Celebrating Maritime Heritage at Down County Museum

Discovery, investigation and protection of maritime archaeology are the themes of a one-day conference which celebrates ‘Maritime Archaeology in Ireland and Beyond’.

The event, sponsored by the Historic Environment Division (Department for Communities) in association with Down County Museum, will take place at Down County Museum on Friday 16 March.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “I would encourage anyone with an interest in underwater archaeology and the incredible sites that are still being discovered on our coast-lines, to attend this fascinating day of talks by experts in the field.  It's an unmissable chance to find out what archaeologists are uncovering and the new techniques that are being used to record and preserve our valuable maritime heritage.”

The conference brings together a range of scientists, researchers and heritage curators from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland who will speak on a broad range of maritime heritage themes, including Viking harbours in western Scotland, medieval tidal mills and fishing weirs in Strangford Lough, Spanish Armada shipwrecks off Irish coasts, state-of-the-art 3D visualisations of First World War shipwrecks in the Irish Sea, how climate change and erosion threatens our coastal heritage, and what can be done to help.

Full details of the conference and tickets can be obtained by emailing mail@downcountymuseum.com or by phoning the museum on 028 4461 5218.  Pre-booking is essential for registration and catering purposes.