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer with Wicklow County Council.

This initiative follows on from a Community Excavation held last year and a seminar on Community Archaeology held last May.

On Saturday, 19th August, the ever popular “Big Dig” will be one of the many events taking place in Glendalough for National Heritage Week (19th– 27th August). This is a simulated archaeological dig, giving children (aged 5-12) the opportunity to try their hands at archaeology. Professionals from the School of Irish Archaeology will be on hand to discuss treasures uncovered. Free of charge, but places are limited contact info@sia.ie for more information.

Other events in Glendalough during Heritage Week will include a Food & Resources family Open Day on Saturday, 26th August, demonstrating the interaction of people with the natural landscape at Glendalough over the last 1000 years for food and raw materials.

Students from UCD will be carrying out excavations throughout Heritage Week and there will be daily guided archaeology and graveyard tours and an exhibition in the Brockagh Centre displaying rare sketches of Glendalough along with a Nature Explorers walk from Wicklow Mountains National Park.

All events are co-ordinated by The Glendalough Heritage Forum, a collaboration of organisations, individuals and stakeholder groups with an interest in increasing our understanding of the heritage of the Glendalough Valley.

The programme of activities is made possible by support from UCD School of Archaeology, Wicklow County Council and The Heritage Council.

For more about events in Wicklow for Heritage Week go to www.heritageweek.ie or contact Deirdre Burns, Heritage officer at T: 0404 20100 dburns@wicklowcoco.ie